St Marks Square - Piazza San Marco Venice, Italy

St. Marks Square and the Pigeons in Venice, Italy

St Marks Square, in Venice, Italy is home to the Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale. It is also home to the Campinale, the Museo Correr, the Torre dell'Orologio, and the 2 famous restaurants that line the piazza; the Quadri and Florians.

It is here that most people start their trip in Venice. And why not? It is a beautiful square, lined with majestic buildings, has a beautiful view across the Bacino Orseolo and seethes with people at any time of year who jostle to see the many sites in a relatively small area. Not forgetting of course the many pigeons that come to be fed, and tourists expect to see, along with the sites.

St Marks Square, in Venice, Italy is home to the Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale. It is also home to the Campinale, the Museo Correr, the Torre dell'Orologio, and the 2 famous restaurants that line the piazza; the Quadri and Florians.

It is at the Piazza that most people start their trip in Venice. And why not? It is a beautiful square, lined with majestic buildings, has a beautiful view across the Bacino Orseolo and seethes with people at any time of year who jostle to see the many sites in a relatively small area. Not forgetting of course the many pigeons that come to be fed, and tourists expect to see, along with the sites.

St Marks Square, in Venice, Italy is home to the Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale. It is also home to the Campinale, the Museo Correr, the Torre dell'Orologio, and the 2 famous restaurants that line the piazza; the Quadri and Florians.

It is at the Piazza that most people start their trip in Venice. And why not? It is a beautiful square, lined with majestic buildings, has a beautiful view across the Bacino Orseolo and seethes with people at any time of year who jostle to see the many sites in a relatively small area. Not forgetting of course the many pigeons that come to be fed, and tourists expect to see, along with the sites.

St. Mark's Basilica and the Gold-Leafed Domed Ceilings

St Marks Square really is a feast for sore eyes. When you look around you, as you stand in the square, it is hard to take in the grandeur all at once. Opposite the sea-end is the wonderful Basilica, the third church to be built on this site. The crowds stretch forever in summer as they try to get in to glimpse its beauty. Try and visit off-peak to avoid the crowds and to truly enjoy this stupendous church, built on the site of a church said to have been the final resting place of StMark the apostle, hence the name of the square.

Until 1807 the Basilica had been used by the Doges as their private chapel and used for Ceremonies of State. Once you step inside the Basilica its exterior does not disappoint for what lies within. One is literally dazzled by the gold mosaics that clad the walls and domes. There is over 43 000 sq ft of golden mosaics. The earliest dating from the 12th century. Even the floor has mosaic patterns of marble and glass.

Something not to miss while you are looking around the Basilica is to see the Pala d'Oro. This is an altar-piece situated behind the main altar and was commissioned during the Byzantium era in AD 976. You can still see the pearls, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones in this stunning piece of art.

Take the stairs to the first level, to the museum. You will be charged an entrance fee of E4.00 and the steep stairs are to be found to the right of the Basilica entrance. However, it is worth paying the money as this is where you will be able to take some great photos.

It is also where you can see the family tree of the Virgin Mary, also done in mosaics, as well as see the famous horses in the Museo Marciano, which originally stood at the top of the Basilica. They were stolen from Constantinople during a crusade and are now housed in the museum. Replicas replace them outside.

It is from this vantage point, opposite the family tree of the Virgin Mary, that you can look over the balcony and see just how vast this church really is. It is from this floor that you can step out onto the parapet outside to get some great photo shots of the Palazzo Ducale, the Torre dell'Orologio and the across the Piazza.

Torre dell'Orologio

The best place to view the Torre dell'Orologio is, as I said, from the first floor of the Basilica at the top end of St Marks Square. It is on your right-hand side as you stand on the parapet facing the sea.

It was built in the late 15th century, and is somewhat spoilt by the modern addition of digital numbers on canvas marking the time. However, it is an interesting piece, with Roman Numerals on the outside of the clock face, and the phases of the moon and the zodiac also incorporated.

If you are out on the balcony at the right time, you will be able to see the Moorish figures at the top strike the bell on the hour.

However, while you are admiring the handiwork of this ancient clock, remember the two inventors of this complex clock both had their eyes gouged out after they had completed it so as to prevent them from creating another like it!

The Campanile

Also on St Marks Square is the Campanile.    What you are looking at is not the original, as the original building fell down without warning on 14th July 1902. It was a miracle that no one was killed or hurt. The only casualty was the custodian's cat! It was said that this was a miracle.

In fact there were 3 miracles in St Marks Square. First of all the largest of the bells which had been brought from Constantinople had survived the crash in one piece.

Secondly, the Archangel Gabriel, which remains on top of the new tower, remained in one piece.

Finally, even more amazing, was a Murano glass cup that had been used as part of the opening ceremony of the original tower in 1513, also
survived in one piece.                                                    

The tower was rebuilt and completed 10 years later. It was originally built in 1173 as a lighthouse, although during the Middle Ages prisoners were hung in cages from the top as a deterrent to others, and often left to die. However, today, if you have fine weather, you can enjoy great views of the city and beyond. On a clear day you can even catch a glimpse of the Alps!

The Museo Correr is a museum that houses an extensive collection of works of art that were donated by Theodore Correr in 1830.

The Two Columns in St Marks Square

Facing the sea are the two columns that grace St Marks Square that look imposing and quite innocuous. However, if they could talk, they would be able to tell you stories of the many men who were traditionally hung, drawn and quartered between these two columns.

It was here too that men, whether disgraced Doges, public figures, or just common criminals were also beheaded or impaled.

Palazzo Ducale in St Marks Square

On St Marks Square is also the handsomely built, Palazzo Ducale. It is as sumptuous on the inside as it appears on the outside with its walls clad in pink and white marble, and well worth a visit. This was the home of the Doges, the republican's rulers who were elected for life.

It has been standing in its present condition since 1340, having being built on the site of an earlier Byzantium palace.

Florians Cafe

Florians is an institution, a little like Harry's Bar. Florians on St Marks Square has been around for a while now, and was a favourite haunt of Lord Byron and Henry James. It is an elegant cafe, as is Quadri. However, you pay for the privilege of listening to the orchestra playing their tunes.

---

Regions of Italy

Click on any of the pictures below to take you to the three main regions of Italy.

Here you will be able to see travel information for each region as well as travel reviews. Don't forget to add your own reviews!

Northern Italy

Central Italy

Southern Italy

Copyright© 2009-2011. All rights reserved. www.the-travel-italy-grapevine.com