Palazzo Fortuny

It is run by the Civic Museums Scheme of Venice and is housed within a lovely old Gothic palazzo once owned by the illustrious Pesaro family.
Home to the Venetian highlights of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Campanile in St. Mark’s Square. The immediate area around St. Marks’ Square can be very congested, but it is a pleasant walk nonetheless over the Accademia Bridge via the spacious Campo Santo Stefano.
It is run by the Civic Museums Scheme of Venice and is housed within a lovely old Gothic palazzo once owned by the illustrious Pesaro family.
This magnificent 18th century palazzo now houses the (highly) contemporary art collection of French businessman, Francois Pinault.
Palazzo Franchetti is an important building on the Grand Canal close to the Accademia bridge.
Located in St. Mark’s Square right by the Basilica, this is one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in Venice and was built between 1496 and 1506.
Unless you get there early, be prepared to wait in a sometimes lengthy queue to get into the Basilica.
This is the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica which was rebuilt in 1912 in the same style after it collapsed in 1902.
This is housed in the magnificent Napoleonic Wing of the Procuratie Nuove set of buildings in St. Mark’s Square.
The “Doge” was the name given to the elected leader of the Venetian Republic and this position existed until 1797 when the last Doge, Ludovico Manin abdicated on the conquest of the city by Napoleon.
These are held in the Church of San Vidal near the Accademia Bridge.
Hosts opera, ballet and classical music in the most opulent of settings.
Designer Shopping is on Salizada San Samuele which is the main route between St. Mark’s Square and Accademia Bridge.
There are the Royal Gardens close to St. Mark’s Square, visible from the vaporetto as you pull into the San Marco vaporetto stop.
Aside from St. Mark’s Basilica, there are numerous churches in the San Marco district that are well worth a visit.
This is a very charming hotel in a great, but quiet, location in San Marco with a courtyard garden which is a very welcome respite in the summer.
This is a really well located hotel in a relatively quiet though central part of San Marco.
My main recommendation here is the Gritti Palace which has undergone a very extensive renovation.
This famous luxury hotel, occupies arguably, the finest position in Venice, on the Grand Canal, close to St. Mark’s Square and opposite the Salute church.
Fabulous but very expensive. Not in San Marco, but the hotel provides a boat that goes between the hotel and St. Mark’s Square very regularly.
These are in very short supply. If either the Osteria Enoteca San Marco or the ABC Bistrot Quadri do not appeal, I would recommend making your way across the Grand Canal to the Dorsoduro sestiere.
This contemporary styled osteria is open all day from 12.30pm and is located very close to St. Mark’s Square.