loading

San Marco: The Historic Hub of Venice

Venice's nerve centre, the sestiere of San Marco, has been the heart of Venetian life since the early days of the Republic. It was initially known as Rivo Alto because of the importance of Rialto. Although it is a small sestiere, San Marco holds the majority of the tourist attractions. This is why it is easily accessible from every corner of Venice. The area is served by many waterbuses and water taxis. With the help of our map you can also reach it on foot.  The sestiere also includes the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

 The heart of the sestiere San Marco is its homonymous square, home to the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bell Tower and other attractions. St. Mark's Square is one of the most visited and coveted destinations in the world. The Procuratie embrace St Mark's Square. The Procuratie are the former lodgings of the Venetian procurators, today home to museums such as the Correr Museum and libraries such as the Marciana. The majestic structure of St Mark's Square is also home to renowned cafés such as the Florian and Caffè Quadri. In Venice, Piazza San Marco is the only square that bears the name Piazza, the other squares are called Campo or Campi.

San Marco Sestiere: The Beating Heart of Venice's Rich History

The sestiere also boasts renowned churches such as Santo Stefano or St Mark's Basilica itself. The sestiere will amaze you with magnificent attractions such as the Rialto Bridge with its market, the Bridge of Sighs and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. If you are a theatre lover this sestiere has to offer the Goldoni Theatre and the La Fenice Theatre, two institutions of Italian theatre art.

 San Marco also has many hotels, bars and restaurants of great importance, if you want to discover them, our map will be very useful. Whether you plan to visit the city in one day, two days or a week, San Marco will be the focus of your days in Venice.