Saint Mark's Square in Venice: full guide

Are you passing through Serenissime? Then we take you to the Saint Mark Square in Venice.

Venice is not a city like others. Built on more than one hundred islands, covered by canals and bridges, the ones called the Sérénissime are in no other way. Among the wonders that you will have the opportunity to admire, you can’t miss the opportunity to make a detour to visit Place Saint-Marc.

Indeed, located on the edge of the Grand Canal , it constitutes the very heart of the city. Filed in World Heritage by Unesco as part of "Venice and Lagoon", you will remain amazed at its beauty.

Not yet convinced? Follow the guide, Wanderlix takes you to the Place Saint-Marc.

Saint Mark Square in Venice in a few words

First of all, it is necessary to know that visiting the Place Saint-Marc in Venice is in no way an anodine experience. For when we get there, we then feel to be held before us all the life of the city.

Indeed, before being the tourist and cultural attraction it is today, St. Mark’s Square was above all the nerve centre of the then independent Republic of Venice. All religious, political and economic powers were gathered here in the same place.

Having crossed times, wars and regime changes, it is still there. Lined on three sides of colonnades and arcades, it hosts many monuments and institutions.

By surveying it, you can of course admire the Basilica of Saint Mark, which gives it its name, but also the campanile, the Grand Canal, the fabulous Doge Palace, the archaeological museum, the Correr Museum and the Marcienne library.

And then on your way to the Place Saint Marc, you can enjoy a sweetness at one of the many glaciers that border it!

1. Saint-Marc Basilica

First, approach the Basilica of Saint Mark, the largest basilica in the whole city. Indeed, you cannot visit Place Saint-Marc without entering.

Built in the 9th century (it has nearly 1,200 years!) it is then rebuilt after a fire that destroys it completely. When you finally get inside, you will have the breath cut by the incredible scenery.

Because, inspired by Byzantine decoration, mosaics on a golden background adorn the ceilings of the five cupolas. They are even so characteristic that the building is nicknamed the “gold basilica”!

Moreover, you will have a breathtaking view of it up to the terrace. From there, admire the viewpoint on the whole Place Saint-Marc and the Grand Canal. An experience to live absolutely when you go to the Place Saint-Marc that you are not ready to forget!

2. The campanile Saint-Marc

The campanile Saint-Marc is located right in front of the basilica and served as a bell tower. Therefore, it can not be missed when you visit Place Saint-Marc.

Indeed, measuring almost a hundred meters high, it houses five bells, all of which have a precise function. For example, one ring noon, another sittings of the Senate, a third called the magistrates of the city in the time of the Doges...

Square tower in brick, it is topped by a gold girouette representing the Archangel Gabriel. In addition, if you want to have a fantastic view of Venice, its lagoon and the Place Saint-Marc in its entirety, you will be able to climb to its top thanks to a lift!

Small advice if you go to St. Mark's Square at the end of the day: climb to the top of the Campanile to admire the sunset.

3. The Doges Palace

Who has never heard of the Palace of the Doges of Venice? You know, this beautiful palace that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and borders the Place Saint-Marc on its entire length!

Dating from the 14th century, it will only be able to lower you by its external architectural beauty... And of course, inside. For when you visit St. Mark’s Square, visiting the Doges’ Palace is almost an obligation.

You can then fall in front of the frescoes, walls and ceilings painted by the greatest names of the Renaissance. The Tintoret, Veronese...

It is quite simple, the building is a museum by itself. But above all, he was the seat of the power of the Doges (the first magistrates of the city) for centuries. For example, the palace even had a secret prison under the roofs!

Good to know:

• Don’t hesitate to come early to avoid high affluence and even to book in advance ;
• There is one ticket to the museums of the Place Saint-Marc which will allow you to visit the other three museums in Place Saint Marc: the Correr museum, the archaeological museum and the Marcienne library;
• With the map of the Venice Unica Tourist Office, you can visit the municipal museums for much cheaper.

4. The Correr Museum

If you’re going to visit the Place Saint-Marc and the Doges Palace, don’t hesitate to include the Correr Museum in your roadmap for the day.

It is indeed the main museum of Venice and it would be a shame to pass by, knowing that the entrance ticket price is included in the Palace of Doges. He occupies the Napoleon wing of the New Procuraties that border the square.

Created in the middle of the 19th century, it exhibits many works of art and historical objects that retrace the Venetian life through time. Thus, through 20 beautifully decorated rooms, you can admire the works of Antonio Canova, Giambattista Pittoni Giovani Bellini...

Don't miss visiting the "Sissi Apartments". Composed of 9 rooms, they opened in 2012 after their restoration and are now fully integrated into the Correr Museum.

As their name suggests, this is where the Empress of Austria Elisabeth lodged when she was in Venice. The Empire style decoration is definitely worth a look.

And then by going to the Place Saint-Marc, you may even be able to play the famous scene " Viva la Mamma" that takes place in the film with Romy Schneider.

Good to know:

• The visit is free the first Sunday of the month.

5. The archaeological museum of Venice

Located in the building of the Procuraties News as well as the Correr Museum, the archaeological museum of Venice exhibits magnificent antique works. Indeed, although it is relatively small, it still exhibits pretty finds.

Coins, precious stones, bronzes, pottery... If you’re going to visit St. Mark’s Square and have a little time, don’t hesitate to take a tour because the collections are really interesting.

In addition, the entrance is included in the ticket price for the Doge Palace. A small museum to be done quickly when you visit Place Saint-Marc in short.

6. The Marcienne Library

By going to visit Place Saint-Marc, your first choice will not necessarily be on the visit of the Marcienne library.

However, you would be wrong to dedicate the visit because it houses real treasures. Indeed, founded in 1588, it houses more than a million ancient books, 13,000 manuscripts (which date back to some in the 16th century) and 2,800 incunables (i.e., the first books published after the birth of the printing press).

In addition, the building itself is a feast for the eyes. For example, you can discover incredible painted ceilings, fantastic woodwork and, for travel lovers, old mappemondes.

For lovers of ancient libraries and for those who still await their admission letter to Poudlard, you must absolutely enter the Marcienne library by going to the Place Saint-Marc.

Good to know.

• The visit is free the first Sunday of the month;
• The entrance is made by the Correr Museum.

7. The Tower of the Horloge

As you go to St. Mark’s Square, you can’t miss seeing the clock tower. This large square tower surmounted by the winged lion of Saint Mark, a bell and two statues is simply splendid.

The clock itself is also beautiful with its blue background and golden decorations. Moreover, it has several peculiarities. First, it is not just used to mark the hours, but it also indicates the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac.

Then, the two statues at its top animate to ring the hours by typing on the bell. A fascinating show, to see if you are going to visit Place Saint-Marc with children.

Also know that it is possible to visit it. Guided tours in French are organized twice a day. Reservations can be made online or at the Correr Museum ticket office.

The departure date is also here. You will learn the history of the tower, but above all you can admire its mechanism closely. Finally, the highest point of the visit will be the arrival at the terrace. From there you will have a breathtaking view of Venice, the Place Saint-Marc...

But also on the two automaton sculptures that sound the carillon. In addition, during this visit, you will find much less people than Campanile. So you'll be much quieter, far from the crowd. So if you’re going to visit Place Saint-Marc, don’t hesitate!