St. Mark's Square is the heart of Venice. Overlooking the bay, it's a gateway to the mainland. There are St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Correr Museum, the new government office and the square clock tower around. It's known as the world's most beautiful square, which attracts tourists from around the world.
Depending on the season, especially in the winter season, the effects of high water makes the square flooded. In that case the people should set up girders like a bridge. Normally in the square there are tables of bars and restaurants and you can enjoy live musics performed outside.
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If you need to go to toilet near St. Mark's!? In St. Mark's square there are many signs of toilets, but most of them are pay toilets. Typically it costs 50-60 cents. For "Venice Card" holders it's free. (July 2007) |
The church is dedicated to Mark the Evangelist. St. Mark's body was brought from Egypt in the 9th century and is conserved.
At the top of the front entrance there are 4 bronze horse statues. These are the works of around 400 BC. The Venetian Crusaders brought back these statues from Constantinople in the 13th century.
A winged lion shining in the center of the church is a symbol of the patron saint of Venice, San Marco. It's also used as a symbol mark of the Venice Film Festival.
The interior is decorated with impressive mosaics. It's often seen the Byzantine artistic influence. Far behind the major central altar, there is a golden altar, "Pala d'Oro". The saint figure is decorated with enamels, gold and numerous jewelries.
Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square was built as a palace of the Governors and Government Office of the Republic of Venice in the 8th century. It was renovated into the present form in the 15th century due to fire.
Its successive Gothic arches with delicate decoration have also the influence of Islamic architecture.
The entrance is located right behind the treasury of St. Mark's Basilica. There are lots of precious paintings inside. One of the most important paintings is of Tintoretto, a major Venetian painter of the Renaissance: "Heaven (Paradiso)", 7 × 22m. This work is considered the world's largest oil painting. It's located in the Council room on the second floor.
The second floor and third floor of the Napoleon wing, in front of St. Mark's Basilica is the Correr Museum. It collects paintings, old coins, old maps, models of medieval galleys etc... You can learn the customs and lifestyle of the Venetians at the time. There is another interesting exhibition like "old menu".
Famous collections
Antonello da Messina, "Pieta''"
Carpaccio "Two ladys of Venice (Le due Veneziane)"