Why It’s Worth Visiting St. Mark’s Campanile: History, Tips & Panoramic Views
- 9 min read
To visit St. Mark’s Campanile means to discover one of Venice’s most beloved symbols — a place where history, fascinating stories, and panoramic views blend into one unforgettable experience. The tower, almost one hundred meters high, tells the story of the Serenissima Republic’s grandeur, offering visitors a unique chance to admire the city from above. All in all, it is an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to experience the authentic essence of Venice.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
How to climb St. Mark’s Campanile
Option 1: ticket with elevator
The most convenient solution is the elevator, which reaches 98 meters high in just a few seconds. Additionally, you can purchase a priority ticket to skip the lines and make the experience even smoother.
Option 2: climb the 323 steps
For those who prefer a bit of adventure, it’s possible to climb on foot. The experience is demanding, after all, but deeply rewarding — it allows you to appreciate every architectural detail up close.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
Visit St. Mark’s Campanile: history, curiosities, and practical tips
In Venice, every corner tells a story. After all, to visit St. Mark’s Campanile means to relive one in particular — the one that has echoed through the city’s heart for centuries. Rising nearly one hundred meters high, it towers over St. Mark’s Square and reflects in the lagoon’s waters. It stands as the landmark welcoming travelers, pilgrims, and the curious from all over the world, accordingly preserving both the memory and the very soul of Venice.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
The history of St. Mark’s Campanile
The construction of St. Mark’s Campanile
The first tower was built around the 9th century, but its current form dates back to the 15th century. Originally conceived as a watchtower and lighthouse for sailors, its construction soon became a symbol of power and faith. The campanile could be seen from afar, signaling the might of the Serenissima Republic. Afterward, due to frequent water infiltration and ground subsidence, the tower underwent several restorations over the centuries. Nevertheless, its majesty never faded.
The collapse of St. Mark’s Campanile in 1902
On July 14, 1902, the campanile suddenly collapsed. The entire structure, weakened by cracks and water seepage, gave way under its own weight. Fortunately, there were no victims, but the entire city was left in shock. The Basilica, miraculously, suffered no major damage. Above all, that day marked a turning point for Venice.
The reconstruction “as it was, where it was”
A few months later, the city announced that the tower would be rebuilt “as it was and where it was.” The work, completed in 1912, gave Venetians back their symbol exactly as they remembered it. All in all, the rebirth of the campanile became a metaphor for Venetian resilience, showing a city always ready to rise again.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
The functions of the Campanile: from lighthouse to religious symbol
Originally, the campanile had a practical purpose — to signal tides and the arrival of ships. After that, its voice became that of the bells, marking the most solemn moments of the city. All in all, the tower continues to serve as both a religious and civic landmark, because even today its bells accompany the celebrations dedicated to St. Mark.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
The structure of St. Mark’s Campanile
The tower and the belfry
The tower stands 98.6 meters high and is built of brick. At its base lies the Loggetta by Sansovino, while on top rises the golden statue of the Archangel Gabriel, which turns with the wind. Accordingly, because of the constant tides, maintenance is ongoing — yet the visual impact remains absolutely spectacular.
The five bells and their names
Each bell has its own name and purpose: the Marangona announced the start of work, the Nona marked noon, the Trottiera summoned members of the Great Council, the Pregadi called the Senate, and the Maleficio warned of executions. After all, the bells tell the story of everyday life in the Republic of Venice.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
Visit St. Mark’s Campanile: opening hours and access
Opening hours of St. Mark’s Campanile
The campanile is open every day, though hours vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Accordingly, it’s best to visit St. Mark’s Campanile early in the morning or at sunset, when the light creates a magical panorama. The visit lasts about 30 minutes.
- Summer season: opens at 09:30 a.m., last entry 8:00–8:30 p.m., closes at 9:15 p.m.
- Winter season: opens at 09:30 a.m., last entry 6:00–6:45 p.m., closes at 7:15 p.m.
Opening hours of the Basilica, Pala d’Oro, and Museum/Loggia
- Monday to Saturday: opens at 09:30 a.m., last entry 4:45 p.m., closes 5:15 p.m.
- Sundays and holidays: Basilica opens at 2:00 p.m., last entry 4:45 p.m., closes 5:15 p.m.; Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli open at 9:30 a.m.
What to find at the top of St. Mark’s Campanile
At the top, a panoramic terrace offers a 360° view over the lagoon and the rooftops of Venice. From there, you can recognize the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, the Giudecca, and on clear days, even the Dolomites! All in all, it’s a unique experience, as it allows you to see the city from a completely new perspective.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
Why it’s worth visiting St. Mark’s Campanile
What you can see from St. Mark’s Campanile
From the top, your gaze embraces the entire city — the lagoon, the alleys, and the canals intertwining in a mosaic of water. It’s one of the most photographed views in the world, after all, because it captures the very essence of Venice.
A journey through Venetian history
To visit St. Mark’s Campanile is not only about beauty but also about memory. Its bells have rung for centuries, bearing witness to wars, celebrations, and rebirths. All in all, climbing the campanile means touching the living history of Venice with your own hands.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
Recommended clothing and behavior
Since the campanile is part of the religious complex of St. Mark’s, respectful clothing is required. All in all, shoulders and legs should be covered, and visitors are expected to remain quiet during the visit. Afterward, if you have any doubts, check out St Mark’s Basilica dress code: rules, tips, what to wear and solutions if you don’t have the right clothing.
Tickets for the Bell Tower and the historic gallery of St. Mark's Square
FAQ – Visit St. Mark’s Campanile
How can you go up St. Mark’s Campanile?
You can choose between two options: the elevator, included in the priority ticket, or the staircase with 323 steps. All in all, both options offer a unique experience, because they let you admire the tower’s magnificence up close.
What are the visiting hours of St. Mark’s Campanile?
Hours vary depending on the season. Generally, the campanile is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in spring and summer, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in autumn and winter. Accordingly, it’s always best to check the updated timetable on the official City of Venice website.
How long does it take to visit St. Mark’s Campanile?
The visit takes around 30 minutes. However, the time may vary because of queues or stops to enjoy the view. All in all, it’s best to plan at least one hour to fully appreciate the experience.
What can you see from St. Mark’s Campanile?
From the top, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Venice — the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, San Giorgio Island, the Giudecca, and on the clearest days, even the Dolomites. It’s one of the most iconic viewpoints in Italy, after all, offering a complete perspective of the lagoon.
What is at the top of St. Mark’s Campanile?
At the top, there’s a 360° terrace protected by iron railings. From there, you can observe the golden statue of the Archangel Gabriel, which rotates with the wind like an ancient weather vane. All in all, it’s a viewpoint that blends art, faith, and nature.
How many times has St. Mark’s Campanile collapsed?
It collapsed only once, in 1902, due to structural failures. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The reconstruction, completed in 1912, restored the tower “as it was and where it was.”
Can you enter St. Mark’s for free?
Free access is not available for the campanile. You can purchase tickets from official vendors such as Venice Visit Pass.
Why did St. Mark’s Campanile collapse?
The collapse was caused by structural weaknesses due to water infiltration and deep cracks. The humid lagoon soil contributed to the fall; afterward, the reconstruction significantly improved its stability.
How tall is the angel on St. Mark’s Campanile?
The Archangel Gabriel statue is about 3.5 meters tall. It’s entirely gilded and turns with the wind, indicating the direction of the lagoon breeze.
What lies beneath St. Mark’s Square?
Beneath the square lie ancient wooden and stone foundations built to support Venice’s buildings. Accordingly, due to the tides, this area is prone to water infiltration and is constantly monitored.
What can you visit near St. Mark’s Square?
Besides the campanile, you can also visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, and the Procuratie Vecchie. All in all, it’s the historic heart of Venice, where every building tells a story of the Serenissima’s glorious past. Discover more in What to see in St. Mark’s Square Venice: attractions, museums and travel tips for tourists.