Campo Santa Maria Formosa

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

Featured in Beloved Campi

Sestiere Castello

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Rialto or S. Zaccaria (8-min walk)

Waterbus Guide

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Your experience 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.

Open Gallery to get the feel

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.

Explore Palazzo Mocenigo