Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The tallest spiral staircase of Venice is a perfect synthesis of different architecture styles (Renaissance, Gothic and Venetian-Byzantine). It was commissioned by Pietro Contarini in late 1400 as a decorative element of the adjacent family's Palazzo. Even today there are several hypotheses about the authorship of the manufacturer. The monument can be considered a unique architectural jewel in the lagoon, the new Renaissance expression that was establishing in the city. The Scala is connected to the palace by three floors lodges. At the top there is the Belvedere with a wonderful view of Venice, from here you can see the domes and the Campanile di San Marco, the Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and even the Teatro la Fenice.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: San Marco
The most famous sestiere (district) in Venice has one of the world's most famous squares, St. Mark's (Piazza San Marco). Anchored on one end by the basilica, clustered around it are restaurants, museums, shops, orchestras playing in the square, pigeons, the grand pink Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the soaring campanile bell tower, an astrological clock tower, plus gorgeous cafes and restaurants like Florian and Quadri. Piazza San Marco is beloved by Venetians themselves. They book a table anytime, which offers a buffer from the fray. This grand outdoor drawing room attracts Venetians for a stroll too, especially late in the afternoon when the hoards of daytrippers thin out. It's simply a grand place to meet.
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1,486 within 3 miles
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See what travelers are saying
- Alyeska13The Netherlands552 contributionsGorgeous building in a tiny little square that feels like a secretWow! This beautiful building is in a tiny square off the beaten path, but it is so lovely that it’s worth finding! It’s definitely not a secret place, but for some reason, once you find it, it feels like one even if people are there! Maybe because it’s so small? We went toward the end of our trip kind of last minute, but I’m so glad we did. It ended up being very close to our apartment, and we would never have even known it was there if we hadn’t used google maps. There were people there, but at the time we went it wasn’t overrun with tourists like everywhere else seemed to be. We decided not to climb it because we were exhausted after everything we’d done that day, but I would definitely like to the next time we visit. (Also, our apartment was on the 5th floor, so we had been doing at least 20 flights a day already. My husband was glad I didn’t already have tickets because he didn’t want to climb more stairs! ) The square itself is much smaller than expected, and the building has a wrought iron fence around the tiny, grassy yard in front of it. We saw a number of people climbing it and looking out of the top terrace. There also looked like there was an attached museum. We honestly were too tired at that point to enjoy it much, but it’s really beautiful from the outside. There was a tour group there, but even with them it seemed like a secret spot!Visited June 2023Written June 18, 2023
- WanderingOttersonsDenver, Colorado1,380 contributionsGreat architecture and views from the topThe unique external spiral staircase is the primary draw for this place. for most who wish to see the building, a quick stop outside would be enough. We chose to pay the ticket price to climb to the top and take in the views. Decide for yourself your choice. The price is about €9 and what you get is a small gallery on one of the floors that was housing modern art on the day we were there and then a walk to the top of the tower. It’s not a lot but I will say that the views from the top are pretty nice.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2023
- MenekagHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,469 contributionsFascinating architectureIt is an interesting structure for sure with an outside staircase. It is the history surrounding the building which was the house of a noble family in Venice in the 15th century. The architecture is beautiful. It’s hard to find unless you know what you are looking for and does only require a quick stop to admire it from the outside as I have read there isn’t much to see inside. You can climb up for a fee but we were short of time and energyVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2023
- Elina MichaelidouLondon, United Kingdom584 contributionsA unique place to visitThe Scala del Bovolo is a very interesting place to visit, especially for taking photos. I was expecting some form of museum along the floors but there is actually only one small room for exhibitions and the main focus is the view from the top which didn’t disappoint. We spent around 30 minutes there.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2023
- Asiyah Noemi KPula, Croatia5,046 contributionsWonderful spiral staircaseVenezia always amazes with its hidden gems. That is how Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with its wonderful spiral staircase enchants every visitor. This palazzo has been visitable since February 2016, and painting exhibitions and chamber music concerts are often held here. This small palazzo is best known for its external multi-arch spiral staircase known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. The Venetian word “bovolo” means snail and refers to the shape of a spiral snail shell (Scala del Bovolo). The staircase leads to an arcade, providing an impressive view of the city roof-tops. The palazzo is located in a small, less-travelled calle (street) near Campo Manin, about halfway between Campo San Bartolo, at the foot of the Rialto, and Campo Santo Stefano. The palazzo was designed and built in its current form in the 15th century by the architect Giovanni Candi as one of the city residences of the Contarini family. Giorgio Spavento is believed to have been responsible for the addition of the grand spiral staircase on the exterior in 1499. The beautiful spiral staircase has eighty steps and is 28 meters high. It spans six floors and is made of red bricks and white stone (arches, columns and balustrade). In the 19th century, Domenico Emery became the owner of the property and then the palace was transformed into an accommodation for guests. One of these guests was the German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel. He discovered important celestial bodies by making observations with his telescope from the top floor of the tower. This has given more fame to the palace with the spiral staircase. Because of its beauty and attractiveness, the Palazzo del Bovolo was chosen by Orson Welles as one of the main locations (Brabantio's house) for his 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, and the staircase is prominently featured in the film. The entrance price is correct, so we are in the magically beautiful Venice.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 22, 2023
- 3CaldwellsIpswich, United Kingdom124 contributionsBeautiful climbAn absolute gem found whilst Geocaching. A reasonable price to enter the tower and enjoy the view as well as appreciate the art exhibition. It’s quite a climb and on a wet Day I was a little concerned of the slippery surface. But the roof top view was so worth the effort.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 11, 2024
- Jinty059Glasgow, United Kingdom185 contributionsQuirky, beautiful, staircase.Managed to find this beautiful building with the help of a good detailed map of Venice, well hidden away up tiny alleys, but some street signage to keep one right. Took lots of photos but did not climb up the spiral staircase. Knees would not have survived after walking for days around Venice. Worth a visit.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,593 reviews
Excellent
824
Very good
578
Average
141
Poor
36
Terrible
14
Alyeska13
The Netherlands552 contributions
Jun 2023
Wow! This beautiful building is in a tiny square off the beaten path, but it is so lovely that it’s worth finding! It’s definitely not a secret place, but for some reason, once you find it, it feels like one even if people are there! Maybe because it’s so small? We went toward the end of our trip kind of last minute, but I’m so glad we did. It ended up being very close to our apartment, and we would never have even known it was there if we hadn’t used google maps. There were people there, but at the time we went it wasn’t overrun with tourists like everywhere else seemed to be. We decided not to climb it because we were exhausted after everything we’d done that day, but I would definitely like to the next time we visit. (Also, our apartment was on the 5th floor, so we had been doing at least 20 flights a day already. My husband was glad I didn’t already have tickets because he didn’t want to climb more stairs! ) The square itself is much smaller than expected, and the building has a wrought iron fence around the tiny, grassy yard in front of it. We saw a number of people climbing it and looking out of the top terrace. There also looked like there was an attached museum. We honestly were too tired at that point to enjoy it much, but it’s really beautiful from the outside. There was a tour group there, but even with them it seemed like a secret spot!
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3Caldwells
Ipswich, UK124 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
An absolute gem found whilst Geocaching. A reasonable price to enter the tower and enjoy the view as well as appreciate the art exhibition. It’s quite a climb and on a wet Day I was a little concerned of the slippery surface. But the roof top view was so worth the effort.
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Menekag
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,469 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
It is an interesting structure for sure with an outside staircase. It is the history surrounding the building which was the house of a noble family in Venice in the 15th century. The architecture is beautiful. It’s hard to find unless you know what you are looking for and does only require a quick stop to admire it from the outside as I have read there isn’t much to see inside. You can climb up for a fee but we were short of time and energy
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MustTravel
Lucca, Italy114 contributions
Jun 2021
We wanted to visit the Hidden Staircase for a few years now and finally had the opportunity to visit the first week of June 2021. We booked our tickets as with Covid restrictions only 10 people per appointment is allowed. The climb to the top to view absolute spendour of Venice was easy. The view is amazing and you can spot a few important landmarks from the top. I would definately recommend a visit to the Scala Contradini del Bovolo.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrazySpiti
Saint Paul, MN84 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Impressive in photographs, even better in person. There is a small fee to enter the building. The ticket office staff seemed a bit bored and weren’t attentive by or friendly. We had no problem buying a last moment ticket and enjoyed taking in the view of some of the modern artwork within the museum. The staircase had an amazing view and the stonework was unique.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia5,046 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Venezia always amazes with its hidden gems. That is how Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with its wonderful spiral staircase enchants every visitor. This palazzo has been visitable since February 2016, and painting exhibitions and chamber music concerts are often held here. This small palazzo is best known for its external multi-arch spiral staircase known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. The Venetian word “bovolo” means snail and refers to the shape of a spiral snail shell (Scala del Bovolo). The staircase leads to an arcade, providing an impressive view of the city roof-tops. The palazzo is located in a small, less-travelled calle (street) near Campo Manin, about halfway between Campo San Bartolo, at the foot of the Rialto, and Campo Santo Stefano. The palazzo was designed and built in its current form in the 15th century by the architect Giovanni Candi as one of the city residences of the Contarini family. Giorgio Spavento is believed to have been responsible for the addition of the grand spiral staircase on the exterior in 1499. The beautiful spiral staircase has eighty steps and is 28 meters high. It spans six floors and is made of red bricks and white stone (arches, columns and balustrade). In the 19th century, Domenico Emery became the owner of the property and then the palace was transformed into an accommodation for guests. One of these guests was the German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel. He discovered important celestial bodies by making observations with his telescope from the top floor of the tower. This has given more fame to the palace with the spiral staircase. Because of its beauty and attractiveness, the Palazzo del Bovolo was chosen by Orson Welles as one of the main locations (Brabantio's house) for his 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, and the staircase is prominently featured in the film. The entrance price is correct, so we are in the magically beautiful Venice.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂 ® 👑
Moscow, Russia118,360 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The palace was built in 1499 for Pietro Contarini, Marco Contarini and Giovanni Battista Contarini, senators of the Venetian Republic, representatives of the oldest patrician family. The palace is also known for the fact that in 1859 the lithographer and astronomer Tempel, Ernst Wilhelm Leberecht Wilhelm Tempel made his first astronomical observations from the observation tower with his own telescope. Here, on April 2, 1859, he discovered the comet C/1859 G1, and on October 19, 1859, the Merop Nebula in the Pleiades cluster.
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoldNurseteacher
Mold43 contributions
Apr 2022
Despite la Scala being relatively close to St Mark’s it is remarkably well hidden. In fact, we found it on our second attempt and what an impressive and unusual edifice it is. Almost like a mini version of the Tower of Pisa the climb to the top is refreshingly perpendicular and gives lovely views over the Venetian rooftops and skyline. There was a modest but fascinating exhibition on a lower floor which enriched our visit.
It’s set in a small, peaceful square showing off its Byzantinesque style. So different and well worth a brief trip from the intensity of the crowds elsewhere.
It’s set in a small, peaceful square showing off its Byzantinesque style. So different and well worth a brief trip from the intensity of the crowds elsewhere.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose Antonio Vivanco
Madrid, Spain18 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
The place is nice and the views fantastic.
No guided tour unless you are a young beautiful blondie. In that case the guy taking care of the place gives you a fantastic explanation about the picture.
The person in the tickets office told me that they do that when they have nothing to do which was the case when me and my wife went up. She justified her colleague.
So basically one woman justifying it and other one enjoying the favour treatment.....
No guided tour unless you are a young beautiful blondie. In that case the guy taking care of the place gives you a fantastic explanation about the picture.
The person in the tickets office told me that they do that when they have nothing to do which was the case when me and my wife went up. She justified her colleague.
So basically one woman justifying it and other one enjoying the favour treatment.....
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShVa2023
4 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The building itself is beautiful and well worth visiting from the outside for free. The views at the top are underwhelming, take 1-2 minutes to see and mostly rooftops of residential homes. Use the ticket money to buy a nice gelato or slice of pizza instead.
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonaventura65
Treviso, Italy
Il costo del biglietto
ScalaContariniBovolo
Venice, Italy
Buongiorno, al sito di gioiellinascostidivenezia troverete tutte le informazioni necessarie.
Cordiali saluti,
Staff Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Khushpulyan
Moscow61 contributions
здравствуйте,
подскажите пжл, очередь на вход есть?
zapad12679
Moscow, Russia10 contributions
очереди совсем нет, 8 евро дорого. картины в маленькой комнате можно посмотреть бесплатно в церквях.
AINTZANEBLAS
San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain35 contributions
Hola . tenemos pensado ver el Palacio Cantarini del Bovolo , nos gustaría saber si tienes que pagar por entrar , y si es dificil de encontrar, tengo entendido que está cerca de la plaza de San Marcos. gracias
CarlottaCuerda
Pontevedra, Spain377 contributions
Cuando yo fui (noviembre 2015), estaba cerrado. No sé si hay que pagar. Es fácil encontrarlo ya que hay señales de dirección por las esquinas cercanas. Tiene página web
Monique G
Couthuin, Liege, Belgium123 contributions
Hello All so it appears that the staircase is now open? I have a trip planned in mid May. Can you go without a tour and just pay the entrance fee (any idea of what that is?) upon arrival (after hunting for it of course - from what i read it is not that easy to find :) but then all of Venice from what I have read will be a treasure hunt for me). Thanks all for your replies!
ScalaContariniBovolo
Venice, Italy
Dear Monique,
In our website you can find all the informations you need:
search us on google typing scalacontarinidelbovolo.
Thanks for choosing us and best regards,
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
mb74_england
London, UK2,648 contributions
Is the Scala Contarini del Bovolo open for visitors?
Life-is-an-Adventure
Karmiel, Israel466 contributions
Hi rogermoore88
Ditto to the above - you can't go inside but can observe it through a fence - nevertheless you get a good view of its unique architecture and beauty.
I'm jealous that you are going to Venice - we were there last month and in 35 years of happy marriage this was one of our top vacations! We'd go back in a heartbeat!
You may find some of the reviews I wrote of interest - especially those of Ca' Rezzonico and Musica A Pallazo - just go to my profile page and click on reviews - you'll get the whole list.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!
Rabih Z
Rome, Italy211 contributions
HI, is the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo under renovation? any idea when it will be open to public again?
MarieS443
Somerset West, South Africa40 contributions
I visited in October 2014 - at that time, it had a palisade fence around it, so you could not go inside, but the entire front fascade was visible. The building is in a narrow alleyway so even though there is a fence it does not restrict your view of the the architecture, since you are really quite close to the building. In front of the building, within the 'garden' if you could call it that, were various other artefacts of carved marble that were there for safe-keeping.
I found it worth the visit!
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Claim your listingScala Contarini del Bovolo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Scala Contarini del Bovolo:
- Private Gondola Ride in Venice (From $88.87)
- Venice Legends, Anecdotes and Ghost stories tour (From $38.88)
- Hidden Venice Walking Tour (From $34.44)
- Private Gondola Ride in Venice (From $88.87)
- Venice 30 min Gondola Ride (From $42.21)
- Hotels near Scala Contarini del Bovolo:
- (0.00 mi) SPIRAL-CANAL-VIEW, 2pax, wifi, aircond
- (0.00 mi) Bovolo Terrace Palace (300 mt St. Mark´s Squa
- (0.01 mi) Alloggi alla Scala
- (0.01 mi) Antica Casa Coppo
- (0.01 mi) Residenza Ducato
- Restaurants near Scala Contarini del Bovolo:
- (0.02 mi) Ai Mercanti
- (0.03 mi) Skk
- (0.08 mi) RistoPub Rossini
- (0.06 mi) Ristorante Anonimo Veneziano
- (0.07 mi) Pizzeria L'Angelo