Piazza San Marco Sights

When you're in Venice you have to check out Piazza San Marco Sights. Most visitors to Venice begin their trip with a walk around Piazza San Marco. This square is the centerpiece of Venice and a great place to start your day.

I like to take a water bus from the train station to the piazza, this allows me to see all the great architecture that lines the Grand Canal and I also get a taste of Venetian life. Once I reach Piazza San Marco I usually spend a couple of hours checking everything out. There are quite a few Piazza San Marco sights to see. The first and most impressive sight is the San Marco Basilica. The church is named after Saint Mark and his bones are entombed in the church. The church was really the Doges' church and it showcases the exploits of many Venetian explorers. It is a mix of Byzantine and Gothic architecture. Make sure you get to the Basilica early if you want to get a look inside.

Just next to the Basilica and bordering the water is the Doge's palace which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The palace was the home of the Doge but also the center of business and politics in the city. The inside of the palace is impressive and there are many thing to see on each floor. The art is exceptional so make sure you stop in. The Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prison and is located at the rear of the building. The bridge , with its' small windows, gave prisoners the last view they would get of the outside world before they were locked in their cells. Unfortunately they didn't get to see anymore Piazza San Marco sights

Another one of Piazza San Marcos sights is the clock tower. The clock was first erected as a way of showing others the wealth that existed in this city state. It was built sometime in the late 1400's. From the top of the tower you get a great view of Venice but make sure you get there early because the line can be long.

The Procuraties are three connected buildings opposite the Basilica. On the lower floors facing the square are wonderful shops and restaurants protected by the arches of the buildings. On sunny days many people stop in for a light lunch or a glass of wine at the terraces around the square, Make sure you know where the sun will be as the day passes so you don't get caught in the shade. If you're looking for a cheap lunch you should go somewhere else in the city it can be quite expensive in the square.

Of course the square is also famous for the pigeons. There are thousands of them! Despite the pigeons I hope you enjoy your European vacation to Venice and your stop at Piazza San Marco sights.