Also known as the "Salotto d'Europa" - European lounge - this magnificent place is the only actual square in Venice: the others, much smaller, are usually called "campi". The square is sided by architectural masterpieces such as the two palaces of Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove, buio between the 16th and 17th century; the Basilica of San Marco, the Marciana Library by Jacopo Sansovino and the Ducal Palace.

The ancient residence of Venetian "Dogi", the highest authority in town during the republican age (9th - 18th century), is a masterpiece of the local variety of Gothic style. It was initially built in the 9th century, but enlarged and restored several times through the years, especially because of frequent fires. Today it is the seat of a Museum, attracting every year more than 1.300.000 people.

A symbol of Venice, Italy and even Christianity, the Basilica stands at the Eastern edge of Piazza San Marco. Its current appearance derives from the 11th century construction, which replaced a pristine core dating back to the 9th century. The decoration was added along the following centuries, often coming from the spoliation of other buildings during wars. Due to this heterogeneous process, the Basilica has reached its current complexity of shape, colors and shading.

One of the most famous bridges in Venice was built in the 17th century in a Baroque style. It connects the Ducal Palace to the "Prigioni Nuove", the main jail in Venice at that time and it was used to take prisoners to the Inquirers to be judged. This destination, according to the tradition, motivates its name: the prisoners sighed while passing the bridge, thinking about their lost freedom.