Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice - a couple of boats that are sitting in the water
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Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo Venice

4.6
·491k reviews·Venezia, Italy

A grand Gothic Basilica housing the world's largest oil painting, alongside a charming 'red heart' and local sweet treats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice - a couple of boats that are sitting in the water

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo Venice

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand Gothic Basilica housing the world's largest oil painting, alongside a charming 'red heart' and local sweet treats.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Discover the world's largest oil painting and a romantic red heart in this magnificent Venetian campo."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Find the Red Heart

Seek out the charming red heart in the campo for a unique photo op and a touch of romance.

🍰 Taste Local Delights

Enjoy artisanal gelato and traditional tramezzini at the historic pasticceria in the campo.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo

A magnificent Gothic church, a resting place for Venetian doges, and home to the world's largest oil painting.

TikTok
The 'Red Heart' of Venice

The 'Red Heart' of Venice

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo

Discover a charming, lesser-known spot marked by a distinctive red heart, perfect for a romantic photo.

TikTok
Historic Pasticceria

Historic Pasticceria

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo

Indulge in traditional Venetian pastries, artisanal gelato, and iconic tramezzini at a local sweet shop.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Escape the main tourist throngs by exploring quieter campos like SS. Giovanni e Paolo. Seek out local eateries away from crowded squares for authentic flavors and better value. Reddit

Navigating Venice's Charm

While gondolas are iconic, consider the 'traghetto' for a budget-friendly canal crossing. TikTok+1 Walking is key; embrace getting lost in the charming alleyways to discover hidden gems. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, local buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hurry to the red heart😀❤️ . . . #venezia #veniceitaly #veneziaitaly #hiddengems #hiddengem #travelguide #traveltips #lovestory #fyp
@ig_adelle
130.3K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Find the Red Heart

Seek out the charming red heart in the campo for a unique photo op and a touch of romance. TikTok

🍰 Taste Local Delights

Enjoy artisanal gelato and traditional tramezzini at the historic pasticceria in the campo. Instagram

Venice tips! #veniceitaly #venicecanals #summertravel
@thelittlebasketco
107K likes • 2.5M views
In campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo possiamo trovare una storica pasticcieria locale dove oltre ai tipici dolci veneziani si può trovare il gelato artigianale 🍨 e gli iconici tramezzini Veneziani. La venez...
venice_food_guide
160 likes • 5.6K views

🖼️ Marvel at Art

Don't miss the church's stunning ceiling, featuring the world's largest oil painting. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Quiet Campos

Venture beyond main squares to find peaceful spots like this campo for a more local feel. Reddit

¡EL TRUCAZO PARA COGER GÓNDOLAS EN VENECIA POR TAN SOLO 2€! 🚤💶 Mientras la mayoría de turistas paga entre 80 y 90€ por un paseo en góndola, hay una forma súper barata de cruzar los canales sin dejarte...
@aleezmiller
81.8K likes • 1.4M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Find the Red Heart

Seek out the charming red heart in the campo for a unique photo op and a touch of romance. TikTok

🍰 Taste Local Delights

Enjoy artisanal gelato and traditional tramezzini at the historic pasticceria in the campo. Instagram

🖼️ Marvel at Art

Don't miss the church's stunning ceiling, featuring the world's largest oil painting. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Quiet Campos

Venture beyond main squares to find peaceful spots like this campo for a more local feel. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the grandeur of the Basilica and its impressive artwork, particularly the world's largest oil painting. The charming 'red heart' and the local pasticceria add unique, romantic, and delicious touches to the experience. It's seen as a more peaceful alternative to the busiest Venetian squares.

What People Like

Impressive Basilica and art
Unique 'red heart' spot
Local pastries and gelato

What People Dislike

Can still attract crowds
Entry fee for Basilica

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo is accessible by Vaporetto (water bus) to the Ospedale or San Zaccaria stops, followed by a walk. It's also a pleasant walk from other major attractions like Rialto Bridge. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a scenic walk of about 15-20 minutes from St. Mark's Square. Wandering through the smaller streets is part of the charm. Reddit

Private water taxis can take you directly to the vicinity, but they are significantly more expensive than the public Vaporetto service. TikTok

The most common public transport is the Vaporetto. The closest stops are Ospedale and San Zaccaria. From there, it's a short walk. Reddit

It's a great spot to start exploring the less crowded Castello district, offering a more authentic Venetian experience away from the main tourist hubs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Basilica itself usually requires a ticket, especially to see specific artworks or areas. Check the official website for current pricing and opening hours. TikTok

While the Basilica has an entry fee, simply exploring the campo itself is free and offers a glimpse into local Venetian life. TikTok

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Basilica website before your visit. They are generally open during daylight hours. TikTok

No, the Campo (square) is a public space and is free to enter and explore at any time. TikTok

It's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid queues and guarantee entry. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the grandeur of the Basilica, the charming red heart, and the lively atmosphere of the campo. The surrounding canals also offer picturesque views. TikTok

Photography rules can vary inside churches. Generally, flash photography is prohibited, and sometimes photography is restricted in certain areas. Be respectful of worshippers. TikTok

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings provide a more serene and less crowded scene for photography. TikTok

The 'red heart' is a unique and romantic spot for photos. Also, look for reflections in the canals for artistic shots. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the architecture and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the Basilica's interior. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a historic pasticceria in the campo offering pastries, gelato, and tramezzini. For more substantial meals, explore nearby trattorias recommended by locals. InstagramReddit

While the campo itself has a notable pasticceria, venturing slightly off the main square will reveal more traditional trattorias and bacari (wine bars) with cicchetti. TikTokReddit

Cicchetti are Venetian tapas. Look for 'bacari' in the surrounding streets for an authentic experience. Locals often recommend spots away from tourist centers. TikTokReddit

The pasticceria in the campo is a local institution. For other dining, it's wise to seek out places recommended by locals to avoid tourist traps. TikTokInstagram+1

Try 'sarde in saor' (sweet and sour sardines), 'baccalà mantecato' (creamed cod), and various cicchetti. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo offers a more relaxed atmosphere for families. The large open space of the campo is great for kids to run around a bit, and the historic pasticceria is a guaranteed hit for a sweet treat like gelato. Instagram While the Basilica is grand, focus on the visual spectacle of the large painting for younger attention spans. TikTok Consider it a good spot for a break from more intense sightseeing.

❤️ Couples & Romantics

The 'red heart' in Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo is a must-find for couples seeking a unique photo opportunity and a romantic anecdote. TikTok Enjoying a shared gelato or pastry from the local pasticceria adds to the charm. Instagram The campo's relatively quieter atmosphere compared to St. Mark's Square provides a more intimate setting for a leisurely stroll.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

For solo travelers, Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo is an excellent example of escaping the main tourist trails. Reddit It's a perfect place to practice the Venetian art of wandering aimlessly and discovering hidden corners. Reddit Grab some cicchetti from a nearby bacaro for an authentic and budget-friendly meal, and enjoy the local buzz. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Grandeur of the Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo

The Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) is a monumental Gothic church that served as the burial place for 25 Venetian Doges. Its imposing facade and vast interior are a testament to Venice's power and wealth during the Republic. Inside, you'll find magnificent tombs and chapels, but perhaps its most astonishing feature is the ceiling of the church's nave. TikTok

This incredible artwork is the 'Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence' by Paolo Veronese, and it is recognized as the largest oil painting ever created. Its sheer scale and dramatic depiction are breathtaking. TikTok The church also houses other significant artworks and architectural elements, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Remember to check for specific viewing times or any restrictions on photography within the sacred space. TikTok

Discovering Hidden Gems: The 'Red Heart' and Local Flavors

Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo is more than just its magnificent Basilica; it's a vibrant local square. One of its charming secrets is a distinctive 'red heart' that has become a popular, albeit lesser-known, photo spot. TikTok This quirky detail adds a touch of romance and surprise to the historic setting, making it a delightful discovery for visitors seeking unique experiences. TikTok

Adjacent to these discoveries is a historic pasticceria that offers a taste of authentic Venice. Here, you can savor traditional Venetian pastries, enjoy artisanal gelato, and try the iconic tramezzini – small, crustless sandwiches that are a Venetian staple. Instagram This is a perfect place to pause, refuel, and soak in the local atmosphere, away from the more crowded tourist hubs. InstagramReddit

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