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The St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), which was called "the drawing
room of the world" by Musset, has been the centre of the religious and
social life in the Venetian republic for almost one millennium. Here you
will find the St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica San Marco), the Doge's Palace
(Palazzo Ducale) and the Bell tower (Campanile), the most
famous sights of Venice. The architectural design of St. Mark's Square
to a great extent was determined by the St. Mark's Basilica, which adjoins
the Doge's Palace at the west side of the place.
 The
magnificent St. Mark's Basilica is probably the most well known building
in the heart of Venice. The original church was built in 829-836
as a timber construction and consecrated to the Evangelist Mark. In 976
however it became a victim of flames. 
From 1043 to 1071, in the same place, the present Basilica with the
ground plan of a Greek cross was erected. The Byzantine building with its
5 domes was consecrated in 1094. However, it took many centuries for the
marvellous decoration of its facade and interior, with precious mural paintings
and mosaics on golden ground, to be completed.
The splendid facade likewise was destined to serve as an altar, in order
to give the people the opportunity to participate in religious ceremonies
from the St. Mark's Square in a dignified setting.
St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Campanile
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Mark's Square,
Bell Tower
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Doge's Palace
12.-15. cent.
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view to
Mark's Basin
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Mark's Square
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St. Mark's Basilica
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adjoining
Doge's Palace
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nave
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nave
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Ascension dome
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