San Marco Square in Venice (Italy) is indicated inall guidebooks for tourists visiting the region. It is rightfully the main one in the city. The other in the vicinity cannot be compared with it either in size or in the historical, cultural, architectural sights presented there. Residents of the city only used to call her Piazza (area - translated from Italian). All other similar places in Venice, they call campo (field) or campiello (small field).
San Marco - the main square of Venice
It is customary to divide its territory into two sections.Piazza is the main and biggest part of it. Piazzetta - a plot overlooking the embankment. We can say that this is the gate from the sea. It was their first see the tourists arriving in Venice by water. At the entrance immediately come into view two majestic columns of marble with symbolic sculptures at the top.
San Marco - area, resembling the formtrapezoid. Its length is 175 m, the minimum width is 56 m, and the maximum is 82 m. Previously, during its education (IX century), it was much smaller. Only a small platform opposite the Cathedral of St. Mark was mentioned. Just at that time, the relics of the saint arrived in Venice. The cathedral was erected in his honor, and he began to patronize the city. Over time, the shrine was rebuilt and expanded, adding to the already magnificent construction of new decorations and architectural details.
History
The place has gained special importance and importance since 829of the year when the relics of the Apostle Mark taken out by the merchants from Alexandria were buried in the basilica built. Since then, San Marco, the square in front of a religious shrine, has also become an important place of pilgrimage. In 1267 it was paved with masonry.
Near the cathedral for several centuriesa majestic bell tower was erected, which was completed only in the 16th century. Back in 1177, Pope Alexander III and Emperor Barbarossa reconciled on this square. It traditionally held important ceremonial processions, tournaments and symbolic bull hunting took place. On the square after taking the oath, the Venetians brought the Great Doge who had entered into the rights and sat down on the throne.
The organizers felt that the territoryceremonial place is insufficient and in 1777 it was expanded to its current size. Since 1807, the rebuilt Cathedral of St. Mark became the cathedral. In 1902, the famous Campanile collapsed on the square. But the magnificent building was restored in its original form a decade later.
sights
What else is famous Venice?San Marco is one of the six districts of the city. It is considered the heart of the city and is known, including the famous square of the same name. The dominant place on it is the Doge's Palace. He survived the destruction and fires. The Senate, the Grand Council, the judges and even the secret police sat in the magnificent building at various times. But, above all, it was the main residence of the Doge of the Republic.
In addition to the red bell tower mentioned above,towering almost 99 meters and used as a beacon for ships at night, the not so high, but no less famous watch tower in the surrounding architectural complex is pleasing to the eye. It is adjacent to the facade of the Old Procurations. Of interest is the richly decorated building with statues and bas-reliefs at the base of Campanile - Loggetta, originally designed as a structure for meeting nobles, arriving in the city. Not to mention the exquisite two-tier facade of the National Library of San Marco. The area, according to experts, is the clearest example of medieval architectural architecture.
Modernity
It is believed that St. Mark’s SquareVenice along with the city gradually descends into the water. Perhaps in the coming decades, the surrounding area due to rising sea levels will become unsuitable for habitat. But now all the attractions are open to tourists. In the Doge’s Palace there is a unique museum.
It is difficult to argue that is greaterlandmark building - exterior or interior. The museum exhibits the richest collections, trophies, maps, historical documents. You can buy souvenirs for every taste, to review the majestic panorama from the observation deck at the chapel or basilica.
San Marco - Pigeons Square
Why say so everyone who visited Venice?There is a legend about a pair of birds once donated to the doge on the occasion of the coronation. Released from the cage, they sat down on the consecrated arch of the basilica built. It was considered a good sign, so the pigeons were subsequently released on the occasion of Palm Sunday. The tradition led to the fact that the birds did not fly away, and settled in the area. In the square they were safe, they were constantly fed.
The authorities had to solve cleaning problems.attractions from the products of vital activity of pigeons. Their litter did not allow tourists to fully appreciate the majestic beauty of historical and cultural attractions. On numerous arches and ledges, it was necessary to install structures that distract birds. There were periods when even restrictions were imposed on the sale of poultry feed.
Reviews of tourists
Almost everyone who could admire the greatnessSan Marco, they note an incredible concentration of masterpieces per unit territory. An indelible impression is made by the spaciousness of the square, which is especially felt after leaving the narrow streets of Venice. The lack of cars amazes, and the quays with boats instead of roads surprise.
Almost everyone is unanimous in one thing - a placeso unique that it is impossible to describe in words. These masterpieces need to be seen. And to consider everything at once simply impossible. Therefore, who was on San Marco, seek to see the majestic square again. And those who only heard about her dream to see everything with their own eyes.
