Apartments Close to St. Mark's Square: Artistic Accommodation

St. Mark's Square is located in the center of Venice. St. Mark's Basilica is the backdrop to this enormous plaza, which can only be described as majestic. It was built in the 9th century and is attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. It was expanded in 1177 after the River Batario overflowed and caused a huge flood. The aim of the expansion was to recover the Ducal Palace, which had been flooded. The new square was unveiled for the meeting that took place between Pope Alexander III and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

In 1723, the bricks that paved the square were replaced by volcanic rock that was more resistant to the large number of people that regularly crossed the square, as well as the water that flooded it every year due to its location in the lower part of Venice. The architect Andrea Tirali redesigned the square. He used a complex geometrical pattern and also raised its level.

The buildings on St. Mark's Square were built to house the political powers of Venice. You can find the following buildings here: The Ducal Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Clocktower (Torre dell'orologio), the Procuratie Vecchie, the Napoleonic Wing, the Procuratie Nuove, St. Mark's Campanile and the Marciana Library. There are also bars and cafés with entertainment in the form of lively classical music. It is quite an experience to have a coffee while gazing over the marvelous square and listening to classical music.

The presence of hordes of pigeons that walk and fly around the square is a source of controversy. They are considered vermin because they have a negative effect on the buildings, monuments and roofs of the square, as their feces produce a corrosive fungus that damages the buildings. The authorities have started to fine people that feed them in order to try to reduce their numbers. Some animal rights advocates considered this an attack, arguing that the pigeons are part of the urban landscape.

However, pigeons are not the only thing attacking the square and its heritage. Studies are also being carried out regarding the danger that the buildings and the square are potentially under due to the rising sea level, as a result of global warming. According to the investigations, it is probable that the number of severe floods will increase, which will have a serious effect on the area. The square is 90 centimeters above sea level and on stormy days the sea level rises to 105 centimeters. In order to tackle this issue, the government has developed a mechanical barrier system known as the MOSE project, which helps to prevent serious flooding that would affect the square.

Accommodation Close to St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square is surrounded by canals, palaces and monuments and shrouded in legends. It is considered to be one of the most attractive places in the world and a heritage site that everyone should see. There is some great accommodation close to the square. Even though it can be expensive, there are some good options available. You just need to look for the offer that suits your needs. There are delightful, luxury renaissance and modern style hotels in the area. Although they are very attractive, not everyone has the means to stay there. Renting an apartment is an ideal alternative if you want your stay to be just as luxurious and comfortable. Some of our apartments close to St. Mark's Square are much less expensive than luxury hotels. Some of them have incredible views of the Venetian Lagoon, while others have views of St. Mark's Basilica, the Ducal Palace and the Campanile. So don't forget to take a look at our apartments and rent one before someone else gets there first.

Things to Do Close to St. Mark's Square

• The first thing you should do is stand in the middle of St. Mark's Square, look around and experience the unique atmosphere that makes it famous.
• The construction of St. Mark's Basilica started in 828. It was built to house the body of St. Mark, which had come from Alexandria. The current basilica, which is in the form of a Latin cross and has five domes, became the city cathedral in 1807. It boasts mosaics that cover an area of 4,000 square meters (some of which date back to the 13th century) and 500 pillars that date back to the 3rd century.
• The Clocktower , or Torre dell'Orologio, is exceptionally beautiful. Mauro Codussi built it between 1496 and 1499. The building consists of a tower that has a St. Mark's lion on its upper ledge, above which are two bronze figures holding a bell, which they strike every hour. Legend has it that once the tower was completed the craftsmen that worked on it had their eyes gouged out so that they could not replicate it.
• Chiesa di San Moisè is a splendid Baroque church devoted to Moses. Its treasures include mannerist statues, Byzantine altarpieces and art by Tintoretto.
• The Bridge of Sighs is a small Baroque style bridge that is very popular amongst visitors. It was built in the 19th century to link the Ducal Palace to the former interrogation prison. It gets its name from the sighs that were uttered by the prisoners that were sentenced to being burned at the stake.
• The Ducal Palace is located in St. Mark's Square. A neo-gothic building, it was built in the 10th and 11th centuries. Be sure to take note of how the building changes color with the changing light of day. On sunny afternoons, it goes a pale pink color.
• The Correr de Venecia Museum

Our apartments are close to these beautiful places. All you have to do is take a look at our catalogues and you will realize that we can offer you the best for your holidays. It just takes the click of a button to rent an apartment close to St. Mark's Square. Spending a few days close to this square will be an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to St. Mark's Square

The Venice -- Marco Polo Airport is located 8 kilometers away from Venice. At the exit you can take the No.5 bus to Piazzale Roma and then take the No.1 or No.2 vaporetto (water bus) . Taxis only go as far as Piazzale Roma. You will need to continue your journey in a traditional vaporetto or take a water taxi. They offer more luxury and are slightly expensive but will get you to your destination.