Campo San Bartolomeo

Campo San Bartolomeo Venice: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Campo San Bartolomeo

Nestled in Venice’s bustling San Marco district and just steps from the iconic Rialto Bridge, Campo San Bartolomeo is a historic square that embodies the city’s rich mercantile heritage and vibrant contemporary life. With roots stretching back to the medieval era, it has long served as a hub for commerce, culture, and community gatherings. Today, the square remains freely accessible 24/7, offering a pedestrian-friendly space adorned with the striking bronze statue of playwright Carlo Goldoni, surrounded by markets, cafés, and shops that reflect authentic Venetian daily life. This guide provides essential information—covering visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and local insights—to help you make the most of your visit to one of Venice’s most cherished sites (Venice Insight, Tour Venice, Strictly Italy).

Historical Background
Visiting Information
Attractions and Highlights
Nearby Sites and Transportation
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sustainable Tourism
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Historical Background

Campo San Bartolomeo’s origins trace to the early medieval period, developing around a Roman-inspired urban grid. The square quickly became a focal point for trade and social interaction, especially due to its proximity to the Rialto Bridge and the Fondaco dei Tedeschi—a 13th-century customs house and trading post for German merchants. The nearby Church of San Bartolomeo, originally built in 840 CE and later rededicated, has historically anchored the community’s religious life. Over time, the campo’s architecture evolved, blending medieval and Renaissance influences, as seen in buildings like the Palazzo Moro and the reconstructed church.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours:

Campo San Bartolomeo: Open to the public 24 hours a day.
Church of San Bartolomeo: Generally open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, but hours may vary seasonally.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace: Open 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (reservation required for rooftop access).

Tickets and Tours:

The square and church are free to visit.
Guided walking tours often include Campo San Bartolomeo, Rialto, and San Marco highlights.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi’s rooftop terrace is free, but advance online booking is required.

Accessibility:

The square is pedestrian-friendly and flat, suitable for wheelchair users, though some surrounding alleys and bridges may be less accessible.
Comfortable footwear is recommended due to cobblestone paving.

Best Time to Visit:

Early mornings and late afternoons (especially on weekdays) are quieter.
Avoid peak tourist seasons (spring and summer) for a more relaxed experience.

Attractions and Highlights

The Statue of Carlo Goldoni

Erected in 1883, this bronze statue honors one of Venice’s most influential playwrights, Carlo Goldoni. It is both a popular photo spot and a frequent meeting point (Wikipedia).

Chiesa di San Bartolomeo

Dating to the 9th century (rebuilt in the 18th century), the church features notable works by Palma il Giovane and Sebastiano del Piombo. The interior’s Baroque design contrasts with the modest exterior, creating a hidden gem for art enthusiasts (The Tour Guy).

Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Once the headquarters for German merchants, this Renaissance-era building has been transformed into a luxury department store. Its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Venice, providing a unique perspective of the Grand Canal (Strictly Italy).

Proximity to the Rialto Bridge

Just steps away, the historic Rialto Bridge connects the campo to the heart of Venice’s trade and daily life. It offers breathtaking views and easy access to the Rialto Market (Time Out Venice).

Architectural Surroundings

The campo is flanked by a variety of palazzi showcasing architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque, such as Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, which historically housed the Venetian Republic’s treasury.

Nearby Sites and Transportation

Rialto Market: One of Europe’s oldest food markets, famed for fresh produce and seafood.
Mercerie Shopping Street: Leading from the campo to Piazza San Marco, lined with boutiques and artisans.
Piazza San Marco: Venice’s grand square, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Teatro Goldoni: Venice’s oldest theater, celebrating the playwright’s legacy.

Getting There:

On foot: Short walk from Rialto Bridge and central pedestrian routes.
By vaporetto: Rialto stop (Lines 1 and 2); approximately 15–20 minutes from Santa Lucia train station (Rick Steves Forum).

Practical Visitor Tips

Navigation: Use an offline map or navigation app as Venice’s alleys can be confusing; Campo San Bartolomeo is a helpful central landmark.
Dining: Enjoy Venetian cicchetti and local wines at nearby bacari (wine bars) or sample pastries at Rosa Salva Patisserie.
Shopping: Explore local boutiques for artisanal crafts and gifts.
Safety: The square is well-lit and busy, but stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas.
Photography: Best times are early morning or golden hour for photos of the statue and Rialto Bridge.
Facilities: Public restrooms are available near the Rialto Bridge or in larger cafés (usage fees may apply).
Weather: Dress in layers and be prepared for acqua alta (flooding) in autumn/winter.
Payments: Carry some cash for small purchases; not all shops accept cards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Campo San Bartolomeo’s visiting hours?
A: The square is open 24/7. Adjacent sites like the church and Fondaco dei Tedeschi have specific hours.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Campo San Bartolomeo and the church are free to access; the Fondaco rooftop terrace requires free advance reservation.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, many walking tours feature the campo as part of Venice’s historic core.

Q: Is the area wheelchair accessible?
A: The square is flat and accessible, but some nearby alleys and bridges may be challenging.

Q: What attractions are close by?
A: Rialto Bridge, Rialto Market, Mercerie, Piazza San Marco, and Teatro Goldoni are all within walking distance.

Sustainable Tourism

Campo San Bartolomeo is a popular and well-trafficked destination. Support responsible tourism by patronizing local businesses, minimizing waste, and respecting Venice’s historic environment. Use guided tours from reputable providers and consider sustainable travel options (itravelinitaly.it).

Conclusion

Campo San Bartolomeo stands as a living testament to Venice’s layered history and dynamic community life. From its medieval marketplace origins and architectural highlights to its daily buzz of commerce and culture, the square offers a truly authentic Venetian experience. Strategic location near the Rialto Bridge and key attractions makes it an ideal base for exploration. Open around the clock and welcoming to all, Campo San Bartolomeo invites visitors to discover the heart of Venice beyond the usual tourist trails. For the most rewarding experience, visit during quieter hours, take advantage of guided tours, and immerse yourself in the campo’s vibrant atmosphere.

Stay updated and enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app, exploring related articles, and following official tourism resources (Venice Tourism Board, Visit Venezia).