Museo Correr

Few people know about the Museo Correr and yet it is in plain sight within San Marco square. For those looking for quality time within a museum dedicated to the history of Venice - from ships flags, to visiting Popes, books, maps and old coins (to name a few) - this is the place to get away from the crowds. Of course the Venetian greats can be found decorating the walls from Canova to Giorgione and Titian. The Museo also offers an ideal view of the square as you roam the halls that were altered to become the Napoleonic Palace in 1807. Previous to this the windows offered views into the square perfect for viewing the Carnivale festivities, corporeal punishment such as beheadings and quarterings or those who strolled the Venetian “stage” as it is often referred to since it was a place to see and be seen.

Want to get the most out of your experience in Piazza San Marco? Museo Correr is a little-known gem on the southern side of the square. In-the-know tourists come here to buy tickets to the Doge’s Palace without a line. One ticket (€16) provides one-time entry to all the St. Mark’s Square Museums: the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. The Museum also provides a stunning overview into the Piazza (as the photo shows). Last but not least, the museum is a cool and quiet respite from the crowds in the summer months with exhibits on the art and history of the city.

So you’re at the Piazza San Marco. You’ve already done Quadri and Florian, and you know both the crowds and the prices are a bit extreme. But you still want a civilized place to have some coffee, or a dessert, perhaps even a sandwich. Welcome to the Museum Cafè. It looks out over the Piazza. It has air conditioning. It doesn’t require a ticket to the Museum Correr proper (although you should probably stop by, for its collection of art about the city of Venice itself).