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Piazza San MarcovsBasilica di San Marco
Both are rated highly by expert reviewers. On balance, St Mark's Basilica is preferred by most writers compared to St. Mark's Square. St Mark's Basilica is ranked #6 in Venice with praise from 7 reviewers such as Atlas Obscura, Frommer's and Condé Nast Traveler.
Piazza San Marco
Concierge
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Frommer's
Fodor's
Condé Nast Traveler
Lonely Planet
Afar Magazine
U.S. News & World Report
Piazza San Marco, San Marco, 31024 Venice
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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
Fodor's "One of the world's most beautiful squares, Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square) is spiritual and artistic heart of Venice." Full review
i
At night the piazza can be magical, especially in winter
Condé Nast Traveler "This 40,000-square-foot piazza remains "the drawing room of Europe"—as Napoleon called it." Full review
i
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
i
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
Basilica di San Marco Concierge Frommer's Lonely Planet Time Out Fodor's Condé Nast Traveler Michelin Guide Afar Magazine
Atlas Obscura Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
San Marco 328, 30124 Venice
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Concierge "Entering St. Mark's Square from its western end and suddenly confronting this glittering, magnificent Byzantine cathedral has been the oh-wow moment for countless Venice visitors."
Frommer's "The architectural style for the sumptuously Byzantine Basilica di San Marco, replete with five mosquelike bulbed domes, was borrowed from Constantinople." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The brick basilica is clad in patchworks of marbles and reliefs from Syria, Egypt and Palestine – priceless trophies from Crusades conquests and battles with Genoa." Full review
Time Out "Often seen as the living testimony of Venice's links with Byzantium, St Mark's basilica is also an expression of the city's independence." Full review
Fodor's "An expression of the political, intellectual, and economic aspiration and accomplishments of a city that for centuries was at the forefront of European culture." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "On the top of every first-time Venice visitor's must-see list, this Byzantine cathedral never fails to impress." Full review
i
To avoid the lines during high season, book a timed ticket online—or, better yet, stop by for an early morning mass.
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"The facade of Saint Mark's Basilica is superb, the interior will leave you in awe." Full review
Afar Magazine "The beauty on the outside can't even begin to compete with the treasure that is the inside - unfortunately no photos are allowed. Photos wouldn't do it justice anyway." Full review
Atlas Obscura "An extensive collection of reliquaries containing the bones of saints housed in the largest Catholic church in Venice. " Full review
Afar Magazine "The Basilica San Marco is Venice's crown jewel." Full review
