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Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

4303 Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venezia, Veneto

Description

The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a small palazzo in Venice known for its external spiral staircase. The tower is 28m high and contains 80 steps over 6 floors leading up to an arcade. It blends red cotto brick with arches made of white Istria stone. The palazzo was re-designed in its current form in the late 15th century by architect Giovanni Candi for its owner Pietro Contarini. Today, it is owned by the City of Venice. Trivia #1: the monument featured heavily in Orson Welles 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello Trivia #2: comet C/1859 and the Merope Nebula of the Pleiades were discovered from the top of the tower by German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel

Access & Transport

Address: S. Marco, 4303, 30124 Venezia The street is near Campo Manin, between Campo San Bartolo (Rialto bridge) and Campo Santo Stefano. The palace is close to the vaporetto stops of Rialto (1, 2, N) with Sant'Angelo (1, N) and San Marco (A, B, 1, 10, N) good alternatives as well.

Instructions & Recommendations

Online booking is recommended, not mandatory From there it is a short walk to the Rialto or Piazza San Marco area as well as the Phoenix Opera House (Teatro La Fenice)

Meta review

Travel blogs and online reviews confirm that this is the most impressive spiral staircase in Venice but there are mixed opinions as to whether the climb is worth the ticket price, especially as the views from the top are "nice but not spectacular".

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint for this activity and helps preserve the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The "snail" staircase might be special but there are many other splendid buildings in the city so by all means have a look if you are in the area. However, in our opinion, the ticket price is poor value and simply trying to exploit the social networks "beautiful shots" craze

Key positive

Visually striking staircase design

Key negative

Expensive for what it is

Suitability

The staircase is not accessible for wheelchair users

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission 30mins bef. closing. Closed on 01 Jan, 25 & 26 Dec

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 21

Season 2

MONDAY09:30 - 17:30

TUESDAY09:30 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:30

THURSDAY09:30 - 17:30

FRIDAY09:30 - 17:30

SATURDAY09:30 - 17:30

SUNDAY09:30 - 17:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€6
Adult
26 - 64
€8
Teen & Young
12 - 25
€6
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
If booking a slot online, those entitled to free tickets will need to pay a 1 € pre-sale right

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