St Mark's Campanile

Historical place · San Marco

St Mark's Campanile

Historical place · San Marco

P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Highlights

Climb aboard the elevator to the top of St. Mark's Campanile, where sweeping views of Venice and its stunning lagoon await from this iconic 16th-century tower.

P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Get directions

basilicasanmarco.it

@afar

"San Marco's Campanile Bell Tower Since few areas within the city of Venice afford high perspectives of the entire city,takethe elevator (no stairs) to the top of San Marco's Campanile in Piazza San Marco. You may have to put up with a few elbows to get a spot against the railing, but it is all worth it for the spectacular panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon. While here, contemplate the history of this spectacular bell tower and observe the view from the same spot where numerous doges have stood, as well as Galileo. It was here that he introduced his telescope to the doge!"

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View Postcard for St Mark's Campanile

@afar

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View Postcard for St Mark's Campanile

Nicolas Nemeth

Google

St. Mark’s Campanile is an absolute must-visit when in Venice! We showed up on a Saturday, and the line was surprisingly short—just 15 minutes, which is nothing compared to how busy it can get during peak times. The elevator, which takes up to nine people at a time, efficiently whisks you to the top. Once you’re up there, the view is simply breathtaking. You get a panoramic perspective of all of Venice, and it never fails to amaze me—this being my fifth time here! Whether you’re visiting for yourself or showing friends and family the beauty of Venice from above, it’s always worth it. If you have limited time in the city and can only do one thing, this should be it. Highly recommend!

Nathan Eddy

Google

It is a fabulous experience to go up in the tower with a truly stunning view across the entire city from every direction. It is a tight space up there and they are also renovating the upper section so it has a bit of a construction site feel but I mean the view wow. We didn’t have to wait in line for more than 20 min tops and right at sunset but I am sure during the high season you’d want to book in advance.

Ethan Choi

Google

I couldn’t book DFC properly, so I opted for an alternative. To my surprise, the view here was so breathtaking that I couldn’t understand why it’s not recommended as the top choice. I highly recommend going up about 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the sunset view. Unlike Paris, Venice doesn’t have decorative lighting at night, so it’s not particularly famous for its nightscape. However, the panoramic view from above is truly refreshing and stunning. For reference, there is an elevator, but it can only accommodate a limited number of people. Instead of waiting in line on-site, it’s better to pay an extra €2 for a reservation to save time. If it gets crowded, you might even have to queue to come back down, so I recommend planning your schedule with plenty of time.

Suzanna Marie

Google

This is my second time attending Carnivale. It's an amazing experience. The architecture, traditional shows, and costumes takes you back in time.

party4eva5

Google

Visited just before sunset and the queue was short and quick. The elevator ride up was a godsend - the stairs would have been a killer! Amazing views from the indoor platform. Definitely recommend the visit!

Noémi J

Google

Best views of Venice from above 🔝 We didn’t have our tickets purchased in advance, but we didn’t wait too much in the line either. I would recommend buying it in advance especially if you are visiting high season. We were in Venice at the end of May. Gets crowded at the top, even though they’re controlling the amount of people going up.

Adrian Dodon

Google

The tower is a must go but for 10 euro waiting for 40 minutes I don't know. Online is 12 euro if i am not mistaking. At least the view is astonishing and yhe staff is helpful and friendly. In October is cold and Windy so take a jacket up top.

Alex Giles

Google

I bought the skip the line tickets online and it was well worth the extra cost. Long line to get in and I walked straight onto the elevator without stopping or waiting at all. Beautiful view of Venice. You only need about 10 minutes up there to take it all in.

Marianne W.

Yelp

Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. The current campanile is a reconstruction completed in 1912. The previous tower collapsed in 1902. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. It's located in Saint Mark's Square where my hotel was located when I visited Venice. The campanile was intended to be a watchtower to sight approaching ships and protect entry into the city. You can see it for miles. If you visit Venice I suggest you go up inside, if it's still allowed. I'm sure the views are amazing. I'm glad I enjoyed being underneath and looking up at this historic landmark. It's a great memory!

Fred T.

Yelp

The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower of nearby Saint Mark's Basilica. It is one of the many things in St. Marks Square to see and I highly recommend you get your tickets in advance unless waiting in line is your thing. As noted in many reviews the previous tower suffered a collapse in 1902 and was subsequently rebuilt in 1912. The line aside, one of the benefits of its reconstruction is that they were later able to add a elevator to get you to the top which is a nice convenience having walked around most of the day (not to mention 4 stories a day to get to our killer VRBO) The views are spectacular and you basically are treated to a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding lagoons. It also gives a specatcular perspective of the Basilica below. If you do not have a ticket ahead of time my advice it to look at the major attractions and chose the one with the shortest line then go back to the others.

Jenier M.

Yelp

One of the most interesting things I've encountered in Venice. The Campanile is literally the spot used by Galileo Galilei to use his telescope for the first time to observe the starts and make the necessary observations in order to formulate his Helen-centric theories. The view of Venice is unparalleled as well. If you ever make it to the city, do not dare skip this amazing tower and the great views of the city it provides. A must!

Andrea U.

Yelp

The St Mark's Campanile was built as a defensive watchtower from 1156 to 1173. It was last restored in 1514, rebuilt in 1912 after the collapse of the former campanile. We paid 10 euros each to take a lift to the top. We went up 100 meters for endless views of Venice, the water .... The 360 degree views were spectacular it was a clear cool afternoon.

Maggie H.

Yelp

There is an ELEVATOR! A lift! No stairs for me! The view was spectacular. The breeze was overwhelming. The sunset was not that great because of the clouds. The price was fine. But it's FINE because there is an ELEVATOR and you don't have to get exhausted going up or down!

Marlon T.

Yelp

Two types of people in this world: Ones who like to go to the top of towers to enjoy an awesome lookout view, and those who don't. I am a part of the former for sure! Yes, the views are amazing as evident by photos. Yes, I do recommend getting to the top of this structure to get some amazing photos. The cash is worth it. As with any tourist thing like this in Europe, the key is to arrival as early as possible. Yes, maybe even 1 hour before opening so you can beat the heat and the line. Don't get caught waiting in hot heat when you could've just woken up earlier to seize the day.

Ashley S.

Yelp

This is a very popular location in Venice. You are almost guaranteed to see it, unless you are a silly person. I've viewed the square on foot and from the deck of a cruise ship. I've walked through it while it was flooded, both during the day and at night.

Sanjay G.

Yelp

The tallest structure in Venice, famously known as Campanile di San Marco. The campanile is a towering building that stands at a colossal near 100m high. That bell tower collapsed once, not so long ago. It collapsed in 1902 but it was reconstructed trying to stay as true as possible to the original, so visitors today can see pretty much the same tower that Venetians saw over 1000 years ago. Throughout the years, the tower has been damaged by fire, earthquakes and even lightening. The original structure provided the optimal setting for Galileo Galilei's presentation of the telescope; it also served as a stage for tight rope walkers who would humor the doge with their feats during the Flight of the Angel celebration. Admire the tower from the Piazza di San Marco, but you can also take the elevator up to the top for possibly the best panoramic views of Venice. To avoid crowds, travelers say it's best to go early in the morning or later in the evening.