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It Was Once the Political Heart of a Republic
For centuries, Piazza San Marco was more than just a public space — it was the ceremonial and political center of the Republic of Venice, where announcements, trials, and state events took place.
The Iconic Café Culture Started Here
Piazza San Marco is home to some of the oldest cafés in Europe, including Caffè Florian, which opened in 1720 and once hosted guests like Casanova, Goethe, and Lord Byron.
Napoleon’s Wing Once Housed a Royal Palace
The Ala Napoleonica, the neoclassical building at the western end of the square, was built on Napoleon’s orders and served as a royal residence during the French occupation of Venice.
The Square That Disappears Underwater
Piazza San Marco often vanishes beneath water during “acqua alta,” the seasonal high tides. As the lowest spot in Venice, it floods first — but the city adapts quickly, laying out raised walkways so life and sightseeing can carry on above the waves.
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