Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Venice’s Hidden Gem
With all of its dark, narrow passageways and alleys to nowhere, Venice is a city built for hidden gems. I don’t pretend to know them all, but I do know one of the best: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo!
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo fits the definition of a hidden gem in every sense of the word. It’s difficult to find. The square where it’s located is tucked away in a small corner of the city. It’s not nearly as visited as many of the well-known tourist attractions in Venice despite its inherent beauty and value.
(And, perhaps most importantly, people like me who have been there can talk about it like we’ve been to the greatest place ever and everyone else is missing out.)
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The History of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Venice’s Contarini family had the palazzo built by Giovanni Candi in the 15th century to be one of their residences throughout the city. Then, in 1499 another architect, Giorgio Spavento, had the spiral staircase built. It was this feature that would establish Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo as a historic landmark in Venice.
In more recent history, the palace and its staircase were used as prominent settings in Orson Welles’ rendition of Othello.
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What’s So Special About Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Two things make Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo worth visiting: the architecture and the views of the surrounding city.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo’s Architecture
The first thing you notice when entering the square is just how dramatic this small palace is within this small residential area. It’s like an oasis in the middle of a desert. The residences are pretty like everywhere else in Venice is, but they’re nothing particularly special.
The contrast of the Renaissance, Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles with the more regular buildings creates a memorable scene. If the palazzo were in a more regal setting, I’m not sure it would have nearly the same impact.
That’s not to say the architectural design of the palace isn’t stunning by itself, though. The snail shell-like staircase with its many arches and alternating red and white colors is like something out of a fairy tale.
You may see the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo referred to as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Bovolo roughly translates to snail and scala to ladder. Together, Scala Contarini del Bovolo means ladder of the snail!
Views at the Top of the Stairs
This is the number one reason for your visit to Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Just the experience of climbing the 133 steps up the 28-meter staircase is exciting. It’s hard to not feel the presence of the past 500 years as you climb these tight, sometimes slippery stairs. For me, it’s always thrilling to be inside these historic buildings and to think about all those who came before me.
Apart from the fun climb, the views from the arches are remarkable. With each floor, the vantage point changes just enough to create new sights. Then, when you reach the top, you’re treated to some of the best views in Venice.
Multicolored rooftops stretch out from all sides with some of Venice’s most spectacular landmarks sticking out from below. You can see St Mark’s domes, the famous campanile, Salute Church and various other belltowers.
It’s a marvelous sight you won’t willingly walk away from!
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo’s Temporary Exhibit Hall
In addition to the spiral staircase, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo also features the Sala del Tintoretto. This space is used to feature temporary art exhibits from local Venetian artists and Tintoretto himself.
I only peeked my head in for a few seconds. It contained several abstract paintings of random streaks of paint. I’m personally not a fan of this type of art, so I didn’t need to linger long.
Still, the exhibits change periodically. It’s worth at least checking what’s on display since you paid for it. The exhibit room is small, too, making for a quick visit.
Finding Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Finding Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is part of the fun of visiting. That said, don’t expect to find exact directions here. I don’t want to ruin the adventure of looking for it!
Further, getting GPS directions on your phone is difficult because of all the tight passageways in Venice. These features give GPS units a fit.
Here are three tips that should help with your search, though.
- It’s located near Campo Manin.
- Be on the lookout for small signs on the sides of buildings pointing you in the direction of Venice’s landmarks.
- Go to the end of each passageway before turning around. The small square Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is in looks like a regular residential square until you walk into the open and then there it is in all its splendor tucked away in a corner!
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Visiting Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
You can book tickets for Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo ahead of time to reserve a time for your visit. Reservations cost €8 and are good for 30 minutes. Your ticket includes both the staircase and the temporary art exhibit.
When we visited, people were able to purchase tickets at the entrance, yet I still recommend going online to reserve a time just to be safe. This will also save you a bit of time when visiting since you won’t have to wait in line to buy tickets. Because it’s less touristed than other places in Venice, you should be safe reserving a time up to a day before your visit.
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18 Comments
Barry
This is something that I missed when I was in Venice. I don’t remeber reading about it, but I am so glad you have posted on it as I wouldn’t have known about it, It certainly is an exquisite gem hidden away in the alleyways. So glad you have given helpful, precise directions as I’m sure I would never have found it.
It is a beaultiful structure and well worth the effort you took to find it. The view from the top is a classic Venice panorama – what a great find!
I’m keeping this place in mind for when I am next in venice
paulpassingthrough
I just happened upon it scrolling Pinterest one day. When I saw it, I knew I had to visit. Exquisite is a perfect adjective for it!
Rocking Specter
This palazzo is incredible. We will definitely look for this when we go to Venice. Thank you for sharing, and check out our most recent post.
paulpassingthrough
I hope you do – it’s such a beautiful place to visit.
Mitch - Very Tasty World
Sadly we missed the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo when we visited Venice – it is such a beautiful building and the views from the top are just wonderful. We do plan to return to Venice, hopefully in the quiet season – so this is definitely on our list of places to visit. And how we have helpful clues as to how to find it!
paulpassingthrough
I’m excited for you to visit again! I’m so jealous of you all who can make such easy visits to places like this. It always makes me think how much I need to live on that side of the rock.
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
Those roof tiles are iconic; such a beautiful view (your photos are really great). I feel so drawn to visiting the palazzo now — thanks for sharing!
paulpassingthrough
Thanks for the compliment 🙂 I barely know what I’m doing with my photos which I think helps haha I don’t overthink anything.
Carolin
A beautiful building and find from your early morning roaming around town. It doesn’t even look too far away from the touristy center. The views are cool and I would definitely go up there. Thank you for sharing it with us. Let’s hope it stays rather untouched and your post won’t spike a surge in visitors 😀
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
paulpassingthrough
I appreciate your faith in my ability to draw readers haha In truth, I did debate even giving us much detail about where to find this as I did, but I decided it’s well known enough. For whatever reason, people just don’t visit it much.
Tom Gundlach
Thanks for posting this. We are visiting Venice again soon and don’t have a strict schedule. My wife found this and we will make sure we find this “hidden gem”. It sounds amazing!
paulpassingthrough
It’s totally worth it! And the search is half the fun! I hope you and your wife enjoy 🙂
WanderingKellers
What an amazing spot. That staircase is beyond beautiful.
paulpassingthrough
Good luck finding it when you get to Venice!
Peggy Zipperer
I definitely missed this when I was in Venice. I hadn’t even heard of it until this article. It is absolutely gorgeous – I will be sure not to miss it again!
paulpassingthrough
It’s kind of a weird “hidden gem” because it was kind of crowded when I was there (in so far as it can get crowded because they let so few people in at a time), but then not many people know about it. If you know, you know, as they say!
Sandra kazinetz
I’m 74 now, and in my 30s and 40s, I visited Venice four times, staying for week each time. I wandered through La Serenissima, never knowing what I would come across. This inimitable staircase was one of them, along with the Fortuny factory along a canal. I hope to go back, now with my husband, early this spring 2023. My age and a medical treatment means I walk a lot slower than in my salad days, but I’m determined to see it again.
paulpassingthrough
I just looked up the Fortuny factory; it looks pretty intriguing. I love that you’ve spent so much time there. I’m thinking about going back to just there and Tuscany for an extended period now that we’ve done a lot of the big things. Maybe I’ll see you there!