Venezia always amazes with its hidden gems. That is how Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with its wonderful spiral staircase enchants every visitor. This palazzo has been visitable since February 2016, and painting exhibitions and chamber music concerts are often held here. This small palazzo is best known for its external multi-arch spiral staircase known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. The Venetian word “bovolo” means snail and refers to the shape of a spiral snail shell (Scala del Bovolo). The staircase leads to an arcade, providing an impressive view of the city roof-tops. The palazzo is located in a small, less-travelled calle (street) near Campo Manin, about halfway between Campo San Bartolo, at the foot of the Rialto, and Campo Santo Stefano. The palazzo was designed and built in its current form in the 15th century by the architect Giovanni Candi as one of the city residences of the Contarini family. Giorgio Spavento is believed to have been responsible for the addition of the grand spiral staircase on the exterior in 1499. 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). 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 palace with the spiral staircase. Because of its beauty and attractiveness, the Palazzo del Bovolo was chosen by Orson Welles as one of the main locations (Brabantio's house) for his 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, and the staircase is prominently featured in the film. The entrance price is correct, so we are in the magically beautiful Venice.