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.

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