Three sides of St. Mark’s Square in Venice are defined by the Procuratie buildings and, on the north side is the oldest: Procuratie Vecchie. Its three storied, impressive white facade has 50 arches supported by columns. The Old Magistrates once housed the Procurators of San Marco who were the senior members of the Republic. Today, historic coffee houses and modern stores are inside the first floor arcades. It was originally built in the 12th century and then rebuilt and expanded in the early 16th century.
