Experts' Choice Award Piazza San Marco
What the experts agree on
Napoleon's "drawing room of Europe" remains Venice's grand heart, ringed by St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Experts call it stunningly beautiful, though tourist crowds and pigeons come with the territory.
“One of the world's most beautiful squares, Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square) is spiritual and artistic heart of Venice.”
– Fodor's
Concierge "When Napoleon and his army descended on Venice in 1797, the French general described this immense open public space—almost 40,000 square feet—as "the drawing room of Europe"."
Time Out "The Museums of St Mark's Square pass... covers the Doge's Palace and the Museo Correr trio of museums, plus one other civic museum of your choice." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"This extraordinary architectural ensemble is the very embodiment of Venice. Everything here is graceful and beautiful." Full review
Frommer's "One of the grandest, most confusing and certainly the most exotic of all cathedrals in Europe, Basilica di San Marco is a grand treasure-heap." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "This 40,000-square-foot piazza remains "the drawing room of Europe"—as Napoleon called it." Full review
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visit at dawn or in the wee hours of the morning.
Visit at dawn or in the wee hours of the morning.
Lonely Planet "This grand showpiece square beautifully encapsulates the splendour of Venice's past and its tourist-fuelled present." Full review
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To get a bird's eye view, the Basilica di San Marco's free-standing 99m campanile commands stunning 360-degree panoramas.
Afar Magazine "Described by Napoleon as the "Drawing Room of Europe," Venice's principal public square is dominated by Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace—as well as its famous pigeons." Full review
U.S. News & World Report6.0
"St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco, is considered by many to be the heart of Venice. As the largest square in Venice, St. Mark's Square is the only "piazza" in the city. All other..." Full review
Time Out "Follow the flow of traffic through the streets of Venice, you’ll inevitably wind up at this beautiful piazza" Full review
"Venice's most famous square is famous for a reason, of course. At one end you have the striking Basilica di San Marco — a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture filled with opulent mosaics..."
