Venetian Squares: The “Campi” (Gardens) of Venice
Venetian squares are quite unique compared to any other square around the world. These are called “campi”, open squares that once served as the beating heart of Venetian neighbourhoods. Unlike the grand piazzas of other Italian cities, these spaces were not merely places of gathering but originally functioned as communal gardens and farmland, ensuring the city’s self-sustainability throughout the centuries.
The Origins of the “Campi”
The word “campo” means “field” in Italian, and in medieval Venice, these spaces lived up to their name. Before the city’s urbanization fully took hold, campi were grassy fields where Venetians cultivated vegetables, raised animals, and sourced fresh water from communal wells. In a city built on a lagoon with no natural freshwater sources, these wells, covered by characteristic stone structures, were vital for survival.
Unlike today’s paved squares, early campi were covered in soil, helping rainwater seep into underground cisterns that filtered and stored it for daily use. This ingenious system allowed Venetians to thrive despite their city’s unique geographic challenges.
Campi as Centers of Community Life
Over time, as Venice grew into a maritime powerhouse, its campi evolved from agricultural fields into bustling social and commercial hubs. Each campo was often home to a church, a well, and markets where locals traded goods. These squares became gathering places for everything from religious festivities to political discussions, and even duels.
Some of the most famous campi in Venice include:
- Campo Santa Margherita – A lively spot in Dorsoduro, now a favorite among students and locals for its cafés and bars.
- Campo San Polo – One of the largest campi in the city, historically used for tournaments, fairs, and even bullfighting.
- Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio – Still retaining a local, village-like charm, this campo reflects the true essence of Venetian community life.
Today’s Green Campi
As Venice expanded, many campi lost their agricultural function. Paved over with stone and marble, they adapted to the changing needs of a growing urban population. Yet a few still retain their original greenery, offering a glimpse into the city’s past when these spaces were meadows for grazing animals. One of the most notable is Campo San Pietro di Castello, located on the quiet island of San Pietro. Surrounded by historic buildings, including the former cathedral of Venice, this campo features patches of grass that add to its serene atmosphere. Another rare example is Campo San Francesco della Vigna, where a small green area enhances the peaceful setting of the adjacent monastery. These campi serve as rare green lungs within the city, offering locals and visitors a refreshing contrast to Venice’s otherwise stone-covered landscape.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Today, Venetian campi continue to be vital to the city’s social fabric. They serve as open-air living rooms where children play, elderly residents chat, and visitors experience a quieter, more authentic side of Venice away from the main tourist routes.
While the gardens and farms of the past may be gone, the spirit of the campi endures. They remind us that Venice, beyond its romantic canals, was a city built on a deep connection to the land—even in the middle of the sea.
And if you want to see these beautiful green oases from the water (by boat) just drop us a message here! And we’ll arrange the best boat tour you can dream of.