St Mark's Campanile

St Mark's Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. At 98.6 meters (323 ft), it is the tallest structure in Venice and one of the city's most recognizable symbols. The current tower is a reconstruction completed in 1912 after the previous one collapsed in 1902. It stands alone in Saint Mark's Square, near the front of the basilica, with a simple square brick shaft recalling its early defensive function.

Don't miss

• The square brick shaft with lesenes, 12 meters (39 ft) wide on each side and 50 meters (160 ft) tall
• The belfry topped by an attic with high-relief sculptures of the Lion of St Mark and allegorical figures of Venice as Justice
• The pyramidal spire capped by a golden weather vane in the form of the archangel Gabriel
• The Loggetta at the base, a covered gallery that once served as a gathering place for nobles

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit St Mark's Campanile

Cheapest way inSt. Mark's Basilica: Golden Cathedral Priority Visit (Refundable)4.5★ · 480 travelers1-2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →Most bookedLegendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access4.7★ · 5,694 travelers2-3 hoursFrom$83 per personSee dates →Top ratedBasilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option4.8★ · 679 travelers2-3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$112 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The campanile is located in Saint Mark's Square near the mouth of the Grand Canal.
• At 98.6 meters (323 ft), it is the tallest structure in Venice.
• The current tower is a reconstruction completed in 1912 after the original collapsed in 1902.

A bit of history

The campanile was initially built as a watchtower to sight approaching ships and protect the city's entry, also serving as a landmark to guide Venetian ships into harbor. Construction began in the early tenth century and continued sporadically. A belfry and spire were added in the twelfth century, and the spire was gilded in the fourteenth century to make it visible to distant ships. The tower reached its full height in 1514 after the belfry and spire were rebuilt based on a Renaissance design by Giorgio Spavento. The bells historically regulated Venice's civic and religious life, marking work hours, government assemblies, and public executions.