St Mark’s Campanile

St Mark's Campanile

A stop on the Venice audio-guided tour, St Mark's Campanile, affectionately called the Master of the House by the Venetians, is an ancient symbol of the city. Its first construction was ordered in 888 by the seventeenth doge of Venice.

A long series of ordeals

The first version never came to fruition, the ground collapsing during construction. The second was marked by a fire in 1489, an earthquake in 1511, then a terrible collapse in 1902, which fortunately caused no casualties, except the keeper's cat. Rebuilt identically on the same site, the campanile has regained its silhouette.

What to see

Of the five original bells, only the largest could be saved from the collapse. A great symbol of St Mark's Square, the campanile offers from its top an exceptional view of the city, the lagoon and the Venetian rooftops. Go up to take in all of Venice at a glance.

Practical information

St Mark's Campanile stands on St Mark's Square, in the heart of Venice. The ascent is by lift; days, hours and prices should be checked depending on the season.

Why was St Mark's Campanile rebuilt ?

After its collapse in 1902, it was rebuilt identically on the same site.

What can be seen from the top of the campanile ?

An exceptional view of Venice, its rooftops and the lagoon.