Numerous squares across Europe and the rest of the world have attracted attention and audiences, but few have been able to match the impact of Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square) in Venice, Italy. The Piazza has a history that stretches back for centuries and houses numerous important buildings, but the space itself has become a monument for Venice and Italy as a whole by becoming more than the sum of these parts.
Napoleon is said to have referred to Piazza San Marco as “the drawing room of Europe”, undoubtedly alluding to the serenity that is created for visitors all throughout the area. That feeling has been pervasive throughout the centuries, sometimes for very different reasons, but it’s also just one aspect of what makes the Piazza such a notable monument.
Definition Through the Centuries
The history of Piazza San Marco stretches all the way back to the 9th century when the first chapel of the leader of the Republic of Venice (called the Doge) was dedicated to the first patron saint of Venice, Saint Theodore. The first church of Saint Mark was begun not long after, which eventually became Saint Mark’s Basilica and provided the name for the Piazza. What would eventually become the Doges’ Palace also began to be constructed around this time.
The erection of buildings on the north and south sides of the Piazza in the early 12th century would change and define the entire layout of the area. Granite columns near the water that have statues dedicated to Saint Mark and Saint Theodore were put up at this time. The statue of the Tetrarchs and the Horses of Saint Mark were also installed. Copies of the original horses are still on display in their original location, while the actual horse statues have been placed inside Saint Mark’s.
In 1493 an astronomical clock was commissioned by Venice, while Saint Mark’s Campanile was completed not long after. Continual updates and improvements to both the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica defined the space as well, which was further altered with the creation of the Ala Napoleonica (the Napoleonic Wing). Most of these features have distinct histories of their own, as the current Campanile was reconstructed in 1912 after the collapse of the original in 1902, while the Horses of Saint Mark were looted by Napoleon in 1797.
The buildings, history and monuments of Piazza San Marco have allowed it to become a hub of activity for both residents and visitors over the centuries. Much of that is driven by the experiences that the Piazza continues to enable for everyone who comes into it, no matter the details of their visit.
A Venetian Experience
The beauty of the buildings that literally surrounds visitors when they first enter Piazza San Marco undoubtedly influenced Napoleon’s comment, and that sensation is as evident in the present as it was in the past.
Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Procuratie are the most notable buildings in the space, and each of them creates different experiences for visitors. Those experiences can range from spotting the pink columns of the Palazzo Ducale to a visit to the Clock Tower. Saint Mark’s Campanile is probably the most recognizable building in the space, but the view of the area that it provides from above puts everything into a whole new perspective for visitors.
Saint Mark’s Campanile offers one of the best views over Venice and its lagoon. There were originally five original bells that each served a special purpose, but only the largest remains. When it was rebuilt, it was designed to be an exact replica of the structure that collapsed but was built for greater safety and static stability, showcasing how such monuments can evolve and still provide incredible experiences.
At the ground level, Saint Mark’s Basilica has been referred to as the most interesting church in Europe, while the Doge’s Palace is now a public museum made up of three large blocks, incorporating previous constructions. Various exhibitions are available throughout the year, in addition to the attractions and history on display all the time.
Known as the “City of Canals,” Venice has been defined by the water over the centuries, and Piazza San Marco has been also been impacted by the water in a direct manner. The presence of the canals have made it the only square in the world where motorized traffic sounds aren’t heard, but it also deals with unique challenges related to the water. During times of Aqua Alta, which literally means ‘high water’, the entire Piazza floods. When this happens, temporary walkways are put in place, which can create logistical issues for visitors. Like everything else in the area though, Aqua Alta is a uniquely Venetian experience that can only be had at the Piazza.
The shops and orchestras playing on the Piazza in the evenings are also uniquely Venetian, but they’re hardly the only examples of the economic and cultural impact that the Piazza has enabled.
The Social, Public and Religious Hub of Venice
Millions of tourists visit Piazza San Marco every year, and this has had a tremendous impact on the economy of the region. Piazza San Marco itself is lined with arcades of shops and cafes, some of which have been serving drinks since the 1720s. This activity extends to the vendors and shops that line the Piazza, as well as the variety of items that incorporate elements of the Piazza that are sold across the city.
Ticket’s to all of the landmarks including the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Campanile provide each with a key source of revenue and attract tourists by the thousands, so much so that tourism is actually creating logistical issues. Being so close to other notable sights in Venice like the Bridge of Sighs and the Grand Canal, visitors can easily explore the culture of the city and ensure they have access to all that the city has to offer.
There are numerous activities for residents as well though, which has gone a long way to ensure the space remains viable. A variety of events, including open-air concerts and official ceremonies, take place throughout the year. Things are happening the day and night across the Piazza, guaranteeing that both residents and visitors will always have something to do.
As the largest plot of open space in the city, Piazza San Marco has become the social, public and religious hub of Venice. Doing so has enabled a tremendous social and economic impact for Venice in the present, but the legacy it represents is tied closer to the future of the region.
The Legacy of the Piazza San Marco
The beauty and serenity of Piazza San Marco is directly tied to the incredible history and buildings that exist in it. That means many of the opportunities in the Piazza are unique and specific to the space. However, the collection of experiences that range from shopping to viewing the city from Saint Mark’s Campanile to the two waterbus stations near Piazza represent just a few of the ways it has been able to compel a variety of additional activity and interest.
That active engagement has seen Piazza San Marco become more than “the drawing room of Europe,” since it provides residents and visitors with a variety of reasons to keep coming back. Those activities have created a legacy that ensures Piazza San Marco will always be much more than a collection of buildings and history.
