{"id":666771,"date":"2022-02-07T17:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T14:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=666771"},"modified":"2022-01-31T08:29:58","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T05:29:58","slug":"piazza-san-marco-in-venice-history-photo-description-how-to-get-there-what-to-see-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/piazza-san-marco-in-venice-history-photo-description-how-to-get-there-what-to-see-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Piazza San Marco in Venice – history, photo, description, how to get there, what to see, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the lagoon of the Adriatic Sea<\/a>, on numerous island<\/a>s scattered from each other, the Veneti tribes, who previously lived in the northern regions of Italy, settled. Talented people connected the swampy area with bridges, crossings and united the disunited territory into an integral single settlement. This is how Venice was founded. For a full-fledged existence in the area surrounded by water, the Venetians had to become first-class sailors and merchants. Success in commercial activities allowed the authorities of Venice to invest significant funds in the improvement and architecture of the city<\/a>. The narrow alleys of streets, palaces, cathedrals overlooking the Grand Canal reflect the legendary history<\/a> that survived the ups and downs of the state.<\/p>\n

San Marco – the main square of Venice<\/a><\/h2>\n

Venice<\/a> consists of six districts, the main one being Piazza San Marco. This is the only place in the city with a large and spacious area, which is conside<\/a>red a rarity for this area<\/a>. Here are the main attractions<\/a>, personifying the symbol of power, power, economic prosperity and independence of Venice of past eras. Trade links with the East guaranteed stability and wealth to the Venetians. Local residents could afford to erect unique<\/a> architectural buildings and structures in the very heart of the city.<\/p>\n

\"Piazza<\/a><\/p>\n

Piazza San Marco is the most popular tour<\/a>ist destination. It is here that you should begin your acquaintance with the history<\/a> of Venice. Piazza has the shape of a trapezoid, the sides of which are framed by majestic palaces. This is literally an open-air museum, where masterpieces of architectural architecture of the Byzantine and Gothic styles are located<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The main entrance to San Marco with two tall granite columns is located near the lagoon. One column is crowned by a statue<\/a> of Saint Theodore slaying the dragon, while the other is headed by a winged lion. Between them in the XIII century, a platform was often erected for the execution of death sentences. Many superstitious Venetians still do not recommend walking<\/a> between the columns.<\/p>\n

History<\/a> of Piazza San Marco<\/h2>\n

For the Venetians, religious values \u200b\u200bare sacred. Deeply believing people needed a spiritual mentor. There is a belief that Saint Mark preached Christianity in Aquileia (north<\/a>ern region of Italy<\/a>), so he was considered highly revered among the Venetians. The apostle founded the first church in pagan Egypt<\/a>, where he died. In the 9th century, merchants from Venice arrived in Alexandria. They were struck by the excesses of the local Muslim population in relation to the Christian temple<\/a>. Therefore, the merchants decided to steal the relics of the apostle and bring them to Venice.<\/p>\n

The main square of Venice was formed near the sea<\/a>t of government. At that time it was a castle<\/a> with defensive fortifications. The Doge ordered the construction of a small basilica next to his palace, where the relics of St. Mark were placed. Thus was laid the foundation of the luxurious quarter of the city. According to the traditions of the Middle Ages, the city, claiming the championship, had to amaze its contemporaries with rich and pompous buildings. In the XII century, the Doge's Palace and the temple were significantly expanded and rebuilt. This was facilitated by the economic rise of the Venetian Republic, which became a monopoly in Europe on the trade in silk and spices of the East.<\/p>\n

In 1202, a turning point in the history<\/a> of Venice comes. A detachment of knights, gathered on a crusa<\/a>de against Egypt<\/a>, lingered in the city. The then Doge Enrico Dandolo had the opportunity to use valiant warriors for the state interest<\/a>s of the republic. An agreement was concluded, according to which Venice provides the crusa<\/a>ders with a navy. In response, the knights must storm and sack Constantinople, which eventually happened. Valuable works of art, sculptures, marble taken from the richest city of Byzantium, become decorations of the premises of the Cathedral<\/a> of St. Mark and the entire square. In 1264, the piazza was paved with decorative tiles.<\/p>\n

From the 14th to the 16th centuries, a new Doge's Palace<\/a>, a clock tower and a bell tower were erected on the square. Sights<\/a> are decorated with luxurious ornaments, classical paintings and graceful sculptures. Napoleonic France occupied Venice in 1797. The golden interior decorations of the Cathedral of San Marco were taken to Paris, and valuable decorations were looted by looters. The Venetian Republic ceased to exist and after decades becomes an Italian province. Since then Piazza San Marco has become one of the most visited tour<\/a>ist destinations in the world<\/a>. Artists, writers and other representatives of the creative intelligentsia come here from all over the world for inspiration.<\/p>\n

Sightseeing<\/a> in San Marco – what to see<\/a>?<\/h2>\n

The modern square is filled with numerous flow of tourists<\/a>. The abundance of pigeons is striking, the virtuoso playing of musicians from nearby cafes delights. All this takes place against the backdrop of the splendor and grandeur of Piazza San Marco. Here you can see<\/a> unique architectural objects that delight the guests of Venice.<\/p>\n

\"Piazza<\/a><\/p>\n

A striking example of the Byzantine style is the Cathedral of St. Mark. The marble facade of the shrine, lined with numerous mosaics and bas-reliefs, is crowned with five domes with pointed towers. The facade consists of rows of massive arches with columns. There are sculptures of four horses on a large balcony with a balustrade. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with gold paintings, frescoes and mosaics. In the main apse rises the famous golden altar, consisting of 250 Byzantine enamels, which are fastened with precious stones.<\/p>\n

One of the main attractions<\/a> of San Marco is the residence of the Venetian government of the past centuries – the Doge's Palace. The facade walls are lined with marble ornaments and decorated with sculptures. The architectural masterpiece rest<\/a>s on colonnades with arches. The second tier of the building is represented by an open loggia, consisting of an openwork arcade. In the upper part of the facade of the palace is decorated with lancet windows. The inner halls of the palace are intended for meetings of senators, masters and other privileged communities. The rooms are decorated with frescoes framed in golden frames. Here you can see luxurious paintings and sculptures by famous Venetian artists.<\/p>\n

\"Piazza<\/a><\/p>\n

The bell tower stands out as a special building in Piazza San Marco. The red brick building served as a watchtower, as well as a beacon for ships entering the Venice lagoon. The tower is equipped with a fast elevator that will take tourists<\/a> to the observation deck. From there, a magnificent panorama of the whole city and the lagoon opens up. There are five bells in the belfry, each with its own purpose. The bell tower is crowned with a Gothic spire with a weather<\/a> vane in the form of a golden angel.<\/p>\n

Attached to the foot of the bell tower is an elegant pavilion – Loggetta, where the guards of the Doge's Palace used to be. The marble building is decorated with bas-reliefs and three arches framed by columns. The base and roof of the building are bordered by a balustrade.<\/p>\n

\"Piazza<\/a><\/p>\n

To the left of St. Mark's Cathedral rises the clock tower, built in the Renaissance style. On the roof of the building you can see two three-meter figures. The sculptural composition represents a bearded old man and a young man. They strike the bronze bell with their hammers. This scene symbolizes the past and the future. Below is the coat of arms of Venice – a lion with an open book. In the central part<\/a> of the tower there is an oval ledge on which the figure of the Virgin and Child made of copper is installed.
\"Piazza<\/a><\/p>\n

The main value of this attraction is the clock. The chronometer is considered the most complex astronomical instrument in the world. The large blue dial with a globe in the middle has been in working order for over 500 years. The hour disk consists of gilded zodiac figures instead of numbers. The clock indicates the phases of the moon, the passage of the sun in the signs of the zodiac and the change of seas<\/a>ons. The craftsmen who created this miracle were blinded so that they could no longer repeat such a masterpiece.<\/p>\n

On the one hand, the square is surrounded by a complex of three buildings – the old and new Procurations. The facades of the buildings are decorated with openwork arches. During the existence of the Venetian Republic, the residence and office premises of the procurators, who are the second persons after the Doge, were located here. They were elected once and for life. Today, the first floor of this building houses famous and ancient restaurants and a museum.<\/p>\n

The unique Cafe Florian has been operating continuously since 1720. The interiors of the establishment are decorated with mirrors and luxurious gilded ornaments. Visitors can comfortably sit at tables placed on the square. Here, tourists enjoy the exquisite taste of coffee prepared according to the special recipes of local baristas. The live music of the orchestra creates an excellent mood. Opposite the cafe Florian is the equally popular restaurant Quadri. Expensive wine is served in a luxurious hall with delicious dishes – white truffles, blue lobster and other delicacies.<\/p>\n

How to get<\/a> to Piazza San Marco in Venice<\/h2>\n

From the train<\/a> station and from the bus station of Venice, Piazza San Marco can be reached via the Grand Canal by vaporetto. If tourists have enough time, then a walk to the piazza will leave good memories. Passing through the labyrinths of narrow streets and many small bridges, you can see interesting places<\/a> and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Venetian life.<\/p>\n

Piazza San Marco in Venice on the map<\/a><\/h2>\n