Piazza San Marco

on the Grand Canal
Venice, Italy

Contributed by Project for Public Spaces

The center of Venetian government and public life for nearly a millenium, and according to Napoleon, "the most elegant drawing room of Europe."

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History & Background

As the site of countless pageants, processions, political activities, Carnival festivities and more, the piazza has been a focal point throughout Venice's history. Today, its beauty and grace make it the premier attraction in a city loaded with sights.

Since 1400, the piazza has been bordered on three sides by the famous triumvirate of Saint Marks Basilica, the Doges' Palace and the Church of San Geminiano. Napoleon unified the architecture of the square by later adding Fabrica Nuova opposite the basilica.

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User Comments:

03/28/05 Kate Spaulding said:
Venezia's main square, this plaza is where all the major events took place from festivals to excursions. The square itself bustles with people and merchants and it leads to many great smaller alleyways and streets filled with Venetian shopping and food. St. Marco's Basillica is gorgeous, plus the easiest way to get to the piazza is either on foot or by Water bus, both experiences in themselves.
05/17/07 Peter Miller said:
The space Napoleon called "...the drawing room of Europe" is not as large as Tienanmen nor as well used by the local citizenry as Hotel de Ville but it's the most dramatic in the world.Coming on to San Marco from Salvadego or Ascensione (at the other end from the Basilica)is breathtaking. The Piazzetta San Marco(the large square at the east end feels like,and is, a logical extension of Piazza San Marco. (It is the traditional entry place from the Grand Canal for envoys to the Doge.) The view from here, across the Grand Canal to San Giorgio Maggiore is spectacular in any league.

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