Contarini del Bovolo Palace

The Contarini del Bovolo Palace is a hidden gem tucked away among dead-end streets. Built around the 14th century, the building gained prominence when a branch of the Venetian Contarini family settled here. Eight Doges came from this powerful lineage, and living so close to Venice’s political centre, St Mark’s square, was a huge advantage. Yet, it’s the palace’s architecture, rather than its history, that has made a name for itself. Inspired by the Florentine Renaissance and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the wealthy owners had a magnificent spiral staircase built outside in 1499. It twists around the tower like the shell of a snail, called a bovolo in Venetian. Made of white stone and brick, it alternates between balustrades and arcades, creating an elegant visual effect. You can buy an entry ticket to see the interior and the view from its belvedere, at 28 metres high.