The Majestic St Mark's Campanile: A Venetian Icon
Explore the iconic St Mark's Campanile in Venice, a breathtaking historical landmark offering stunning views and a peek into the city's rich past.
St Mark's Campanile, a towering symbol of Venice, dominates the skyline with its impressive height and stunning architecture. Originally built in the 9th century and later reconstructed in the 16th century, this bell tower stands at an impressive 98.6 meters, making it the tallest structure in the city. Visitors flock to this iconic site not only to admire its beautiful façade but also to ascend to the top for panoramic views of Venice and its iconic canals. The climb to the top is facilitated by an elevator, making it accessible for all. As you gaze out over the city, you’ll be captivated by the intricate layout of the Venetian islands, the shimmering waters of the lagoon, and the iconic domes of St Mark's Basilica, which lies at the base of the campanile. While visiting, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the campanile's architecture, which blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. The bell tower not only served as a lookout point but also as a beacon for sailors returning to the city. Don't miss the opportunity to hear the bells ring, a tradition that has continued for centuries. The surrounding Piazza San Marco is equally enchanting, filled with lively cafes and shops, making it the perfect place to take a break after your visit. With its rich history and stunning views, St Mark's Campanile is a quintessential part of any Venetian adventure.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
- Check the weather before your visit; clear days offer the best views from the top.
- Consider combining your visit with a tour of St Mark's Basilica to enrich your understanding of the site's history.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.
A brief summary to St Mark's Campanile
- P.za San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, 30124, IT
- +390412708311
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-8:45 pm
Getting There
-
Car
If you are driving from another city in Veneto, take the A4 motorway towards Venice. Follow signs for 'Venezia' and then for 'Piazzale Roma', which is the main car terminal in Venice. Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma, you will need to park your car in one of the several parking garages available, such as the 'Garage San Marco' or 'Autorimessa Comunale'. Parking can cost around €30-€40 per day. After parking, walk to the nearby 'Vaporetto' (water bus) stop called 'Piazzale Roma' and board Line 1 towards 'Lido'. Get off at 'San Marco Vallaresso' stop, which is a short walk away from St Mark's Campanile.
-
Public Transportation (Train)
If you are coming from another city in Italy by train, arrive at 'Venezia Santa Lucia' train station. From there, exit the station and head to the 'Ferrovia' Vaporetto stop. Take Line 1 towards 'Lido' and get off at 'San Marco Vallaresso'. From the Vaporetto stop, it is a short walk to St Mark's Campanile located at P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE.
-
Public Transportation (Bus)
For those traveling by bus, arrive at 'Piazzale Roma' bus terminal. Here, you can take the Vaporetto from the nearby stop. Board Line 1 towards 'Lido' and disembark at 'San Marco Vallaresso'. St Mark's Campanile is just a few minutes' walk from the Vaporetto stop.
-
Walking
If you are already in Venice, you can walk to St Mark's Campanile. The Campanile is centrally located in St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). Follow signs to Piazza San Marco, which is well-marked across the city. The walk from anywhere in Venice's historic center should take approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on your starting point.
