Established in the 9th century and often known in English as St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco is…read moretrapezoidal-shaped in the heart of Venice, where my partner, our friends, family members, and I visited on our first day. It was crowded with tourists in the afternoon, showcasing the Venetian Republic's former glory, and is an essential stop on any Venice itinerary.
It is 590 ft (180 m) long and 230 ft (70 m) wide and is the only "piazza" in Venice, since the rest of the squares are called "piazzales" or "campos." It is dedicated to the Evangelist, Mark, patron saint of Venice, where the most famous buildings reside: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Campanile (the Basilica's bell tower), and the Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio).
The cafes were super expensive and essentially tourist traps around the gondola stations. Come early in the morning or later in the evening for a more peaceful feel.
As one wanders this historic square, you're not just sightseeing--you're stepping into the pages of Venetian history, surrounded by testaments to the city's enduring allure and grandeur, which we can recommend.