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It is the undisputed
symbol of Venice, the most beautiful living room in the
world. The square is not the result of a prearranged plan
but the product of many interventions followed one
another beginning from the ninth century, date of the
first installation. During the twelfth century, under the
dogeate of Sebastiano Ziani, the square begins to assume an
aspect similar to the one we see today: the Batario
channel, that today still flows under the paving of the
square, was filled up, and the church of S. Geminiano was
moved. In this way the space in front of St. Mark's
square could reach the length of 175 meters. The area in
front of the Basilica and the Doge's Palace has been
transformed during the centuries thanks to the
construction of the Procuraties, of the Tower of the
Clock, of the Sansoviniana Library. In the eighteenth
century some radical changes took place like the paving
(work of Tirali), while in the nineteenth century the
church of S. Geminiano is definitely pulled down for
making room for the construction of the Napoleonic Wing;
the Granarys of Terranova set in front of the basin were
also pulled down to make room for the gardens. The
resulte of all these operations is a complex environment,
articulated in different spaces, volumes and styles that
are in close relationship among them and that are merged
with big mastery, so that the accord results harmonic and
without false notes, plunged in the particular atmosphere
of this town of water. |