San Marco
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
A dizzying climb
Palace distinguished by its striking external spiral staircase, leading to rewarding rooftop views.
Rialto + 5-min walk
www.gioiellinascostidivenezia.it
+39 041 309 6605
Admission is €9.
Additional resources
What makes this place 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.
270° panoramic views
From the terrace at the top of the staircase, you're hovering just above the Venetian rooftops, with panoramic views and iconic landmarks all around. As a bonus, this is the only climb in Venice that offers continuous outdoor views on the way up.
Discover more about Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo through 19 photos with explanations.
Open galleryWhat to experience here
- Take a small detour from the beaten path for a hidden architectural gem.
- Get delightfully dizzy climbing the wide spiral stairs and enjoy new views unfolding as you rise.
- Reach the top and claim your reward: sweeping views over Venice's rooftops.
- On your way back down, stop at Sala del Tintoretto to admire one of his paintings and the displays from the various temporary exhibitions.
Tickets
The ticket grants access to the staircase interior, letting you climb at your own pace and linger on the top terrace.
It also includes the Sala del Tintoretto, home to a painting by the master and temporary exhibitions.
Finding your way to the palace
Getting to Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo feels like peeling away a secret. Although it lies just a short detour from two of the busiest routes in the San Marco district, reaching it still feels like an adventure.
The palace is tucked away at the end of a dead-end alley, accessed through one of two narrow passageways, so narrow that visitors may have to squeeze past one another.
Both entrances are signposted, but the signs are small and easy to miss amid the bustle.
One route begins in Campo Manin, at house number 4233A: with the canal behind you, look for it on the left side of the square.
The other entrance is on Calle de la Vida o de le Locande, which branches off the main Calle dei Fuseri near number 4280.
Whichever route you take, both lead to an intersection where the dead-end Calle Contarini del Bovolo begins.
Follow the alley until it ends in a small campo, where the palace finally reveals itself.
The golden sibling
Whereas Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this other Contarini palace commands attention on the Grand Canal.
Ca' d'Oro (The Golden House) is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Beyond admiring its exquisite facade, you can explore its art collection, wander through the inner courtyard adorned with polychrome marble mosaics, and enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Canal from the upper loggia.
You can even pair your visit with Palazzo Grimani, with a good-value combined ticket granting access to both palaces.
Your questions, answered
Common questions about visiting Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, answered to help you plan your visit.
Is the climb difficult?
There are 80 wide spiral steps, followed by roughly 20 narrower ones near the top. The tower stands at 26 meters, and the staircase is open-air. It's relatively short overall and manageable for most visitors. There is no elevator.
Is there a time limit at the top?
Not officially, but expect a natural flow on busy days. The upper terrace is quite small, so most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes enjoying the views before making room for others.
Can I see it without a ticket?
Yes, the exterior of the staircase is visible from the ground-level courtyard, which you can enter for free. Even if the courtyard is closed for any reason, the tower is still visible from small calle (alley) just outside the courtyard. To climb the steps and reach the belvedere at the top, however, a ticket is required.
What to see nearby
These attractions are within walking distance of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo:
tops 5 mins
Teatro La Fenice
tops 5 mins
Fortuny Museum
tops 5 mins
San Moisè
tops 5 mins
Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
tops 5 mins
San Salvador
tops 5 mins
Santa Maria del Giglio
5-10 min away
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