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Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a square in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Venice, Italy. It’s located in the district (sestiere) of Castello. We stayed just around the corner from the square but didn’t really explore it until our last day in the city.
Church of Santa Maria Formosa
The centerpiece of the square is the Church of Santa Maria Formosa (Chiesa di Santa Maria Formosa). The original church was built in 639 and renovated in 864 and again in 1106. It was rebuilt by architect Mauro Codussi and completed in 1492. The bell tower was designed in 1611 by a priest, Francesco Zucconi, and completed in 1688. The church was bombed by the Austrians on August 9, 1916, during World War I. Admission is €3.50 (as of August 2024) or free for holders of the Chorus Pass. We decided not to visit.
Casa Venier
On the east side of the square is the Casa Venier. It was the birthplace of Sebastiano Venier, who led Venice to victory in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 and later served as Doge. The house was built in the 15th century.
Palazzo Priuli Ruzzini
On the north side of the square is Palazzo Priuli Ruzzini. It was built in the late 16th century for the nobel Ruzzini family and is now the Ruzzini Palace Hotel.
Palazzo Malipiero Trevisan
Finally, on the south side of the square is the Palazzo Malipiero Trevisan. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the entrance is only accessible via a small bridge crossing over a canal. It was built for the Malipiero family and later passed down through marriage to the Trevisan family. Today, it houses the Ca’ Malipiero, a suite hotel.
Near Our Hotel
We stayed along the canal just west of Campo Santa Maria Formosa and a few steps north. The views from there were gorgeous.
