Hotels near St Mark's Campanile

At 98.6 metres, St Mark's Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice and gives the only true bird's-eye view over the city, the lagoon, and on a clear day the Dolomites 100 km to the north. The original 9th-century bell tower stood for over 900 years before collapsing in a heap of rubble on 14 July 1902 - miraculously injuring no one. The current tower is a faithful 1912 reconstruction "dov'era e com'era" (where it was and how it was).

A lift takes you to the belfry in 60 seconds. From the top you see the labyrinth of red roofs, the Grand Canal's reverse S, the colourful houses of Burano on the horizon, and the five bell-loud chambers that still ring on the hour. Galileo Galilei demonstrated his telescope to the doge from this very tower in 1609. Climbing other Venice towers (San Giorgio Maggiore is the locals' alternative) gives you a different angle - but only the Campanile puts Piazza San Marco directly beneath your feet.

Pro Tip: Buy the EUR 12 timed-entry online slot for one hour before sunset. The lift queue at sunset can hit two hours in summer; the booked slot walks you straight in for the best light of the day.