Campanile Belltower is located on San Marco Square. This is part of the world-famous Venetian Cathedral of St. Mark. However, the Campanile bell tower can also be seen as an independent sight, and very interesting.

The Campanile bell tower dates back to the 8th century - then the clock tower was on this place. In 1514, it acquired a modern look. The old structure was destroyed due to a lightning strike. The new bell tower was built with the money of Admiral Grimani. The fact that Grimani badly coped with the naval operation entrusted to him and was afraid of arrest. That's why he decided to take this step by providing personal funds for the city's needs.

Campanile was both a beacon for ships and a watchtower. The shaft of the tower in the Middle Ages was used to torture the guilty townspeople. It is known that on the tower in special cells hung the ministers of the church, convicted of homosexuality. The bell tower itself consisted of five bells, each of which had its own function. So, for example, the biggest bell of Marañón called early in the morning, thus informing people about the beginning of the work day.

Next to the Campanile bell tower in the 16th century project architect Jakolo Sansovino built an open gallery, the so-called lodgetta. She performed an important function - here was the guard of the Doge's Palace.

It is worth noting that many famous people admired the Campanile bell tower. It is interesting that Galileo demonstrated the world's first telescope on the bell tower of San Marco, and the poet Goethe, rising to the observation site of Campanile, was struck by the beauty of the sea.

In 1902 the Campanile bell tower collapsed. Before that, it cracked, and the whole city was waiting for the collapse of the tower. Probably, that's why none of the people suffered. The Venetians made a decision to restore the tower and the lodge. The work was carried out for 9 years - it was reopened in 1912.

Practical information

Working hours: October: 9:00 - 19 : 00, November - April: 9:30 - 15:45, April - June: 9:00 - 19:00, July - September: 9:00 - 21:00. Entrance: 8 EUR.

All prices are in December 2013.

Beautiful view of the Campanile bell tower

Campanile bell tower

Reviews of Campanile bell tower (1)

Evaluation 10

Venice from bird's eye view March 14, 2014

Len_Chik

was here in June 2012

It's absolutely necessary to climb the bell tower. The only inconvenience is to stand in line for a certain time. We were in Venice in the summer and had to stand half an hour. But it's worth it.
We pay 8 euros for a ticket, go to the elevator and go upstairs. In the elevator you can communicate in various languages: in our elevator there were Japanese, Germans, Englishmen and an Italian lifter.
The platform at the top is quite large, a 360 degree view of the city. From the observation deck opens a completely different Venice: St. Mark's Square, ... Read full review