Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo — Attraction in Venice

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Venice, Italy. This unique architectural marvel is renowned for its exquisite spiral staircase, known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Despite being less well-known than some of the city's other landmarks, the palazzo is a true testament to the charm and beauty of Venetian architecture.

Built in the 15th century, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo was originally the residence of the Contarini family, one of Venice's influential noble families. What makes this palazzo truly exceptional is its external staircase, which spirals up the exterior of the building and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

The Scala Contarini del Bovolo consists of a series of arches and columns, culminating in a rooftop belvedere that allows visitors to gaze upon the enchanting Venetian skyline. Climbing the staircase is like embarking on a journey through time and architectural mastery, with each turn revealing new vistas and perspectives.

Despite its relative obscurity, the palazzo has garnered attention from architecture enthusiasts and visitors seeking a unique experience in Venice. The combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine influences in its design is a testament to the rich architectural heritage of the city.

The palazzo's name, "del Bovolo," derives from the Venetian word "bovolo," meaning "snail," referring to the spiral form of the staircase. It is a delightful metaphor that captures the whimsical nature of this hidden treasure.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is located in a quiet corner of Venice, away from the bustling crowds, offering an intimate and tranquil atmosphere. Exploring the palazzo allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history and elegance of Venetian aristocracy while marveling at the intricate architectural details.

Visiting Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the architectural splendor of Venice from a different perspective. The panoramic views from the belvedere are truly unforgettable, providing a glimpse into the enchanting beauty of the city's rooftops, canals, and landmarks.

In a city renowned for its architectural treasures, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo stands out as a hidden gem. Its spiral staircase and panoramic views make it a captivating destination for those seeking to uncover the lesser-known...

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...

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a late Gothic building in Venice, located in the San Marco district, near Campo Manin, and overlooking the Rio di San Luca. The palace was built between the 15th and 15th centuries as the residence of the Contarini "di San Paternian", who from the end of the fifteenth century, due to the addition of the spiral staircase, were nicknamed "dal Bovolo". In 1499 Pietro Contarini (perhaps Pietro di Giovanni, father-in-law of that Pietro Maria Del Bovolo who married Contarina Contarini in 1502), Marco Contarini and Giovanni Battista Contarini, senators of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, had a small building added towards the internal courtyard in Renaissance style, characterized by a series of open loggias with rounded or lowered arches. In 1717 the complex passed to Giovanni Minelli who had married Elisabetta di Pietro Maria Contarini, the last representative of the family. At the beginning of the nineteenth century it was bought by the Emery company, from which it was rented to Arnoldo Marseille who opened a hotel called "del Maltese" (hence the name of the Maltese court on which the building overlooks). In 1852 it was ceded by testament to the parish of San Luca and became the seat of the Congregation of Charity. In 1859, then lithographer Wilhelm Tempel conducted his first astronomical observations from the tower lookout, with a telescope owned by him. Here he discovered, on April 2, 1859, the comet C / 1859 G1, and on October 19, 1859, the Merope Nebula in the open cluster of...