St. Mark's Square
St. Mark's Square is Venice's main public square, framed by St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the arcaded buildings of the Procuratie, historically the administrative offices of the Venetian Republic. Napoleon reportedly called it 'the drawing room of Europe' after conquering the city in 1797.
The square's bell tower, the Campanile, offers an elevator ride to a viewing platform with panoramic views over the city and lagoon, a considerably easier climb than most of Italy's other bell tower ascents.
It's also Venice's most flood-prone public space, periodically submerged during acqua alta high-tide events in autumn and winter, when raised walkways are put out for pedestrians to cross the square without wading.
St. Mark's Square FAQs
No, it's a free public square, though the surrounding buildings (basilica, palace, museums) charge separate admission.
A recurring high-tide flooding phenomenon, most common in autumn and winter, that can submerge parts of St. Mark's Square; raised walkways are set out during these events.
Yes, an elevator takes visitors up the Campanile to a viewing platform with panoramic views over Venice and the lagoon.
St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the arcaded Procuratie buildings, once the Republic's administrative offices.
Yes, it's Venice's most visited public space and can be extremely crowded, especially midday in peak season.
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