St. Mark’s Bell Tower, Venice: The Spectacular View You Can’t Miss
Venice is a city full of breathtaking sights, but few can compare to the St. Mark’s Bell Tower Venice, also called Campanile di San Marco, the iconic bell tower that dominates Piazza San Marco. If you’re searching for an unforgettable experience in Venice, this landmark should be at the top of your list. Not only does it offer spectacular panoramic views of the city, but it also holds centuries of history.
I recently visited this stunning bell tower, took the elevator to the top, and captured stunning photos and videos, which I’ll be sharing on my YouTube channel. In this guide, I’ll take you through St.Mark’s Bell Tower’s fascinating history, how to visit, what to expect, and why this tower is one of the best viewpoints in Venice.
My Story- The Unexpected Adventure That Led Us to the Best View in Venice
My son and I were strolling through St. Mark’s Square, soaking in the grandeur of Venice, with no particular plan—just enjoying the moment. The golden light of the late afternoon danced on the façade of St. Mark’s Basilica, and the air buzzed with the chatter of tourists and the distant melodies of a street musician.
Then, out of nowhere, my son stopped in his tracks.
“Wait… there are people up there!” he said, pointing at the Campanile di San Marco, the towering landmark we had admired countless times from below. But somehow, we had never thought about actually going up.
Curiosity took over. How did they get up there? Where was the entrance? We were on a mission now.
We circled the base of the tower, scanning for clues. No grand staircase, no obvious doorway. Just as we were about to give up, we spotted a modest ticket booth tucked away on one side. That was it! We quickly grabbed our tickets and stepped into the elevator that would take us to the top in seconds.
And then—wow!
The moment we stepped out, Venice unfolded beneath us in a way we had never seen before. The Grand Canal snaked through the city, red-tiled rooftops stretched endlessly, and in the far distance, the glittering lagoon merged with the horizon. It was breathtaking.
What started as a casual walk turned into an unforgettable adventure, all thanks to a quick glance up—and a little curiosity.
I made a video of this stunning and breathtaking experience- watch here (coming soon)!
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A Brief History of the St.Mark’s Bell Tower
The St.Mark’s Bell Tower is the tallest structure in Venice, standing at 98.6 meters (323 feet). Originally built in the 9th century, it served as a lighthouse to guide ships safely into the Venetian Lagoon. Over the centuries, it underwent multiple reconstructions due to damage from fires, lightning strikes, and structural weaknesses.
The most dramatic event in St.Mark’s Bell Tower’s history happened on July 14, 1902, when the entire tower collapsed unexpectedly. Fortunately, no one was injured except for the caretaker’s cat. Following the collapse, Venetians quickly decided to rebuild the St.Mark’s Bell Tower exactly as it was, and by 1912, the tower was standing tall once again. This is why today’s bell tower appears almost identical to the one that existed centuries ago.
Fun fact: The renowned scientist Galileo Galilei used this very tower in 1609 to demonstrate his telescope to the Doge of Venice, making it a significant place in the history of astronomy!
How to Reach St. Mark’s Bell Tower from Piazzale Roma?
Piazzale Roma is the main transportation hub in Venice, where buses, taxis, and cars arrive before visitors continue on foot or by boat. To reach St. Mark’s Bell Tower, you have two main options:
🚶 Walking Route (Approx. 30-40 minutes)
- Cross the Ponte della Costituzione (Constitution Bridge) into the Santa Lucia Train Station area.
- Walk along the Grand Canal following signs toward Rialto and San Marco.
- Cross the Rialto Bridge, continue straight, following signs to Piazza San Marco.
- Once you arrive at St. Mark’s Square, you’ll find the Campanile di San Marco right in front of the basilica.
🚤 Vaporetto (Water Bus) Route (Approx. 20-25 minutes)
- From Piazzale Roma, take Vaporetto Line 1 or Line 2 towards San Marco.
- Line 1 is slower but offers a scenic route through the Grand Canal, stopping at major sights like Rialto before reaching San Marco Vallaresso.
- Line 2 is a faster, more direct route that also stops at Rialto before reaching San Marco Giardinetti.
- After disembarking, it’s a short walk into Piazza San Marco, where the bell tower stands.
Both routes offer unique experiences—walking lets you explore charming streets, while the vaporetto provides stunning canal views.
How to Visit the St. Mark’s Bell Tower in Venice?
If you’re planning to visit, here are some key details to make your trip smooth and enjoyable:
📍 Location: Piazza San Marco, Venice
🕒 Opening Hours: Typically 9:30 AM – 9:15 PM (varies by season)
🎟️ Tickets: Around €10 per person; discounts available for children and seniors
🚪 Entry: Through the base of the tower, near St. Mark’s Basilica
💡 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the golden light
Booking Tips:
- Buy tickets online in advance to skip long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the view without large crowds.
- Sunset visits offer a truly magical experience but are often the busiest.
Unlike other historic towers where visitors must climb hundreds of steps, San Marco Bell Tower is equipped with a modern elevator that takes you to the top in just 30 seconds—making it accessible for visitors of all ages.
What Can You See from the Top of the Bell Tower?
Reaching the top of the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, (Campanile di San Marco) is one of the most rewarding experiences in Venice. From this 360-degree vantage point, you can see the entire city and beyond. Here’s what to look for:
🔭 Stunning Panoramic Views
- Piazza San Marco – The most famous square in Venice, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
- The Grand Canal – Observe Venice’s main waterway and the bustling life of gondolas and vaporettos.
- The Venetian Lagoon & Islands – On a clear day, you can spot Murano, Burano, Torcello, and even Lido in the distance.
- The Dolomites – If the weather is exceptionally clear, you might even glimpse the snow-capped Dolomite Mountains to the north.
🔔 The Five Historic Bells
The tower houses five bells, each of which had a specific function in the Venetian Republic:
- Marangona – Signaled the start and end of the workday.
- Nona – Rang at noon.
- Trottiera – Called members of the Grand Council to meetings.
- Mezza Terza – Announced Senate meetings.
- Malefico – The most ominous bell, used to signal executions.
Today, the bells still ring, adding to the authentic Venetian atmosphere.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower – Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Venice, the St.Mark’s Bell Tower is an unmissable experience. The views are breathtaking, the history is fascinating, and thanks to the elevator, it’s an easy visit for everyone. Here’s why it should be on your itinerary:
✅ Unparalleled Views – The best way to see Venice from above
✅ Rich History – A landmark with over 1,000 years of history
✅ Easy Access – No steps, just a quick elevator ride
✅ Perfect Photo Spot – Capture unforgettable shots of Venice and beyond
📹 Watch my experience on YouTube – I’ll be sharing stunning footage from the top, so make sure to subscribe for a visual tour!
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed learning more about the wonders of Venice. If you liked this post, be sure to follow me on social media for more tips, beautiful photos, and travel inspiration. You can find me soon on
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See you there!
