Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Situated at the courtyard side of the Palazzo Contarini; is Venice’s most impressive and admired spiral staircase.
The Scala Contarini del Bovolo name of this multi-arched structure, is derived from the word “bovolo”, or “snail” and features alternating red cotto bricks and Istrian stone arches. The staircase is about 28 metres high and features 80 stone steps.
It features a perfect amalgam of different architectural styles. The Renaissance capitals, Gothic construction technique and the typical Byzantine Venetian shape; make it a real rarity in the city.
Grafted sympathetically onto the rear of the existing 13th century palazzo structure in the late 15th century, the staircase features a ground floor arcade entered from a small courtyard garden with well-heads, five spiral arcades and a further top viewing platform. The architectural complexity and success of the design is apparent, because the actual Palazzo has only a ground floor and four stories – the ground and first two floors of the palazzo are much higher than the two above (see photo below).
The second level has access to a gallery and at the top is the arcaded viewing platform with great views; especially south to St Mark’s Basilica and its campanile.
Despite not affording any views of the Canal Grande, the Palazzo’s position in the central San Marco district, is nonetheless a privileged one; the building being equidistant from Rialto the economic centre and from Piazza San Marco, the political heart of the Republic.
You can admire the outside of the Scala del Bovolo and the small courtyard with its well-heads for free. However, there is an entrance fee for climbing the staircase, visiting the Sala del Tintoretto gallery on the second floor and enjoying the panorama from the domed viewing arcade.
Location
History
Who were the Contarini family?
Featured in Literature and Film
Restorarion: the World’s Monuments Fund (WMF)
Opening times and fees structure
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Scala Contarini del Bovolo – LOCATION
The palazzo is located in the middle of the San Marco district, in a small secluded side street close to Campo Manin. It is about half-way between Campo San Bartolo, at the foot of the Rialto and the Piazza San Marco, about 300 metres due south.
The courtyard and staircase to the rear of the palazzo, is found a short distance up a narrow side street known as “Calle Locande”; whilst the main facade overlooks the Rio di San Luca and still preserves its pristine late-Gothic appearance.
Right: Rear of Palazzo Contarini with courtyard and spiral staircase Left: Gothic canal frontage of Palazzo Contarini on Rio di San Luca.
HISTORY
The captivating history of Venice’s Palazzo Bovolo extends over five centuries, marked by alternating periods of grandeur and decline.
In 1489, the Contarini family acquired the palace from the Morosini di San Paternian Family, who had been its owners since the 13th century. At the time, the estate consisted of two distinct structures: an older part in the late Gothic style and a more recent rectangular addition.
Deemed insufficient to reflect the status of the influential Venetian clan, a grandiose renovation inspired by the Renaissance was promptly initiated.
Pietro Contarini, who took ownership of the palazzo in 1489, commissioned significant structural changes and is believed to have entrusted the work to a local craftsman, Giovanni Candi. The introduction of loggias to the inner courtyard also occurred during this era.
The staircase, more than just a functional element, was constructed to enhance the family’s stature and influence through a monumental sculpture that would become celebrated throughout Venice.
In the 19th century, Arnaux Marseille, the then-owner, transformed the building into an inn named “the Maltese.” It was here that German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel made his notable discoveries, including comet C/1859 and the Merope Nebula within the Pleiades, from atop the tower of Palazzo Contarini.
Since 1849, the edifice has belonged to the “Brotherhood of the Impoverished of St. Luke,” linking it to Venice’s social welfare services. Today, it is under the stewardship of I.R.E. and the City of Venice, with the IRE overseeing the restoration of artworks displayed in the Sala del Tintoretto.
WHO WERE THE CONTARINI FAMILY?
WHO WERE THE CONTARINI FAMILY?The Contarini family, a noble lineage of Venetian patricians, stood as a cornerstone of the Serenissima’s power. Over the centuries, their ranks boasted eight doges, three dogaressas, numerous bishops, cardinals, Venice priors, St. Mark’s procurators, ambassadors, and bailiffs.
Among the various branches of the Contarini, the “Contarini del Bovolo” distinguished themselves, including Doge Andrea, who endured one of the most challenging and extended reigns of 27 years in Venetian history.
Left: Small garden courtyard with old well-heads.
FEATURED IN LITERATURE AND FILM.
The architectural marvel is captured in Jacopo de Barbari’s renowned bird’s-eye view of Venice, created in 1500 and currently housed at the Museo Correr. This storybook staircase was also featured prominently in Orson Welles’ 1952 film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.
RESTORATION; THE WORLD MONUMENTS FUND (WMF)
Though the staircase underwent several restorations in the 19th century, it remained in decaying condition until the late 1960s, when WMF’s Venice Committee adopted it as a priority conservation project. The structure, with its ascending rows of round-headed arches, is the only one of its kind to be found in Venice today.
Why It Matters: Before the intervention by WMF, the Bovolo Staircase was in imminent danger of collapse. The organization’s conservation efforts not only restored the structure to its original splendor, showcasing a unique and impressive fusion of Byzantine and Renaissance architectural styles, but also made it safe for public use and removed any threat to passers-by. The work, primarily undertaken by the Minnesota chapter of the Venice Committee, earned them the esteemed Premio Torta, a biennial award recognizing significant contributions to the preservation of Venice.
Left: Observe the remarkable stonework of the staircase with single-piece stone risers secured into the wall and the central pillar. Take note of the intricately carved column capitals made of Istrian stone.
How We Helped: By the time WMF commenced the conservation of the staircase in 1966, the structure’s central core was close to collapsing, and the white Istrian stone of the colonnade had darkened due to airborne pollution. WMF reinforced the central support column, repaired damaged treads, and inserted steel rods to secure the steps. They cleaned the staircase’s facade with a chemical treatment, restoring the stone to its original colour and removing surface incrustations. Conservationists also injected epoxy resins to fortify the stonework, and applied a resin film to protect against moisture infiltration.
The staircase was closed for restoration, which started in August 2015.
OPENING TIMES AND FEE STRUCTURE
*Please check opening times before visiting and for any possible health/disability regulations in place.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo San Marco 4303 30124 Venice
Tel. +39 041 3096605
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www.fondazioneveneziaservizi.it
Visiting hours: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Closed on: January 1st, August 15th, November 1st, December 25th and 26th
Exceptional closure: April 9th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The ticket office shuts 30 minutes before closing time of the museum.
To visit Venice Bovolo Staircase with peace of mind and avoid possible queues, they suggest you arrive at Scala Bovolo, Venice, a little before the hour and half-hour and avoid the usually crowded times at 11.30-12.00 and 15.00-15.30. Also, keep in mind that the entrance will be restricted and the visit will last a maximum of half an hour.
Adult: €8.00 Concessions: €6.00 – up to 26 years old and over 65 years old.
Entry to Scala Contarini Bovolo, Venice, is free for children up to 12 years old.
Additional concessions and free admissions are available only from the ticket office of Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice.
The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo entrance fee, includes access to the staircase and the gallery housed on the second floor of the building, which exhibits a selection of sculptures and paintings from the IRE Collection.
The gallery of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Venice, displays a short but significant itinerary dedicated to the arts scene in Venice, from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Among the works on show are a sketch of “Paradiso” by Jacopo Tintoretto, for the Hall of the Great Council of the Doge’s Palace, “Portrait of Catechumen Lazzaro Zen” by Francesco Guardi and a rare papier-mache sculpture by Jacopo Sansovino.
Please note – those with cardiovascular conditions and mobility impairments may find it unsuitable for visits to the Bovolo Tower.
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