St. Mark's Bell Tower
Ascend St. Mark's campanile, Venice's tallest building, towering at 99 m. A former lighthouse built in the 12th century, it is topped by the Archangel Gabriel statue on a rotating platform. View this iconic bell tower that was also visited by the likes of Galileo.
44M+ travellers love us
Delivering best in class experience
Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
-
Skip the lines and hop on the elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower for panoramic views of Venice from 98 meters above the city.
-
Catch a glimpse of the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, the bustling St. Mark's Square, and the Venetian lagoon from a breathtaking vantage point.
-
Explore the San Marco History Gallery and learn about Venice’s rich maritime history and gondola craftsmanship.
-
Experience Venice in 3D through a virtual reality journey that takes you back to the city's glorious past.
-
Fun fact: In 1609, Galileo Galilei demonstrated his telescope to the Doge of Venice from the top of the St. Mark's Bell Tower.
More details
-
Skip the lines and hop on the elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower for panoramic views of Venice from 98 meters above the city.
-
Catch a glimpse of the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, the bustling St. Mark's Square, and the Venetian lagoon from a breathtaking vantage point.
-
Explore the San Marco History Gallery and learn about Venice’s rich maritime history and gondola craftsmanship.
-
Experience Venice in 3D through a virtual reality journey that takes you back to the city's glorious past.
-
Fun fact: In 1609, Galileo Galilei demonstrated his telescope to the Doge of Venice from the top of the St. Mark's Bell Tower.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Venice
About St Marks Campanile (Bell Tower)
St. Mark’s Bell Tower is a highlight of any Venice collection, standing tall as the city’s premier observation point. Its panoramic terrace, accessible by elevator, offers the broadest cityscape in Venice. Whether paired with the Basilica or Doge’s Palace, the Campanile is an essential stop for those chasing iconic sights and unforgettable Venetian moments.
The original Campanile collapsed suddenly in 1902 and was rebuilt by 1912, using improved engineering to prevent future disasters.
At 98.6 meters tall, St. Mark’s Bell Tower is the tallest structure in Venice and was once used as a lighthouse for ships navigating the lagoon.
The golden statue of the Archangel Gabriel atop the spire is seven meters high and rotates with the wind, acting as a weather vane.
Each of the five bells historically served a different purpose, from announcing executions to marking the start of council meetings.
During Venice’s Carnival, the famous 'Flight of the Angel' event sees a performer zip-line from the tower to the square below—a tradition dating back centuries.
Why visit St Marks Campanile (Bell Tower)?
Plan your visit
St. Mark’s Campanile Main Entrance
The main entrance to St. Mark’s Bell Tower is located on the south side of the Campanile, directly in Piazza San Marco, just a few steps from St. Mark’s Basilica. Look for the ticket office and turnstiles beneath the tower’s base. The entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with a flat approach from the piazza and a modern elevator providing step-free access to the viewing gallery. The surrounding area is cobblestone but generally smooth and manageable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Regular Hours: St. Mark’s Campanile is typically open daily from 9:30am to 9:15pm during spring and summer (April–October), and from 9:30am to 5:30pm in autumn and winter (November–March).
Last Entry: Final admission is 15 minutes before closing time.
Special Hours/Closures: The tower may close temporarily due to high winds, storms, or maintenance. It is closed on select holidays and during special events, such as the Venice Carnival’s “Flight of the Angel.” Always check the official website for up-to-date seasonal hours and any unscheduled closures.
Toilets are not available inside the Bell Tower. Public restrooms can be found nearby in Piazza San Marco.
Audio guides are not provided on-site, but downloadable audio guides are available for purchase through select ticket providers.
The Bell Tower is fully wheelchair accessible via a modern elevator. The entrance and elevator are suitable for wheelchair users.
Elevator access is available for all visitors, making the ascent to the viewing gallery easy and comfortable.
Nearby cities to explore
