What is there
to see?

St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice; the place where all tourists find themselves at some point during their stay and are filled with wonder. The square is surrounded by magnificent buildings, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the bell tower, the Doge’s Palace and the Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower), on which two bronze figures ring the bell every hour.

Today, the square is used for social events and public festivals, such as carnival. In the past, its location made it the meeting place par excellence for political and religious events. And speaking of location, St. Mark’s Square is so close to the water that it is frequently flooded. During high tide, special wooden walkways are erected to facilitate access.

St. Mark’s Square offers more than meets the eye! If you look closely, you will notice large, white, rectangular stone slabs on the ground of the square, which together form a geometric pattern. You may also notice them at the Rialto Bridge or the Doge’s Palace, where these special stone slabs are also found. This pattern, known as ‘Mosaico alla Veneziana’, is not only for aesthetic reasons! It is also said to improve acoustics (during gatherings or events). In addition, the shape and position of the stones are designed to help any flood water drain away more quickly.

St. Mark’s Square is probably not only one of the most famous squares in Europe, but also one of the most expensive. Not because you have to pay an entrance fee to enter the square (not yet, anyway 🙂 ), but because drinking coffee here costs five times as much as usual. Not only does coffee cost more here, but you also have to pay £15 instead of £3 for the famous Aperol Spritz. In our opinion, it’s worth treating yourself to this luxury, because the view of St. Mark’s Basilica and the hustle and bustle from here is truly magnificent!

St. Mark’s Square is also famous (notorious) for its pigeons. It used to be almost a tradition among tourists to take a photo with the birds. That’s why pigeon feed was even sold here. Of course, that’s no longer the case, and it’s even forbidden! There are far fewer pigeons now, so they are hardly noticeable or a nuisance. (Now you have to watch out for the seagulls, which find food more easily on land than at sea). You can find out more about the pigeons and the high water at our Dos and Don’ts & Tourist Traps.

One thing is certain: if you feel the same way we do, you will find yourself wandering into St. Mark’s Square several times a day – or at least during your stay 😀

Extra tip: Before 9.30 h, most of the coffee houses in St. Mark’s Square are still closed, and the small souvenir stands are not yet open in the early morning! This makes the square very quiet and the view of the basilica even more beautiful.