Campanile di San Marco: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting the Campanile di San Marco

When people think of a Venetian tower, this is the one that captures the imagination far beyond Italy. As a giant among Romanesque structures, the Campanile di San Marco relied on sheer scale and simplicity to build its legacy. It towers over the Basilica and the Piazza San Marco at 98.6 meters (323 feet), making it the tallest building in Venice. Its turbulent history only adds to its mythic status.

A structure reaching for the sky

For the first 50 meters, you see only red brick rising toward the white marble and bronze housing of the five bells, presided over by lions and the symbol of Giustizia (Justice). A green-tinted pyramidal spire crowns the top, and the archangel Gabriel, finished in gold leaf as a weather vane, carries a simple message: the Campanile stands as close to the heavens as possible.

Complicated early centuries

This is where Galileo demonstrated his telescope to the Doge in 1609, and the view over Venice is unmatched, especially looking down at the surrounding basilicas. Nicknamed the patron of the house, this massive tower has seen its share of drama. An initial attempt at construction failed in 888, and the version we see today took shape in the early 16th century. A fire damaged it in 1489, and an earthquake continued the destruction in 1511. It was not until 1513 that a ceremony finally celebrated its completed form.

A thorough reconstruction in the early 20th century

Time was not kind to this structure, which required frequent repairs and restorations. In 1903, the mayor of Venice began a massive reconstruction project with the now-legendary phrase "com'era e dov'era". By April 1912, the Campanile di San Marco was standing again, as it was and where it was. It remains as imposing and imperial as ever.

Today, an elevator takes you to the top, granting access to the belfry in just 30 seconds.