Campo San Maurizio, Venice — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Tucked between the grandeur of St. Mark's Square and the Accademia Bridge, Campo San Maurizio is one of those Venetian squares that quietly collects centuries of artistic brilliance without ever demanding attention. The church at its heart traces its origins to before the 16th century, though what you see today is a neoclassical beauty reconstructed between 1795 and 1806 by Giannantonio Selva, the same architect who designed Venice's legendary La Fenice opera house. But it's the square's artistic connections that really set it apart. A young Antonio Canova, who would go on to become one of the world's greatest sculptors, had his early studio right here. Imagine the future master of marble working on his first commissions while the sounds of the neighbourhood floated through his workshop windows. The church itself has found a wonderful second life as the Museo della Musica, celebrating Venice's rich Baroque musical heritage with displays of historic instruments. Five times a year, Campo San Maurizio transforms into a treasure hunter's paradise when the antique market takes over the square. Running since 1970, this beloved tradition brings dealers from across the region, their stalls overflowing with Venetian glass, vintage prints, and curiosities from centuries past. Questo's Venice explorations bring you through this artistic crossroads where sculpture, music, architecture, and commerce have been intertwined for generations.