Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice

This palace was built in the late XV century.

It has a beautiful exterior spiral staircase. You can climb to the top of it and enjoy the lanscape over the surrounding areas.

This building is located in S. Marco area. I you like to go there you have to go to Campo Manin, toward Calle Della Mandola. You find it near Campo San Bortolo.

This unique tower/staircase/house is one of the most fascinating architectonic jewels in the heart of Venice! It is hidden at the interior of a small courtyard very close to Campo Manin. Without the excellent tips of sandysmith and SirRichard, I would not have looked for this hidden jewel - so thanks for that!!!

It dates back to 1499 and is so special because of its very fine and original winding staircase. It shows many arcades and a parapet with little columns that follow the line of the staircase.

From the dome it is possible to admire a splendid and unusual panorama of Venice: the roofs, the bell towers, the domes of Saint Mark. Well, we did it the other way around: we took this picture from the Campanile!

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Scala Contarini del Bovolo is hidden in a maze of narrow intricate streets, not easy to find. Following calle dei Fuseri and calle Vida, at number 4.299 there is this spiral staircase built by Giovanni Candi in 1499. Btw, bovolo menas snail.
It is interesting to note the symmetrical repetition of the tracery of arches resting on columns which recalls the arches of the various storeys of the building.

We got of the Boat near Campo Manin and wandered slowly towards where we thought it was,15 minutes later,we arrived at the Accademia bridge !!!!

We had missed it...somehow !!!!!!

So we turned round and headed back,then noticed some small yellow signs pointing the way.There it was hiding down a narrow alleyway,but the bloody thing was closed !!!??//££""!!

Its only open Saturday/Sunday 10-4pm
Big pity,especially as The Camponile was closed for maintenance as well !!!!
But its a beautiful building and well worth taking a few pictures of.

I noticed that a lot of people would simply look at this monument, but not go to the top. It costs 3 euros to go the top and it is well worth it. For those afraid of heights, the walk up is not too bad as the steps are large and wide. You can see a good view of the Campanile from up above and also it is soooo peaceful up there!!

This Palace was built in the late 15th Century, Gothic style. It is well known for it's winding spiral staircase (bovolo is the venetian word for snail shell).
The staircase is open to the public everyday from 10am-4pm and a lovely view can be seen from the top for a payment of 3 euros.
The staircase is found close to Campo Manin, there are signs showing the way. I loved it here due to the peace and quiet, away from the crowds.

Ok here's the colour view withouth the arches.
To reach this hard to find place go to campo Manin, five minutes away from Rialto following the signs to Accademia. Starting from Rialto go to campo S.Bortolomeo, then campo S.Luca and finally Campo Manin.
Look for the narrow "calle della Vida" and turn right at the first corner. Pay the entrance fee and climb the steps to the loggia.

This is the impressive view you have if you go upstair the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. The entrance fee is only 3 euro and if it is a sunny day I suggest to go up because this is one of the most beautiful panorama you can see in Venice!