The Academy of Fine Arts is located in the southeastern corner, where Via Ricasoli enters the piazza. In the center of the square (recently re-landscaped) is a statue of General Manfredo Fanti, a general during the era of Italian unification. On another corner of the square lies the Monastery of St. Catherine. Another notable landmark on the piazza is the Farmacia di San Marco near via Cavour, once run by the Dominicans, who were considered experts in medicinal preparations. The former insignia of the preparations for sale is still visible on the wall of the pharmacy.

Today the piazza is a transportation hub (meaning many buses stop and or initiate and terminate here - there is also a taxi stand). Cafà¨s and other places to eat are mainly along the southern side of the piazza, including the Gran CaffਠSan Marco, a famous literary meeting place for philosophers, artists, painters, professors and students.