Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo | Venice

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a small Venetian palace located in a secluded courtyard near Campo Manin. It is globally recognized for its unique external spiral staircase, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, which blends Renaissance, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural elements.

Visual Characteristics

The defining feature is the 28-meter-high cylindrical tower containing a multi-arched spiral staircase (the bovolo, meaning "snail shell" in Venetian dialect). The tower is composed of red brick and white Istrian stone, featuring a series of ascending loggias with semicircular arches. The structure culminates in a domed belvedere (lookout) that provides a panoramic view of the Venetian rooftops.

Location & Access Logistics

The palace is situated at Corte Contarini del Bovolo, 4303.

Navigation: It is located in a hidden alley; visitors should follow the directional yellow signs marked "Scala del Bovolo" from Campo Manin or the Rialto area.

Public Transit: The nearest Vaporetto stops are "Rialto" (Lines 1, 2) or "Sant'Angelo" (Line 1).

Entry: Access to the staircase and the summit requires a timed-entry ticket. Due to the narrowness of the stairs, capacity is strictly limited.

Accessibility: The tower is not wheelchair accessible as it consists entirely of a steep spiral staircase with no elevator.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The palace was built in the 15th century for the Contarini family. The famous staircase was added later, around 1499, by architect Giovanni Candi. The addition was intended to modernize the Gothic palace and provide the owners with a prestigious view. In the 19th century, the building served as a guesthouse; it is currently managed by the Fondazione Venezia Servizi alla Persona.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Ascent: Visitors climb the 80 steps of the spiral staircase, experiencing changing perspectives of the courtyard architecture.

The Belvedere: The top floor offers a unique 360-degree view, including a rare angle of St. Mark's Campanile and the domes of the Basilica.

Sala del Tintoretto: A small gallery on the second floor of the palace (accessible from the stairs) housing a selection of Venetian artworks, including a sketch attributed to Tintoretto.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is minimal in infrastructure. There is a small ticket office and a limited selection of souvenirs at the entrance. Public restrooms are not available on-site. 4G/5G cellular signals are strong at the top of the tower but can be obstructed within the narrow staircase.

Best Time to Visit

The "Golden Hour" shortly before sunset provides the best photographic lighting for the Venetian skyline. Mid-morning (10:00–11:30) is typically less crowded than midday. Pre-booking online is necessary during peak season to guarantee a slot.

Facts & Legends

The staircase was allegedly built because a member of the Contarini family wanted to climb to his apartments on horseback, though the narrow steps make this historically improbable. A verified historical event occurred in 1859 when the astronomer Wilhelm Tempel used the tower's belvedere to discover the comet C/1859 M1 and the Merope Nebula using a small telescope.

Nearby Landmarks

Campo Manin: 0.1km North

Teatro La Fenice: 0.3km South

Rialto Bridge: 0.4km Northeast

Piazza San Marco: 0.5km Southeast

Church of San Salvatore: 0.3km North