Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Contarini

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 in the Venetian dialect, alluding to the shape of the staircase.

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.

Optical illusion

When viewed from the ground, the staircase appears taller than its actual 26 meters (85 feet) by gradually decreasing the height of its arches as it ascends.

Panoramic views

There is a reward for getting dizzy climbing the spiral staircase all the way to the top: a sweeping view over the rooftops of Venice capturing iconic sights in all directions.