Campo Santa Margherita

Campo Santa Margherita is one of the liveliest and most fascinating squares in Venice, located in the Dorsoduro district. This square represents a pulsating heart of Venetian life, a place where history, art, culture, and daily life harmoniously blend, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. The square is named after the church of Santa Margherita, which was once located on the square. The church, consecrated in the 12th century, was closed in 1810 during the Napoleonic suppressions and subsequently used for various purposes, including a school and a warehouse, until its final demolition. Despite the loss of the church, the name and importance of the square have remained intact. Campo Santa Margherita has a rich and varied history. Over the centuries, it has been a place of markets, social gatherings, and public events. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the square was a vital center for trade, where merchants displayed their goods and artisans showcased their skills. This commercial tradition continues today, with the daily market offering a wide range of fresh products, including fruits, vegetables, and fish. The architecture of the square is a fascinating mix of styles that reflect different historical periods. The buildings surrounding the square range from Gothic to Renaissance, to Baroque, each with its own distinctive features. A notable example is the Scuola Grande dei Carmini, a religious confraternity founded in 1594, which features a beautifully decorated Baroque facade and an interior rich in works of art, including frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo. An interesting anecdote concerns the presence of a carnival stone, called the “Pietra del Bando,” located in a corner of the square. This stone was used to proclaim edicts and public announcements during the Venice Carnival, a tradition dating back to the 13th century. The stone represents a tangible link to the city’s ancient customs and celebrations.