When visiting Venice, it’s impossible to miss the tall bell tower in the heart of the city.
St Mark’s Campanile towers above all other buildings, as it is the tallest structure in Venice. The structure is now a bell tower, but it used to be used as a lighthouse since it is tall and sits on the water.
If you ever visit Venice, add this landmark to your itinerary!
History of St Mark’s Campanile
The structure dates back to the 10th century. It has gone through various transformations over many years. The main reason for this is that the building caught fire many times due to lightning strikes. In the 18th century, a rod was placed on the building to deter fires from lightning.
In 1902, the structure ended up collapsing, which resulted in a pile of ruins. It wasn’t until 1912 that the structure was rebuilt. It is the same height as the original structure and contains five bells.
The bells used to be used for a variety of purposes. The largest bell was used to signal the beginning and end of the workday. The smallest bell was used during executions. Another bell was used at noon, while yet another was used to call for gatherings. The final bell was used to announce government sessions.
Today, visitors can climb to the top of the bell tower for unparalleled views across the city.
Other attractions nearby
Though St Mark’s Campanile is a must-visit, there are many other attractions nearby to check out as well.
Saint Mark’s Basilica
Saint Mark’s Basilica is a gorgeous cathedral located right next to St Mark’s Campanile.
The cathedral dates back to the 10th century and offers a deep dive into the history of Venice. This is another building that is hard to miss because of its unique architecture. Be sure to add this landmark to your itinerary!
Doge’s Palace
Located just around the corner is Doge’s Palace, which is one of the most recognized buildings in Venice. It used to be the place of residence for the former ruler of Venice, but now it is a government building.
Explore Venice on a tour
There are plenty of ways to explore Venice, though our favourite is with a tour. Travelling around a new location with a tour guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of the location you’re visiting and the area around you.
If you are looking for a memorable gondola experience, join a morning gondola tour. There’s no better way to start the day than gliding across the waters of the canals. You’ll have 30 minutes to take in the scenery including Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Mozart House, and much more.
If you are seeking an in-depth experience at Doge’s Palace, join our Doge’s Palace morning tour. You’ll gain insight into the palace’s history from your expert tour guide. You will also receive skip the line access to the palace, which will allow you to surpass any lines to enter. From there, the day is yours to explore the museum as long as you’d like.
For a comprehensive introduction to Venice, join a Venice discovery tour. You will spend a few hours in the morning exploring the city’s highlights. From history to art and gorgeous architecture, there is so much to take in.
Begin planning your trip to Venice and make memories that will last a lifetime!