PIAZZA SAN MARCO

Piazza San Marco, also known as Saint Mark's Square, is the largest and one of the most important tourist attractions of Venice. Being the widest swath of flat, open land in the water-bound city, the square has long been a popular destination for visitors to enjoy the true essence of Venice. Since the earlier Republic days, life has revolved around this piazza; then it was a market, as well as the center of social, religious and political life. Being of the finest squares in the world, Piazza San Marco is certainly Venice's prime attraction.

The square is surrounded by the stately arcades of public buildings on three sides and on the fourth, by Basilica di San Marco's riot of domes, arches, and the soaring St. Mark's campanile. It is 180 m long and 70 m wide and is the only “piazza” in Venice, and the remaining squares are called “piazzales” or “campos”. The Piazza has been developed over a long period of time and under the leadership of many strong personalities, it started around 800 and the construction and reconstruction continued till the time of Napoleon and later. The great Napoleon marked this square as “the drawing room of Europe" for its incredible artworks.

The Square was named after the unusual and stunning Basilica of St Mark that dominates the east end of the square. The slender Campanile di San Marco, the Basilica's bell tower, and the number of museums are the attraction for the visitors. The lines waiting to enter the basilica, always crowded piazza, ringing bells from the clock tower, fascinating waterline, all make the square the most popular attraction in Venice.

How To Reach

The nearest Airport to reach Piazza San Marco is Venice Treviso Airport (TSF) which is 27km away.  There are many ways to reach Piazza San Marco from Venice Treviso Airport including Bus, taxi, Drive, and Towncar. The fastest mode of transport to reach the place is to take a taxi which costs around INR 6,500 - INR 8,000 and takes approx. 33 min. One the other hand, the cheapest way to get from the Airport to Piazza San Marco is to drive which costs INR 330 - INR 480 and also takes 33 min.

The driving distance is 31km. The visitors can also avail of the direct bus services available here which starts from Treviso Airport and arrives at Venice. The Bus services depart hourly and operate every day. The journey takes around 1h 10m and costs about INR 750 - INR 1,100. The bus services to Piazza San Marco are operated by ATVO S.p.A. and it departs from Treviso Airport station.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to enjoy the beauty of Piazza San Marco is in April, May, September, and October. The best season for Sightseeing of the Piazza is mid-spring; particularly the first half of May is an excellent time to enjoy sightseeing in this Piazza and the entire Venice. In the summertime, the square is teeming with tourists.

Though the fall is also a lovely time to visit Venice, there is a change of occurring the acqua alta or “flooding” or "high water". October to January is the typical high water season in Piazza San Marco, though flooding can occur at any time during the year.

During winter, the temperature falls but the sun makes a daily bright appearance, while the weather becomes comfortably warm. Therefore, winter can be very romantic and ethereal to the visitors. No matter what time of year you visit, there are always some things to do and see on St. Mark's Square.

Other Essential Information

History of Piazza San Marco

The Architecture of Piazza San Marco

Travelers Tip for Visiting Piazza San Marco