The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, built in the 15th century, is famous for its distinctive spiral staircase. Although it isn’t typically considered a top attraction in Venice, I first discovered it during a gondola tour years ago and was immediately fascinated by its unique design. At the time, I couldn’t have imagined how to find this hidden courtyard on my own, and I regretted not being able to explore it more thoroughly. The palazzo and its staircase were closed to the public back then, but I dreamed of one day climbing that beautiful spiraling staircase.
Nestled in a quiet dead-end street in the San Marco district, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo may not impress at first glance, yet its quirky design makes it special. The Contarini family, one of Venice’s founding families, hired an architect to create this elegant external spiral staircase integrated into a Byzantine-style tower adorned with graceful rows of rounded arches. The design echoes the shape of a snail shell, or bovolo, which is how the palazzo got its name. It’s sometimes referred to as The Snail House, with the staircase being its main attraction, recognized as Scala Contarini del Bovolo.
After being closed for several years, both the palace and the staircase welcomed visitors again in 2016. The palazzo operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from March to October, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from November to February. The entry fee is quite reasonable and allows access to all four levels of the palazzo and the staircase. While there may be other spiral staircases in Venice, this one is the tallest.
The tower stands at 85 feet tall, but from the ground, it appears even taller. The architect cleverly designed the arches on the top level to be half the size of those on the ground floor, creating an illusion that enhances the tower’s height. Finally, last spring, I fulfilled my long-held dream and climbed to the top of this stunning structure in Venice. The ascent, which involves 133 steps, requires a bit of physical effort, but the breathtaking view from the belvedere is well worth it.
I spent a considerable amount of time at the top, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and taking in the expansive view, especially since there were only a handful of visitors around. Naturally, I seized the opportunity for an impromptu photo session.
If you’re a fan of classic films, you might recognize Palazzo del Bovolo as a shooting location in Orson Welles’s 1952 film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello, featuring the staircase prominently in several scenes.
Have you visited this lesser-known gem in Venice? It hasn’t become overly crowded with tourists yet, making now the perfect time to add it to your travel plans. As you stroll along Calle de la Vida o de le Locande, look out for a yellow sign next to an archway pointing to Scala Contarini del Bovolo.
Discover more about this and other must-see locations in Venice in my award-winning travel memoir,
THE VENICE I KNOW.
Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Click the link to purchase on Amazon or Audible.
Have you been to Venice? I would love to hear your experiences, so please share in the comments!
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