Strolling around the back streets of Venice, we ended up wandering through the Castello district, down Calle Larga Rosa, which led to a bridge that we used to cross a canal. Ships were docked on either side of the canal, for a picturesque viewpoint. Even better: a quaint, lovely park was on the other side of the bridge!
This park was the Campo San Pietro ("campo" roughly translates as "fields"). A rare open expanse of grass in Venice, beautifully lined with large shade trees throughout. Convenient benches beckoned to us, and as it was midafternoon, we plopped down and enjoyed a relaxing snack.
This mid-September day was hot and humid, and the shady park bench was just the restorative we needed. A few locals were on the other benches, one stretched out and napping.
Campo San Pietro abuts to the impressive Basilica San Pietro, which we took time to visit after relaxing in the park for a while.
Should you desire a quick return to civilization, a vaporetto stop, Via Canale delle Navi S, is on the east side of this small island.
If you're looking for a serene, cool and shady place for a picnic Campo San Pietro is a solid choice. read more