guide to san marco district, highlights, sightseen in venice, nightlife in venice

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Guide to the San Marco district

The district of San Marco is the of course the most famous area of Venice, full of highlights and historical places to see but also difficult to navigate, being a labyrinth of narrow streets and canals.

Facing onto the Piazza is the Basilica of San Marco, an unique monument for to the city’s rich history. The building’s Byzantine character is most visible in the big medieval mosaics encrusting the building that tell the histories of Saint Mark and episodes from the old and the new testaments.

The 'drawing room of Europe', as Napoleon described the Piazza San Marco, is the focus of Venetian life. The elegant piazza is lined with historical cafés, like the ancient “Quadri” and “Florian” which offer you the possibility of relaxing for a while in a perfect Byzantine setting listening to soothing Italian classical music. In the evening hours the night air fills with the sounds of the different café orchestras.

On the right side of the Basilica of San Marco is the Palazzo Ducale, a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic and one of the masterpieces of renaissance art. In the history of Venice the palace has played an important role as the place of the government, the palace of justice and the residence of the Doge (the governor of the city).

The Palazzo Ducale was once also the headquarters of the Venetian court: once found guilty, people had to be transferred from here to the prison over the Bridge of Sighs. This Bridge takes its name from the prisoners’ sighs from behind the bridge’s windows as they caught their last glimpse of the external world.

Any visit to Venice should include a climb up the Bell Tower of San Marco; from here you will be able to enjoy a marvellous view of the entire city. The best time to go up is at sunset when the city glows in beautiful shades of red and orange.

Right in front of the San Marco’s Basilica is the Museo Correr (Correr museum); it offers an exciting itinerary to discover the history of Venetian art.
In the wide halls of the museum are illustrated the different aspects of the Venetian life through paintings, typical objects and traditional clothes.

The large street connecting Piazza San Marco to Rialto is called the Mercerie and is where you can find the most famous and expensive boutiques selling famous Italian brands.
On the other side of Piazza San Marco square, in the direction of the Accademia, is the street Via Marzo XXIII; along here you'll find the Church of San Moise with its beautifully decorated Baroque facade. Rebuilt in the Middle Ages, this church was constructed by Moisè Venier and dedicated to the saint of the same name.
On from the Church of San Moise and turning left after the bridge, one passes through the hidden alleys to find the famous La Fenice theatre. This is one of the most famous theatres in Europe, the site where many famous operatic premieres have taking place. The building has recently been restored after a devastating fire.

Further on in the direction of Rialto can be found the Campo San Luca, a central meeting point for Venetians, with bars closeby such as Torino notte and Osteria il Volto open until late.

Those who want to experience Venetian night life shouldn’t miss the “Vecia Malvasia” night club in San Marco. Unfortunately it’s not easy to find, but is located in Calle della Malvasia along the way from Campo San Stefano to Piazza San Marco. Before the bridge of Santa Maria del Giglio turn left and after the bridge left again.

(Vecia Malvasia Night club, Campo San Fantin, 1980 San Marco, Venezia . Te. 041/ 52.24.121)