Scala Contarini del Bovolo (Venice)
Tickets for the spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Info and tickets for Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Othello's spiral staircase at the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo in Venice Italy.
Info & Tickets Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo |
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| Location | San Marco, Campo Manin, 4303, 30124 Venezia |
| Tickets | Attention: Scala Contarini del Bovolo can only be visited with an online ticket reservation! Only a small group of people are allowed in every half hour.
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Visit the spiral staircase 'Scala del Bovolo'
The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a palae located in the district of San Marco, between the Canal Grande, Rio de San Salvador, Rio di San Luca and Rio Fuseri. The Venetian word “bovolo” means snail and refers to the shape of a spiral snail shell (Scala Contarini del Bovolo). During renovations in the 15th century, the balconies with balustrades and the spiral staircase were added to the already existing palace, which consists of two joined buildings. This gave the courtyard where the palace was located a completely different look. Over the centuries, each owner has had his own influence on the palace and this can partly be seen in the structure.
Interesting facts about Scala Contarini del Bovolo
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). Although the stairs do not offer a view of the Canal Grande at any height, the stairs are still of value because of its location. It is located exactly halfway between the economic center of Venice (Rialto) and the Piazza San Marco. When Venice was a republic, the square used to be the political heart of the city. This also had a positive effect on the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.
The upper floor of Scala del Bovolo
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 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with the snail and spiral staircase. A fun fact is that Scala del Bovolo was the filming location for the Orson Welles film Othello (1951), based on the work of William Shakespeare.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo Tickets & Tours
Where is the spiral staircase in Venice?
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