My name is Neta Gimpel, and I have been working in the tourism industry for over 13 years. Today I manage partnerships with leading travel service providers – from car rentals and insurance to hotels, airlines, local guides, and top attractions worldwide. In addition, I am an active travel blogger and an expert who lives and breathes travel every day. If you are planning a trip and want to make it comfortable, well-planned, and truly unforgettable, I will be happy to help. Let’s turn your travel dream into reality!
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Nestled in a charming corner of Venice, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a must-visit attraction for architecture enthusiasts and tourists who want to enjoy panoramic views of the city. This late Gothic palace, renowned for its breathtaking spiral staircase, offers a unique fusion of architectural styles and a fascinating history. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to this enchanting landmark.
Highlights of Scala Contarini del Bovolo
The Spiral Staircase
The Scala Contarini del Bovolo is famous for its intricate spiral staircase, often referred to as the “Bovolo,” which means “snail” in Venetian. This architectural marvel, added in 1499, ascends through a cylindrical tower, offering awe-inspiring views of Venice from the top. The staircase consists of 80 monolithic steps made of Istrian stone and red bricks, adorned with arches and balustrades.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Historical Significance
Originally constructed in the 15th century as a residence for the noble Contarini family, the palace has a rich and storied past. Notably, it was one of the first buildings in Venice to have an external staircase and even served as an inn in the 19th century. Its terrace was also where German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel discovered several celestial bodies, adding to its historical allure.
Architectural Beauty
The palace beautifully blends elements of Renaissance, Gothic, and Venetian-Byzantine architecture. Visitors will be captivated by the intricate frescoes, lush gardens, and grand staircases that transport them to a bygone era. The second floor of the palace is home to the Sala del Tintoretto, which houses a collection of Venetian art spanning from the 1500s to the 1700s.
Planning Your Visit
How to Get There
Located in the San Marco district, near Campo Manin, finding the Scala Contarini del Bovolo can be a bit challenging due to Venice’s narrow streets. It’s a short walk from the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. Consulting a map or using a navigation app can be helpful, but be prepared to take delightful detours through Venice’s charming lanes.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Tips for Tourists
Buy Tickets in Advance: To avoid disappointment, especially during peak tourist seasons, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. While tickets can also be bought at the entrance, advanced booking is advisable.
Best Time to Visit: For a more serene experience and to avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Bring Water: As the climb can be tiring, it is advisable to carry water with you.
Camera Ready: The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, so photography enthusiasts should make sure to have their cameras ready.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for ItalyWhat Not to Miss
- The Terrace View: The panoramic view from the top of the staircase is unparalleled and offers a unique perspective of Venice’s rooftops and iconic landmarks.
- Frescoes and Gardens: Take the time to admire the intricate frescoes and unwind in the lush gardens.
- Gift Shop: A small gift shop is available, offering a selection of memorabilia and souvenirs that make for perfect keepsakes.
Opening Hours: The Scala Contarini del Bovolo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ticket Prices:
- Full Price: €8
- Reduced Price: €6 (Students aged 12-26, seniors over 65, FAI members, Touring Club Italiano members)
- Free Admission: Children under 12, licensed tour guides, residents of Venice, people with disabilities and their companions
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
Customer Experience Manager
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Latest articles
Kaprun Dam (Hochgebirgsstauseen)
Kaprun Dam (Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen) is a high-altitude reservoir complex set […]
