Campo dei Mori

Venice · Italy · Urban site

Three merchant brothers swore they would turn to stone if their goods were poor. Sior Antonio Rioba still stands on the corner — with an iron nose.

Four roughly carved stone figures are set into the walls of Campo dei Mori in Cannaregio. Legend calls them the brothers Rioba, Sandi and Afani Mastelli, silk and spice traders who came to Venice from the Morea, together with their servant. They were able men but dishonest: shoddy goods at outrageous prices, and outright fraud through their own bank. When they swore before a woman, by the Eternal Father, that they would turn to stone if their wares were not the finest in Venice, they were petrified on the spot. The corner figure is known as Sior Antonio Rioba and became the city's gossip-post for centuries, anonymous lampoons pinned to him. His nose was knocked off and replaced with iron, and touching that iron nose is still said to bring luck.

FAQ

Where is Campo dei Mori located?

Campo dei Mori is in Venedig, Italy.

More haunted places in Venedig

Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.