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Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Grand Junction of Three Sestieri

Laid-back square lined with inviting cafés and framed by elegant historic buildings.

Beloved Campi

Sestiere Castello

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Rialto or S. Zaccaria (8-min walk)

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What makes it special

Where Venice converges

This local square is one of Venice's largest and most geometrically striking, serving as a grand junction where 11 bridges meet 9 cali (alleys) and 3 sestieri border (Castello to which the square belongs), San Marco and Cannaregio.

Namesake church

Famed for its two façades in different styles - one Renaissance, one Baroque- Santa Maria Formosa is well worth a visit for its luminous interior, which showcases beautiful religious art. See if you can spot the grotesque mask at the base of the church's bell tower.

Campo Santa Maria Formosa : Looking north across the campo

Discover more about Campo Santa Maria Formosa through 7 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

What to expect here

Escape the claustrophobic, crowded alleys around San Marco.
Relax at cafes with more reasonable prices than those just steps away in the piazza.
A great pit stop before you dive into Castello.

Arco del Paradiso

Campo Santa Maria Formosa : The arch may commemorate a union between the Foscari and Mocenigo families — possibly the couple depicted kneeling at the Virgin’s feet

At the western end of the square you'll find the Arco del Paradiso - also known as the Madonna Arch - a finely sculpted Gothic arch depicting the Virgin with a couple at her feet.

The arch may commemorate the 1491 marriage of Pellegrina, daughter of Michele Foscari, and Alvise Mocenigo.

Their names still echo throughout Venice: Ca' Foscari now houses a major university in Dorsoduro, while Palazzo Mocenigo hosts the Study Centre for the History of Textiles, Costumes, and Perfume - a museum that will immerse you in the everyday life of Venetian nobility during the Republic's golden age.

Visit the Mocenigo palace