Campanile di San Marco
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Campanile di San Marco - by Alessio Furlan on Unsplash
Description
The Campanile di San Marco Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice. It stands at 98m and had to be rebuilt in 1902-12 after collapsing. Its life started as a watch-tower in the 10th century and its height increased over time with a belfry and spire added during the Renaissance. The first 50m are a square brick shaft 12m wide with relatively plain architecture, suggesting its early defensive function. An elevator was installed in 1962, taking visitors up in 30 seconds. Trivia: archangel Gabriel acts as a weather vane
Access & Transport
The Campanile is located in front of St Mark's Basilica, at the junction of Piazza San Marco and the Piazzetta. Vaporetto line 1 stops at San Marco, along the night line N and airport lines A and B. Many other lines (#2, 4, 5, 7, 14, 20) also stop at San Zaccaria piers, just past the Doge's Palace.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with the Doge's Palace, Marciana Library, St Marks' Basilica and the Correr Museum.
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity marginally negative from an environmental standpoint (minor electricity consumption). Part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Campanile is perhaps the single most recognizable monument in Venice and a defining feature of the remarkable Piazza San Marco. Whether the 30secs elevator ride and the views are worth the price... we are not quite sure, especially if you will be exploring other neighbourhoods of the city that have other bell towers offering nearly similar views.
Key positive
Great panoramic views from the top
Key negative
Waiting time and crowded
Expensive
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (elevator)
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Monday09:30 - 21:15
Tuesday09:30 - 21:15
Wednesday09:30 - 21:15
Thursday09:30 - 21:15
Friday09:30 - 21:15
Saturday09:30 - 21:15
Sunday09:30 - 21:15