This sestiere takes its name from the Chiesa di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica), which was commissioned in 828 by the Doge Giustiniano Partecipazio to house the body of the Evangelist that had been brought to Venice from Alexandria (Egypt). The area quickly became the centre of power and St. Mark’s Square especially so, as this was where the Doge built his palace (Palazzo Ducale), together with those for the major public authorities, the Procuratie.

In the Middle Ages, by now the heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Square was surrounded by a wooden fence to defend not just the Palace and the Basilica, but also the many homes of the nobility and gentry, the Zecca, the large library, the granaries and the prison. Owing to its importance over the centuries and great beauty, Venetians believe that St. Mark’s Square is the only square in the city that should be called a “piazza”, all the others being simply called a “campo”. Even Napoleon appreciated this: including the Piazzetta facing onto the lagoon, he called it the “Europe’s finest drawing room”.However, the sestiere of San Marco is not just the square: the district extends along the first bend of the Canal Grande up to the Rialto Bridge and includes Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore to the South with the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore and the Giorgio Cini Foundation. Another monument much loved by Venetians is the recently restored Torre dell'Orologio (clocktower), the "La Fenice" Theatre and the Church of San Moisé.

Today this district thrives on tourism and trade and is where you find the most luxurious hotels and shops in Venice.

1100 - 1200 - - rev. 0.1.7