Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Italy  /  Veneto  /  Province of Venice  /  City of Venice  /  Venice  /  Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco, Venice

4.4

#1 of 196 in Historic Sites in Venice

Historic Walking Area Landmark Must See

• ©
• ©
• ©

Venice's principal public space, Piazza San Marco has served as the city's social, religious, and political center for centuries. In fact, Napoleon called the square "the drawing room of Europe." It's the largest square in the city and the only one given the designation of "piazza" (the others are all called "campi"). Originally constructed in the ninth century as a small public space dotted with trees, the square was substantially enlarged in the 12th century and was paved with bricks in the 13th. Several major architectural sites surround the area. The most notable is an imposing church dedicated to St. Mark. Don't feed the pigeons--city law forbids feeding the birds in the square. To visit Piazza San Marco on your trip to Venice, use our Venice trip planner .

more less

Create an itinerary including Piazza San Marco

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Piazza San Marco Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

35,025 reviews

facebook

41,323 likes

• By david p

  What a stunning place, this is a must see. The buildings are amazing and a walk to the waters edge for photos.  more »

• By robinbeam

  The architecture around the square is beautiful, but get there early or late to avoid crowds that never seem to move. See more of Venice in the back streets.  more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Places to stay near Piazza San Marco

Plan your trip to Venice

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.