Hotels near Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Hidden in a small courtyard near Campo Manin, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is an external spiral staircase added to the Palazzo Contarini in the late 15th century. Its name comes from bovolo, Venetian for snail shell. Its white arches wind up five storeys to a small belvedere at the top, and many visitors walk right past the entrance without knowing it is there.

From the top, the view takes in a sea of terracotta rooftops, bell towers and the domes of San Marco, and on the clearest December days the snow-capped Alps appear on the horizon. Tickets cost around €8-10, and a small gallery on the floor below displays Venetian paintings and drawings. A visit takes about 30-45 minutes.

Pro Tip: Go late in the morning, once the fog has lifted, and pick a day with a clear forecast for the best chance of seeing the mountains.