PLAZA SAN MARCOS: The Historical Symbol of Venice
Plaza San Marcos, for centuries, has been the historical symbol of Venice, unique in the world for its charm and destination for thousands of tourists. The square dates from the ninth century, when the Doge, who leaves Malamocco and moved to Rialto, decided that the plaza was the place to settle because here the main roads converged water.
At that time, the place was on an island that was called “Morso”, which passed batari River dividing it into two: on one side was the Basilica of San Marco and the Church of San Teodoro, on the other, Church of San Geminiano “and the extensive gardens of the convent of San Zaccaria”, while the Ducal Palace Square was separated by a channel. Continue reading
Plaza de San Marcos in Venice
The Plaza de San Marcos is located in the heart of Venice. It measures 180 meters long by 70 meters wide and is the only one piazza in Venice, since it is Piazzale rest or fields.
Its construction began in the ninth century by adopting the current size and shape in 1177, 100 years after being paved.
The Plaza de San Marcos is one of the most beautiful places in the world, Napoleon Bonaparte was defined as “the most beautiful room of Europe.”
The square is the lowest place in Venice so that, when there are “aqua high” is the first in flood. When this happens, the authorities placed gateways for transit of citizens and visitors. Depending on the time and, if we’re lucky (or unlucky, depends for whom), we see the square filled with water.
Points of Interest
The most important buildings of the square are St. Mark’s Basilica, Ducal Palace, Museo Correr, the Campanile (the bell tower of the basilica) and the Torre dell’Orologio.
The Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
The Ducal Palace of Venice
The Basilica and Plaza de San Marcos, represent one of the most famous and photographed landscapes in the world, perhaps due in part to their great harmony and beautiful architecture.
For centuries, the Ducal Palace served three functions of vital importance in the political and social life of Venice. The place was used as a residence for the Duke, as the seat of city government and a courthouse. Precisely this was where the most important decisions that set the fate of Venice and Europe were taken by the most influential figures from different periods.
In fact, when the palace was built, had a design similar to a castle with towers and strong walls, as the location of a focal point for access to the sea. However, under time passed, and due to some accidents involving fires, the building was rebuilt and remodeled to what we know today.
Currently, the Ducal Palace is a museum open to the public that shows a variety of exhibits of great historical interest. Enter the palace is a good experience even for those who are not interested in history, as the grand design of the interiors of the palace more than a wonder.
The Bridge of Sighs
The visit also will cross the famous Bridge of Sighs that was built in Baroque style in the seventeenth century, gives access to the dungeons of the palace. The name of the bridge is given as the path that followed the death row because, from their windows, were last seen on the Laguna Veneta.
Curiously, in the Ducal Palace is also the Bocca di Leone, a kind of mailbox with lion face where once could expose the illegal practices of citizens.
Interesting Places In Venice – Italy
What to see in Venice?
Venice is not just stroll through its narrow streets, hundreds of bridges crossing over the canals, and riding a gondola … but not because it is typical, it ceases to be spectacular!
Here are some of the places not to be missed if you go to Venice:
Plaza de San Marcos
It is a huge square that was begun in the ninth century and is also the main tourist destination in Venice. It is surrounded by emblematic buildings: the Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale and the bell of the basilica.
One of the key features of this square is full of pigeons, which capture most of the attention of tourists who give them food and they climb up! In the square itself there are people who sell food for pigeons, I think the price of a bag was € 1.50.
Basilica of San Marcos
This is the main Catholic church in Venice. Located just one of the heads of the Piazza San Marco and the entrance to it is free all year round. 1 October to 31 March, the hours are from 9:00 to 16:45 and from 1 April to 30 September, from 9.00 to 17.00.
At the same time you can visit the treasury of the Basilica (admission price € 2), the Pala d’Oro (admission price € 1.5) and the Museum of San Marcos (admission price € 3). All three places have the same hours as the basilica, also varying with the time of the year in which the visit.