Campo Santo Stefano
Campo Santo Stefano
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Neighbourhood: San Marco
The most famous sestiere (district) in Venice has one of the world's most famous squares, St. Mark's (Piazza San Marco). Anchored on one end by the basilica, clustered around it are restaurants, museums, shops, orchestras playing in the square, pigeons, the grand pink Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the soaring campanile bell tower, an astrological clock tower, plus gorgeous cafes and restaurants like Florian and Quadri. Piazza San Marco is beloved by Venetians themselves. They book a table anytime, which offers a buffer from the fray. This grand outdoor drawing room attracts Venetians for a stroll too, especially late in the afternoon when the hoards of daytrippers thin out. It's simply a grand place to meet.
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4.0
196 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
107
Average
29
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Raffiella11
Leicestershire, UK4,765 contributions
Feb 2020
After crossing the Accademia bridge, campo san stefano stands before your.
Normally a very large square - the second largest in the city - at carnivale it is full of tents with wonderful things for tourist to buy to do with the carnivale.
Each side is surrounded by wonderful buildings and palazzo's, great restaurants and small shops
At night it looks totally different with the lights from the restaurants and palazzo's truly majical. Great to sit outside either for drinks or dinner
Normally a very large square - the second largest in the city - at carnivale it is full of tents with wonderful things for tourist to buy to do with the carnivale.
Each side is surrounded by wonderful buildings and palazzo's, great restaurants and small shops
At night it looks totally different with the lights from the restaurants and palazzo's truly majical. Great to sit outside either for drinks or dinner
Written 1 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marygirl2014
Dublin, Ireland202 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We were weary from walking in Venice and came across a lovely sunny square and were delighted to sit down. There was a lovely atmosphere and we decided to start with a glass of wine. Staff had great English and very helpful. Brought out a bowl of crisps which is a nice touch.We sat for quite a while and then decided to have something to eat. Prices were very good, I think the wine was only €4 a glass. We had a few snacks which were lovely and I finished off with an amazing ice cream .We enjoyed it so much we tried to find it again the next day but had trouble finding it and had to look in our google maps for it. The staff actually said welcome back which amazed me as so many people must go there every day. I would recommend.
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro F
Milan, Italy32,401 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This large square is the second square of the city, two churches an many palaces embellish the sides, in the middle stands the statue of Niccolò Tommaseo.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roshni2011
Colombo, Sri Lanka537 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Campo Santo Stefano is a large square in sestiere San Marco. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings, churches and caffes set up on the square itself, creating a convivial atmosphere in a typical Venetian setting but without the crowds of St. Mark's Square.
It has a more local feel and is purpoted to be a prestigious neighbourhood. At one point in its history the square was covered with grass and was a favourite place for strolling.
Since the square is very large , bullfights used to be held here until the early 19th century with bulls or oxen tied to a stake and baited by dogs ( according to our guide).
In the middle of the square there is a monument to Nicolo Tommaseo , an Italian writer who among other works also compiled an Italian dictionary.
It seemed to be a busy place, with people walking across it all the time , or stopping to chat over coffee --- due to its central location I guess, just over the Accademia Bridge.
This campo also hosts outdoor fairs during Christmas and Carnevale.
The 14th-century Chiesa di Santo Stefano is worth a visit, with its striking Gothic portal and facade. Inside, the Church has works by Tintoretto and other artists.
There are a couple of hotels here as well, and for a more local, less touristy experience, this could be a good alternative to the St Mark's Square area -- which is nearby.
It has a more local feel and is purpoted to be a prestigious neighbourhood. At one point in its history the square was covered with grass and was a favourite place for strolling.
Since the square is very large , bullfights used to be held here until the early 19th century with bulls or oxen tied to a stake and baited by dogs ( according to our guide).
In the middle of the square there is a monument to Nicolo Tommaseo , an Italian writer who among other works also compiled an Italian dictionary.
It seemed to be a busy place, with people walking across it all the time , or stopping to chat over coffee --- due to its central location I guess, just over the Accademia Bridge.
This campo also hosts outdoor fairs during Christmas and Carnevale.
The 14th-century Chiesa di Santo Stefano is worth a visit, with its striking Gothic portal and facade. Inside, the Church has works by Tintoretto and other artists.
There are a couple of hotels here as well, and for a more local, less touristy experience, this could be a good alternative to the St Mark's Square area -- which is nearby.
Written 15 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bigb67Scotland
Edinburgh, UK2,292 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Going on a long walk (As you do in Venice) we came across this nice setting, which was miles away from the grazing herds of tourist Wildebeest's thronging St Marks, and here one could take a great deep breath and relax. plus getting here is just so easy too, just arm yourself with a handy street map / guide book and with a generous dollop of common sense and here you are.
On arriving the first thing you will see are the many cafes and shops dotted around the square, and are pretty reasonable to say the least. We also had a nice lunch nearby along with some drinks and did a little bit of people watching whilst soaking up the obvious history which is all around you. Including the impressive Santo Stefano Church itself, which really needs no introduction folks and just walking into this vast interior free of charge you are acutely aware of the calm Gothic feel of the place, and then there's the tomb of Doge Francesco Morosini and he is buried under the largest tomb slab in Venice, and all this from the 16th century.! Not only that but the history is totally amazing too and for a small donation you can pick up a little information booklet explaining everything about this amazing place, to top it off just look up at the vast ceiling shaped like the keel of a ship. Outside you can really wander about and take in the many historical buildings and galleries including the awesome leaning clock tower which is testament to the bad planning of the times, and being honest I'm quite glad I found this place as it was a welcome break on the way to the other side of the grand canal so do pay it a visit folks you won't be disappointed..!
On arriving the first thing you will see are the many cafes and shops dotted around the square, and are pretty reasonable to say the least. We also had a nice lunch nearby along with some drinks and did a little bit of people watching whilst soaking up the obvious history which is all around you. Including the impressive Santo Stefano Church itself, which really needs no introduction folks and just walking into this vast interior free of charge you are acutely aware of the calm Gothic feel of the place, and then there's the tomb of Doge Francesco Morosini and he is buried under the largest tomb slab in Venice, and all this from the 16th century.! Not only that but the history is totally amazing too and for a small donation you can pick up a little information booklet explaining everything about this amazing place, to top it off just look up at the vast ceiling shaped like the keel of a ship. Outside you can really wander about and take in the many historical buildings and galleries including the awesome leaning clock tower which is testament to the bad planning of the times, and being honest I'm quite glad I found this place as it was a welcome break on the way to the other side of the grand canal so do pay it a visit folks you won't be disappointed..!
Written 19 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LWL3333
Wellington, FL17,965 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
If you walk between St. Mark's and the Academia Bridge you will pass through this square which often has numerous artists offering their work and musician/buskers entertaining. It's also a nice place to take a rest, have a coffee or a drink and watch the throngs passing by. Note that there are clean public toilets (pay) beneath the Academia Bridge on the museum side of the bridge.
Written 19 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland64,692 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
We stayed in a comfortable and quiet apartment literally metres from this great square. So we traversed it most days, on our way to the many attractions and areas we visited.
The Campo was never over busy, even on weekend nights. A choice of good cafes and restaurants are in the square, a number of which we dined in. Some opened quite early in the morning, which was useful for having a cappuccino and brioche before our early morning walks.
A highlight of the Campo is the impressive eponymous church. It has a marvellous ship’s keel wooden roof. Its campanile is equally impressive, but for its dramatic lean that is best viewed from adjacent squares such as San Angelo.
Calle delle Botteghe, which is just off the square, has a well stocked grocery shop which was useful for buying some breakfast essentials.
A Gallery on the square currently features an exhibition of works by the Portuguese painter Nadir Afonso, around the occasion of his 90th birthday. Entry is free and features an interesting broad range of his output from his surrealistic phase onwards to his contemporary creations.
The Campo was never over busy, even on weekend nights. A choice of good cafes and restaurants are in the square, a number of which we dined in. Some opened quite early in the morning, which was useful for having a cappuccino and brioche before our early morning walks.
A highlight of the Campo is the impressive eponymous church. It has a marvellous ship’s keel wooden roof. Its campanile is equally impressive, but for its dramatic lean that is best viewed from adjacent squares such as San Angelo.
Calle delle Botteghe, which is just off the square, has a well stocked grocery shop which was useful for buying some breakfast essentials.
A Gallery on the square currently features an exhibition of works by the Portuguese painter Nadir Afonso, around the occasion of his 90th birthday. Entry is free and features an interesting broad range of his output from his surrealistic phase onwards to his contemporary creations.
Written 28 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BhawaniPathania
Mumbai, India3,683 contributions
June 2015 • Family
Unfortunately, landed here towards the end of the stay, so could not spend much time. A large square full of restaurants, architectural marvels and the best of all..beautifully decorated windows. Yes, there also is a large statue plonked right in the middle of the square.
But what I liked the most here a s that it does not have the touristy feel to it. Less crowded, prices of restaurants reasonable and a great atmosphere. We were in luck as we managed to catch an international band performing live in the square. Wonderful music.
Highly recommended for regaining sanity from the hustle and bustle of St. Mark's square and beyond.
But what I liked the most here a s that it does not have the touristy feel to it. Less crowded, prices of restaurants reasonable and a great atmosphere. We were in luck as we managed to catch an international band performing live in the square. Wonderful music.
Highly recommended for regaining sanity from the hustle and bustle of St. Mark's square and beyond.
Written 9 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,577 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
During our recent Venice holiday, we visited or passed through Campo Santo Stefano a couple of times. This square is fair sized for Venice, but not on scale with the likes of the grand Piazza San Marco, or the important Campo S. Frari or Campo Santa Margherita on the other side of the Grand Canal. It is large enough to have some free space for stretching your legs and putting some distance between yourself and the crowds that flock to nearby areas in San Marco district during the day. Overall, we felt this was just an average square but a nice area to take a break from the heavy crowds in the San Marco area.
We found a couple decent cafes and restaurants in Campo Santo Stefano but didn't try them. We also attended a concerto performance at the Chiesa San Vidal in the lower corner of the square by Interpreti Veneziani. It seems they play Vivaldi (25 Euro per person) music each night. There were also a few booths set up in the square selling Venetian masks and costume for the Carnival celebration. Nothing here appeared to be different than what you can see in the great number of shops selling similar seasonal attire.
Overall, we liked Campo San Stefano but wouldn't suggest targeting it for visitation in Venice simply due to most not having that much time in the city and there are far better attractions to see first. Instead just enjoy it as you pass by in route to the wonderful Galleries dell'Accademia just on the other side of the Grand Canal, if you are planning to see this excellent attraction. Perhaps this is the best way to enjoy this square for a few minutes.
We found a couple decent cafes and restaurants in Campo Santo Stefano but didn't try them. We also attended a concerto performance at the Chiesa San Vidal in the lower corner of the square by Interpreti Veneziani. It seems they play Vivaldi (25 Euro per person) music each night. There were also a few booths set up in the square selling Venetian masks and costume for the Carnival celebration. Nothing here appeared to be different than what you can see in the great number of shops selling similar seasonal attire.
Overall, we liked Campo San Stefano but wouldn't suggest targeting it for visitation in Venice simply due to most not having that much time in the city and there are far better attractions to see first. Instead just enjoy it as you pass by in route to the wonderful Galleries dell'Accademia just on the other side of the Grand Canal, if you are planning to see this excellent attraction. Perhaps this is the best way to enjoy this square for a few minutes.
Written 2 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria E
Bath, UK134 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Avoid! Extortionate prices for a cup of coffee with rude staff. Was served by a grumpy old man who failed to inform us that you couldn’t use a card for payments less than €20. Coffee was bog standard and €5 a pop!
No soya milk = no custom.
Go next door to Caffe Mokaefti; really lovely staff who couldn’t be more helpful with coffee half the price at €2.50 and very nice too.
There is also a nice little mini mart around the corner.
No soya milk = no custom.
Go next door to Caffe Mokaefti; really lovely staff who couldn’t be more helpful with coffee half the price at €2.50 and very nice too.
There is also a nice little mini mart around the corner.
Written 21 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Campo Santo Stefano Christmas dates 2018
What are the dates the christmas market is open? If I arrive Dec 28th, will I be able to see the market?
Written 2 December 2018
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