Sestiere San Marco
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Contarini Palace
Palace with a distinctive exterior spiral staircase.
Rialto (5-min walk)
www.gioiellinascostidivenezia.it
+39 041 309 6605
Standard admission is €9.
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.
Why visit Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
- 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.
Book tickets online
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Get delightfully dizzy
Climb the 80 stairs inside the fascinating spiral staircase and enjoy views over the Venetian skyline from the top.
There is also a small art gallery on the 2nd level.
Connect the dots
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Another Contarini palace
Ca' d'Oro is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Nearby
These top spots are steps away from Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo:
tops 5 mins
Palazzo Fortuny
tops 5 mins
San Moise
tops 5 mins
San Salvador
tops 5 mins
Santa Maria del Giglio
5-10 min away
Museo della Musica
5-10 min away
Piazza San Marco
5-10 min away
Rialto Bridge
