Palazzo Venicie - The Heart of Venice

About Palazzo Venicie

San Marco is the smallest but most famous of Venice's six sestieri (districts). Named after the patron saint of Venice, this district is the political, religious, and cultural heart of the city.

The district encompasses the iconic Piazza San Marco, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by architectural masterpieces that span centuries of Venetian history. From the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark's Basilica to the Gothic elegance of the Doge's Palace, San Marco showcases the evolution of Venetian art and architecture.

Today, San Marco remains the vibrant center of Venetian life, where millions of visitors annually experience the grandeur of the Republic of Venice. The district is home to luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, prestigious museums, and exclusive boutiques, all while preserving its historical integrity and cultural significance.

0.5

km² Area

1,000+

Years of History

20M+

Annual Visitors

Aerial view of San Marco district

History of Palazzo Venicie

828

1063

1340

1797

1966

The Arrival of St. Mark

Venetian merchants stole the relics of St. Mark from Alexandria, bringing them to Venice. This event marked the beginning of San Marco's spiritual significance and the construction of the first basilica.

Basilica Construction

The current St. Mark's Basilica was begun under Doge Domenico Contarini. The Byzantine-style church would become one of the most magnificent examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture in the world.

Doge's Palace Expansion

Major expansion of the Doge's Palace began, transforming it into the Gothic masterpiece we see today. The palace served as the residence of the Doge and the seat of Venetian government for centuries.

Fall of the Republic

Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice, ending over 1,000 years of the Venetian Republic. San Marco became part of French territory, and many artworks were looted, though some were later returned.

The Great Flood

Piazza San Marco was submerged under 1.94 meters of water during the worst flood in Venetian history. This catastrophic event led to international efforts to protect Venice, eventually resulting in the MOSE barrier system.

Interesting Places

⛪

St. Mark's Basilica

The crown jewel of Byzantine architecture in Italy, adorned with golden mosaics and housing the relics of St. Mark.

Religious Historical

🏛️

Doge's Palace

The former residence of the Doge and seat of Venetian government, featuring stunning Gothic architecture and priceless artworks.

Museum Architecture

🔔

St. Mark's Campanile

The 98.6-meter bell tower offering panoramic views of Venice. Rebuilt in 1912 after its collapse, it's a symbol of Venetian resilience.

Viewpoint Landmark

🕐

Clock Tower

The Renaissance masterpiece showing the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. The two bronze Moors strike the bell every hour.

Renaissance Mechanical

🌉

Bridge of Sighs

The famous enclosed bridge connecting the Doge's Palace to the prisons. Legend says prisoners sighed at their last view of Venice.

Legend Architecture

🏛️

Correr Museum

Houses an extensive collection of Venetian art, historical artifacts, and documents chronicling the Republic's history.

Museum Art

☕

Caffè Florian

The oldest café in Italy, opened in 1720. A historic meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals, including Casanova and Lord Byron.

Historic Café

☕

Caffè Quadri

The elegant rival to Florian, established in 1775. Known for its Austrian clientele and luxurious interior decorated with 19th-century paintings.

Historic Elegant

📚

Libreria Acqua Alta

The unique bookstore where books are stored in bathtubs, gondolas, and waterproof containers to protect them from flooding.

Unique Books

🌉

Rialto Bridge

The oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, completed in 1591. A masterpiece of Renaissance engineering with shops lining its arcade.

Bridge Renaissance

🎭

La Fenice Theatre

The legendary opera house, rebuilt twice after fires (hence 'The Phoenix'). Premiered works by Verdi, Rossini, and Bellini.

Opera Historic

🌉

Accademia Bridge

The wooden bridge connecting San Marco to Dorsoduro, offering one of the most beautiful views of the Grand Canal and the Salute Church.

Viewpoint Bridge

🖼️

Accademia Gallery

Home to the greatest collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, including masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto.

Art Museum

🏛️

Piazzetta San Marco

The small square between the Doge's Palace and the Library, flanked by two columns topped with the Lion of St. Mark and St. Theodore.

Square Historic

📖

Marciana Library

One of the oldest public libraries in Italy, housing over 1 million books and 13,000 manuscripts, including precious medieval codices.

Library Historic