Discover The Heart Of Venice: Piazza San Marco
The plaza, or open courtyard, that envelopes the entrance to Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice is wide and long, and serves as much more than a means of getting to the basilica. Unfortunately, when flooding occurs, usually twice a year in Venice, Piazza San Marco is often the first (and sometimes worst) hit. It rarely deters the locals, so roll up your pant legs and carry on.
The Piazza San Marco is an open space, ringed with trendy little cafés and ristoranti situated on the lower floors of the surrounding buildings. Buskers and musical performances frequent the square, entertaining walkers and diners equally. It’s delightful to sip a Campari and soda or Limoncello while being serenaded by a string trio (many of these play the Baroque music that was the cornerstone of musical progress and prowess during the height of the Renaissance, focussed right here in Venice).
It is a place for people watching, entertainment, eating and drinking pleasures, all with a direct view, just across the piazza of the world-famous, stunningly beautiful Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark. Piazza San Marco is the ideal place to idle away a day, resting from all the walking visitors to Venice invariably do. Hang out, just like people have done for a thousand years, in the main square.
