We sailed to the center of Venice, arriving at St. Mark’s Square. From afar, we saw a tall red tower, the Clock Tower, soaring ninety-six meters high, serving as a landmark of Venice. Below it lies the famous St. Mark’s Square.
Stepping off the pier, we were greeted by a wide seaside promenade with numerous restaurants lining the street. The square is a short walk from the pier, attracting over twenty million visitors annually. The streets were bustling with people, creating a lively and somewhat crowded atmosphere.
Originally used for various ceremonies, St. Mark’s Square has now become a tourist hub. The square is adorned with iconic buildings including the circular-roofed St. Mark’s Basilica and the adjacent Doge’s Palace with its many columns.
A beautiful Bell Tower also graces the square, featuring statues of two bell ringers at the top, winged lions in the middle, a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and Child below, alongside clock faces displaying the hours and minutes. At the base rests a stunning clock adorned with the twelve zodiac signs.
The winged lion is a symbol of Venice, seen throughout the city. Legend has it that St. Mark dreamt of the winged lion, foreseeing his burial in Venice. Following his missionary visit to the city, St. Mark’s remains were eventually brought back from Egypt to be interred at St. Mark’s Basilica in the year 828 AD. Thus, St. Mark was named the patron saint of Venice, with the winged lion symbolizing his legacy, becoming the emblem of Venice.
St. Mark’s Square is the heart of the city, where one immediately notices the prevalence of souvenir vendors lining the streets, selling various trinkets.
Venice is a tourist city, with tourism being a significant source of income. The square is filled with merchants selling souvenirs, with the most distinctive being Venetian masks. Venetian mask culture is rich and unique, as prior to the 18th century, Venetians would always wear masks when out and about, adding a sense of mystery and allure. The city still celebrates its annual carnival, where participants are required to wear masks. Venetian masks are intricately designed and beautifully crafted, serving as exquisite decorations even if one does not attend a ball.
St. Mark’s Square is the liveliest spot in Venice, with crowds and warm weather inviting visitors to relax by the sea, feel the ocean breeze, sit by the water, and admire the passing Gondolas, creating a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.