Where to park at St Mark's Square

The Piazza San Marco in Florence, known as "Piazza San Marco" in Italian, is one of the most iconic and visited places in this historic Italian city.

This square is located in the heart of Florence, in the Tuscany region, and serves as a significant landmark for both locals and tourists exploring the city.

The square takes its name from the church of San Marco, which majestically stands on one side of the square and is renowned for its impressive Renaissance frescoes, primarily created by Fra Angelico.

A distinctive feature of Piazza San Marco is the presence of the imposing National Museum of San Marco, housed in a former Dominican monastery, which holds an extraordinary collection of sacred art, including masterpieces by Fra Angelico and other prominent Renaissance artists.

In addition to the church and museum, the square features a bronze equestrian statue of the famous Italian condottiero Cosimo de' Medici, serving as a reminder of the historical significance of the Medici family in Florence and the Italian Renaissance as a whole.

Piazza San Marco is also a lively meeting point and a place where visitors can enjoy the Florentine atmosphere, surrounded by cafes and local shops.

It is an ideal starting point for a tour of some of Florence's artistic and cultural treasures, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia, which house masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and other great artists.

Where to Park Near Piazza San Marco?

Piazza San Marco in Florence, known for its historical and cultural beauty, is a highly visited spot by both tourists and locals.

However, the city is known for its complex network of narrow streets and limited availability of street parking in the historic center. Parking at Piazza San Marco can be a challenge, but there are options available for visitors.

Parking on the Streets of Florence

Firstly, it's important to mention that parking on the public streets near Piazza San Marco is difficult and expensive.

Parking restrictions and high fees are common in Florence's historic center to reduce congestion and preserve the city's heritage.

Therefore, it's not recommended to look for parking in the area unless you're willing to face these difficulties.

Public Parking Lots Near Piazza San Marco

An increasingly popular and convenient option is to reserve parking spaces online through platforms like Parkimeter.

These services allow you to reserve a parking spot in advance, guaranteeing you a secure place and avoiding the hassle of searching for parking at the last moment.

Additionally, they often offer competitive rates and the ability to choose from a variety of parking lots near Piazza San Marco.

This option saves time and stress, allowing you to enjoy your visit to Florence in a more relaxed manner.

Another alternative is to head to a nearby public parking lot without a reservation. About a 10-15 minute walk from Piazza San Marco, you'll find "Parcheggio Sant'Orsola" and "Parcheggio Beccaria," which are two underground parking facilities offering a secure and relatively easy parking option.

These parking lots have hourly or daily rates and can be a good choice if you want to explore the center of Florence without worrying about parking.

How to Get to Piazza San Marco by Public Transportation

To reach Piazza San Marco in Florence using public transportation, you have several options.

• Bus: Florence's public transportation system has an extensive network of buses that connect different parts of the city. You can take a bus that will take you to the city center and then walk to Piazza San Marco. The nearest bus stop to the square is "San Marco - Vecchietti," which is just a few minutes' walk away. Check bus routes and schedules on the website of the local public transportation company (ATAF) or at one of the bus stations.
• Tram: Florence also has a tram system that connects some parts of the city. Line T1 (Trenitalia) will take you closer to Piazza San Marco. You can take the tram at various stops, such as Santa Maria Novella train station or Campo di Marte train station, depending on your location in the city. Then, alight at the "Libertà" stop, which is about a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco.
• Bicycle: Florence is a bicycle-friendly city, and you can rent a bike at various bike rental stations around the city. Biking is a pleasant way to explore Florence and reach Piazza San Marco. There are bike lanes on many main streets, making it safe and convenient.
• On Foot: If you are in the historic center of Florence, one of the best ways to get to Piazza San Marco is by walking. The city is compact, and many of the major attractions are within walking distance. Follow the signs to "Piazza San Marco" on the city's signs, and you can enjoy a pleasant stroll while exploring Florence's streets and squares.

Remember to check updated schedules and fares for each transportation option as they may vary. Additionally, Florence is a very pedestrian-friendly city, so exploring it on foot can be a rewarding and practical experience.