Venice's principal square is full of history and surrounded by
great architecture. Several of Venice's major sights are located
here, so the square is often crowded with tourists. Piazza San
Marco was constructed in the 9th century as a small square
dotted with trees. The square was laid out in front of the The
square was separated from the palace by a small canal, the Rio
Batario. Already a central gathering place for Venetians, the
piazza was enlarged in 1174 after the canal and an adjoining
dock were filled in. The square became paved with bricks in 1267
in a herringbone pattern. In 1735 the bricks were replaced with
natural stone and laid in a more complicated pattern according
to a design devised by architect Andrea Tirali. The design
marked the location wheremerchants could set up their stalls.
original St. Mark's Basilica, at the time a small chapel which
was part of the Doge's Palace. Basilica, Piazza San Marco The
square was separated from the palace by a small canal, the Rio
Batario. Already a centr