Santa Maria Formosa, Venice - A bridge that is going over a body of water
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Santa Maria Formosa Venice

4.6
·2k reviews·Venezia, Italy

A charming Venetian square with a beautiful Renaissance church, local shops, and unique attractions like a book-filled bookstore.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Santa Maria Formosa, Venice - A bridge that is going over a body of water

Santa Maria Formosa Venice

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Venetian square with a beautiful Renaissance church, local shops, and unique attractions like a book-filled bookstore.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This area offers a more authentic Venetian experience, away from the biggest crowds but still centrally located."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Calli

Explore the narrow alleys around the campo for hidden gems and fewer tourists.

☕ Enjoy Local Cafes

Grab a coffee or aperitivo in the campo and soak in the authentic Venetian atmosphere.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Church of Santa Maria Formosa

Church of Santa Maria Formosa

Campo Santa Maria Formosa

A stunning Renaissance church with a unique facade, designed by Mauro Codussi. A true architectural gem.

Campo Santa Maria Formosa Square

Campo Santa Maria Formosa Square

The heart of the area

A lively, picturesque square filled with local life, shops, and cafes. Perfect for people-watching.

Palazzo Grimani

Palazzo Grimani

Near Campo Santa Maria Formosa

An often-empty Renaissance palace museum with breathtaking rooms, including the Tribunal Room.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Libreria Acqua Alta

Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa

A famously unique bookstore where books are stored in gondolas and bathtubs to protect them from floods.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Campo Santa Maria Formosa offers a more authentic Venetian experience away from the biggest crowds. It's a charming square with local shops and cafes, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. Consider it a great base for exploring quieter corners of Venice.

Navigating Venice's Charm

While not directly on a Vaporetto line, Campo Santa Maria Formosa is surprisingly central. Many travelers find it a pleasant walk to major attractions like St. Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge, offering a chance to discover hidden calli (alleys).

Best Times

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

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

is this place even real? ⛳️ Palazzo Grimani, tucked behind Campo Santa Maria Formosa, is one of Venice’s most underrated treasures. 🎨 Once home to a powerful Renaissance family, it’s now a museum fil...
@tan_trionfi
33.5K likes • 519.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Calli

Explore the narrow alleys around the campo for hidden gems and fewer tourists. Reddit

☕ Enjoy Local Cafes

Grab a coffee or aperitivo in the campo and soak in the authentic Venetian atmosphere. TikTok

🇮🇹 Free Venice travel guide including tips on how to get there, how to take the water taxi, best things to do, and where to stay - Awww.minywander.com In one day you can experience a few highlights o...
@minywander
25.2K likes • 370.4K views
🎞 Spider-Man: Far From Home 📍 Campo Santa Maria Formosa; Venice; Italy 🇮🇹 #venice #filminglocation #italy #tomholland #europe #reels #videoreels
cinematripblog
187 likes • 4.6K views

📚 Visit Acqua Alta

Don't miss this quirky bookstore; it's a must-see for book lovers! Instagram

🏛️ Palazzo Grimani's Secret

This museum is often empty and has stunning rooms. TikTok

@palazzomariaformosa The most beautiful boutique hotel in Venice, on the Santa Maria Formosa square. 5 ⭐️, amazing staff, mini spa, fabulous food, attention to details (pillow spray anyone?!). The b...
rediscoveryourinnerglow
12 likes • 226 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Calli

Explore the narrow alleys around the campo for hidden gems and fewer tourists. Reddit

☕ Enjoy Local Cafes

Grab a coffee or aperitivo in the campo and soak in the authentic Venetian atmosphere. TikTok

📚 Visit Acqua Alta

Don't miss this quirky bookstore; it's a must-see for book lovers! Instagram

🏛️ Palazzo Grimani's Secret

This museum is often empty and has stunning rooms. TikTok

📍 Central Location

It's a great base, walkable to St. Mark's and Rialto, though Vaporetto stops are a short walk away. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Campo Santa Maria Formosa for its authentic Venetian charm and central yet relatively peaceful location. It's appreciated as a less tourist-heavy area that still offers easy access to major attractions. Some find it a bit of a walk to the nearest Vaporetto stops, but overall, it's considered a delightful and convenient base.

"The church of the Purification of Mary known as Santa Maria Formosa is a religious building in the city of Venice , in the Castello district , on the edge of the San Marco district . It overlooks the square of the same name."

Avis Peng

"This church caught my eye while walking through Venice. The sculptured face is both beautiful and hideous with a majestic tower rising above."

Willie Hicks

"the views here are fantastic and walking around this town is incredible, I loved the top of the building."

Kim E Jenks

What People Like

Authentic atmosphere
Central location
Charming square

What People Dislike

Slight walk to Vaporetto

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Santa Lucia train station, you can walk to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, which takes about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a Vaporetto (water bus) to a nearby stop like Rialto and then walk. Many travelers recommend walking to discover lesser-known piazzas along the way. Reddit

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is not directly on a Vaporetto line, but it's centrally located and walkable to several stops. Rialto is often cited as the closest major stop, about a 9-minute walk away. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! Campo Santa Maria Formosa is very centrally located, and it's just a short and pleasant 5-minute walk to St. Mark's Square. Reddit

Many visitors find the area around Campo Santa Maria Formosa to be a great base. While not directly on a Vaporetto line, its central location makes it walkable to most major attractions, offering a good balance of accessibility and a slightly quieter atmosphere. Reddit

If you have a lot of luggage, taking a Vaporetto to the closest stop (like Rialto) and then walking might be easier than a long walk from the train station. Alternatively, consider a water taxi directly to a nearby canal if your budget allows. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Church of Santa Maria Formosa itself is generally free, though donations are appreciated. However, specific exhibitions or events within the church might require tickets. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates. Instagram

Palazzo Grimani is a museum and typically requires an admission fee. It's recommended to check the official Palazzo Grimani website for current ticket prices and opening hours before your visit. TikTok

Libreria Acqua Alta is a bookstore, and there is no entry fee to browse its unique collection. You're welcome to explore its charming, book-filled nooks. Instagram

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a public square, so there are no entrance fees to visit or spend time there. It's a vibrant public space for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

Most shops around Campo Santa Maria Formosa follow typical Venetian retail hours, generally opening in the morning and closing in the early evening. Some may close for a lunch break. It's best to check individual shop hours if you have specific places in mind. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The facade of the Church of Santa Maria Formosa is a prime photo spot. The entire Campo itself offers charming views with its cafes and local life. Don't forget to capture the unique interior of Libreria Acqua Alta and the grandeur of Palazzo Grimani. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed inside churches in Venice, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

Photography is usually permitted inside Palazzo Grimani, but it's always best to confirm the specific rules upon arrival. The Tribunal Room is particularly photogenic. TikTok

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the colors of the buildings and creates a magical atmosphere. Mornings can also be lovely for capturing a quieter, more serene scene. Instagram

For personal photography and casual filming, there are usually no restrictions. However, for commercial filming or professional shoots, permits may be required. The area has been a filming location for movies like Spider-Man: Far From Home. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Campo itself has several cafes and restaurants, including Ristorante Santa Maria Formosa, known for seafood. For more options, explore the surrounding calli, but be wary of tourist traps in very crowded areas. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Ristorante Santa Maria Formosa is specifically mentioned as a haven for seafood enthusiasts, located right in the heart of Venice. Instagram

While the campo has sit-down restaurants, exploring the smaller side streets can reveal more affordable options like bacari (wine bars serving cicchetti - small snacks) or pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). TikTok

Eating at cafes in the campo offers a lovely ambiance and a chance to people-watch. While prices might be slightly higher than off-the-beaten-path spots, the experience can be worth it for the atmosphere. TikTok

You can expect traditional Venetian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on seafood due to Venice's maritime history. Pasta dishes, risotto, and fresh fish are common. Instagram

🎫 🏨 Accommodation

Yes, the Campo Santa Maria Formosa area is considered a good place to stay. It's central, walkable to major sights, and offers a slightly quieter experience than areas right next to St. Mark's Square. Reddit

Indeed, there are boutique hotels in the area. Palazzo Maria Formosa is highlighted as a beautiful boutique hotel on the square itself, known for its amazing staff and attention to detail. Instagram

Pros: Central location, walkable to attractions, quieter than some areas. Cons: Not directly on a Vaporetto line, so might require a short walk to catch a boat. Reddit

The area is generally well-regarded for families. Its central location means teens can easily explore, and the slightly less chaotic atmosphere compared to St. Mark's can be a plus. Reddit

You can find a range of accommodations, from boutique hotels like Palazzo Maria Formosa to apartments and smaller guesthouses, offering a more local feel. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a great area for families. Its central location means you're never too far from your accommodation, and the slightly less crowded nature of the campo compared to St. Mark's can be a relief with children. The unique concept of Libreria Acqua Alta is sure to captivate kids, offering a fun and memorable experience. Instagram The open space of the campo itself is perfect for letting kids burn off some energy, and the presence of cafes allows for easy breaks. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, staying near Campo Santa Maria Formosa can be a good choice. While it's central, it might offer slightly more affordable accommodation options than the immediate vicinity of St. Mark's Square. Reddit Exploring the calli around the campo can lead to more reasonably priced trattorias and bacari for cicchetti (Venetian tapas), offering a taste of local life without breaking the bank. TikTok

couples

Couples will find the romantic ambiance of Campo Santa Maria Formosa particularly appealing. Enjoying an aperitivo at a cafe in the campo as the sun sets, or taking a leisurely stroll through the surrounding narrow streets, creates a perfect Venetian experience. The proximity to major sights means you can easily explore during the day and return to this charming area for a more intimate evening. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is more than just a square; it's a vibrant hub that offers a glimpse into authentic Venetian life. Unlike the bustling San Marco, this campo provides a more relaxed atmosphere, dotted with local shops, artisan boutiques, and inviting cafes. It's a place where Venetians gather, making it an ideal spot to experience the city's daily rhythm. The square is also a filming location, adding a touch of cinematic history to its charm. Instagram

Its central location is a significant advantage. While not directly served by a Vaporetto stop, it's within easy walking distance of major attractions like St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. This makes it a strategic base for exploring Venice on foot, allowing you to stumble upon hidden courtyards and picturesque canals. The surrounding calli (narrow streets) are perfect for getting lost in the magic of Venice. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Hidden Gems

The centerpiece of the campo is the magnificent Church of Santa Maria Formosa. Designed by the renowned architect Mauro Codussi in the late 15th century, its facade is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, characterized by its elegant proportions and decorative elements. Stepping inside offers a moment of tranquility and a chance to admire its artistic heritage. Instagram

Beyond the church, the area boasts other unique attractions. Palazzo Grimani, a grand Renaissance palace, is a lesser-known museum that offers an intimate experience with its opulent rooms, including the stunning Tribunal Room. TikTok For a truly quirky experience, the Libreria Acqua Alta is a must-visit. This charming bookstore stores its books in gondolas, bathtubs, and even a full-sized boat to protect them from the frequent acqua alta (high water) events, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle. Instagram

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