Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Contarini Palace

Palace with a distinctive exterior spiral staircase.

Featured in From Above

Sestiere San Marco

Show on map

Rialto (5-min walk)

Waterbus Guide

www.gioiellinascostidivenezia.it

Visit official website

+39 041 309 6605

Call now

Standard admission is €9.

Get tickets

Additional resources

What makes it special

The staircase

The external multi-arch spiral staircase has 80 monolithic steps that climb counterclockwise across five levels inside a 26-meter-high cylindrical tower constructed from Istrian stone and bricks.

An irreverent project

Tower construction was always restricted to church and state buildings to prevent potential military use. However, around 1400, the Contarini family, eager to display their wealth and power, boldly erected this unconventional structure blending Venetian Gothic, Byzantine and Renaissance styles.

The owners

The House of Contarini is one of the twelve founding families of the Venetian Republic and one of the oldest noble families in Italy. Eight Doges emerged from this esteemed lineage.

But why 'bovolo'?

‘Bovolo’ means snail shell in the Venetian dialect, a nod to the staircase’s unique spiral design.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo : At night, the staircase becomes enigmatic by seemingly vanishing into the obscure expanse of the sky

Open Gallery for more insights

Your experience here

Take a small detour from the beaten path for a hidden architectural gem.
Once inside the staircase, enjoy Venice’s most charming climb, where new views unfold as you rise.
Reach the top and claim your reward: sweeping views over Venice’s rooftops.

Open Gallery to get the feel