St. Mark's Basilica Bell Tower

Overview Of Bell Tower In St. Mark's Basilica

The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, is an iconic structure that has stood tall for over 900 years. Also known as the Campanile di San Marco, it is an integral part of Venice's skyline and a symbol of the city's rich history and culture. The tower stands at a height of 98.6 meters (323 feet) and is the tallest structure in Venice. It is made of brick and has a square base with five levels, each level is adorned with arches, columns, and sculptures. The top-level features four large bronze horses that were brought to Venice from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade.


Visitors to the bell tower can climb to the top via a staircase or an elevator and enjoy panoramic views of the city's rooftops, canals, and landmarks. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the distant Alps. The top level of the bell tower offers breathtaking views of Venice and its surroundings. The bell tower is not just a tourist attraction but also an essential part of Venice's history and culture. Its impressive height, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views make it a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Bell Tower In St. Mark's Basilica

The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, is an iconic structure that has stood tall for over 900 years. Also known as the Campanile di San Marco, it is an integral part of Venice's skyline and a symbol of the city's rich history and culture. The tower stands at a height of 98.6 meters (323 feet) and is the tallest structure in Venice. It is made of brick and has a square base with five levels, each level is adorned with arches, columns, and sculptures. The top-level features four large bronze horses that were brought to Venice from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade.


Visitors to the bell tower can climb to the top via a staircase or an elevator and enjoy panoramic views of the city's rooftops, canals, and landmarks. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the distant Alps. The top level of the bell tower offers breathtaking views of Venice and its surroundings. The bell tower is not just a tourist attraction but also an essential part of Venice's history and culture. Its impressive height, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views make it a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

  • The history of the bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica dates back to the 9th century when the original watchtower was built to keep an eye out for potential invaders.
  • Over the centuries, the tower underwent several renovations and reconstructions.
  • In the 16th century, the current structure was erected, and it has since become a landmark that defines the Venice skyline.
  • The tower originally housed five bells, each with a unique name and purpose.
  • In 1902, the tower collapsed due to structural instability, which was a significant loss to Venice, as the tower had become an essential part of the city's identity.
  • A massive reconstruction effort was undertaken in the years that followed to rebuild the tower, which was finally completed in 1912.
  • Today, the tower has a total of seven bells, with the largest weighing over three tons.
  • The bells are still rung to mark important events and occasions, such as the beginning and end of Mass and the New Year.
  • One of the most significant events associated with the bell tower occurred in 1609 when Galileo Galilei used the tower to demonstrate his newly invented telescope to the Doge of Venice and other dignitaries.


Must Read: St. Mark's Basilica History

Architecture Of Bell Tower

  • The architecture of the bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica is a unique blend of different styles from different periods.
  • The tower's square base and multi-level design are typical of Romanesque architecture.
  • The lower levels of the tower feature arches, columns, and sculptures that are characteristic of Byzantine architecture.
  • The tower's upper levels are adorned with Gothic elements such as pointed arches and tracery.
  • The tower's brick construction is a typical feature of Venetian architecture, and it is said to be the tallest brick building in the world.
  • The tower's main entrance features a beautiful portal with a carved marble arch that is decorated with intricate reliefs.
  • The tower's top level is adorned with four large bronze horses that were brought to Venice from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade.
  • The tower's elegant and harmonious design has inspired many architects and artists over the centuries and continues to be a source of inspiration for many today.


Suggested Reads: St. Mark's Basilica Architecture

Facts About Bell Tower

  • The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice and is visited by thousands of tourists each year.
  • The tower was originally built in the 9th century as a watchtower to keep an eye out for potential invaders.
  • The tower has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries, with the current structure erected in the 16th century.
  • The tower is 98.6 meters tall and is the tallest structure in Venice.
  • The tower's bells are still rung regularly, and its largest bell, the Marangona, weighs over three tons.
  • In 1609, Galileo Galilei used the tower to demonstrate his newly invented telescope to the Doge of Venice and other dignitaries.
  • The tower's collapse in 1902 due to structural instability was a significant loss to Venice, but it was rebuilt and completed in 1912.
  • The tower is made entirely of brick and is said to be the tallest brick building in the world.
  • The tower's top level is adorned with four large bronze horses that were brought to Venice from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade.


Recommended Reads: Highlights Of St. Mark's Basilica

The Bells In Bell Tower

  • The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica houses a total of seven bells, each with a unique name and purpose.
  • The largest of the bells, known as the Marangona, weighs over three tons and is used to mark the beginning and end of the workday and for other important events.
  • The second-largest bell, the Nona, is used to mark the ninth hour of the day, which was traditionally the time for the midday meal.
  • The Trottiera, the third-largest bell, is used to announce the opening and closing of the Grand Council.
  • The other four bells are used for various purposes, including announcing the beginning and end of Mass and marking important religious holidays.
  • The bells were historically used to communicate with the city's inhabitants, announcing news and events, and warning of danger.
  • The bell tower's original bells were lost during the tower's collapse in 1902, and the current bells were installed during the tower's reconstruction in 1912.
  • The bells are still rung regularly today, and their melodic tones can be heard throughout Venice, adding to the city's unique charm and character.

Essential Information


Location: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy


Timings: January to December: 9:30 a.m - 9:15 p.m, Last Admission: 8:45 p.m


How To Reach:

  • By Ferry: Take a 3-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge to the Rialto "B" jetty, where you can board an ACTV S.p.a-operated ferry on Line 1 to the S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F" stop. After getting off at the stop, take a left at Riva Degli Schiavoni and walk 380 meters to reach the Basilica.


  • By Train: Venice is connected to other Italian cities by rail, and the Santa Lucia railway station is the closest one to the city. From there, it's a short 3-minute drive to Piazzale Roma, where you can transfer to a water-bus line to reach St. Mark's Basilica or other parts of Venice.


  • By Car/Cab: If you're traveling by car, take the SR11 road from nearby cities like Verona or Padua, which leads to Piazzale Roma. Once you reach Piazzale Roma, you can park your car in the designated parking lot and take a water bus to St. Mark's Basilica.

FAQs

How old is the bell tower?

The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, is over 400 years old. The current structure was built in the 16th century, although the original watchtower was constructed in the 9th century. The tower has undergone several reconstructions and renovations throughout its history, including a significant collapse in 1902. However, it was rebuilt and completed in 1912, and the tower still stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice today.

How big is the bell tower?

The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, stands at a height of 98.6 meters (323 feet) tall. The tower's base is a square shape with sides that measure approximately 12 meters (39 feet) long. The tower features a total of five bells, with the largest bell known as the Marangona weighing over three tons. Visitors can climb the tower's 318 steps to reach the top, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. The bell tower is an impressive structure that has stood for centuries, and it remains an iconic landmark in Venice today.

What is special about the bell tower in St. Mark's Basilica?

The bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica is unique for its fusion of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles, as well as for its height and the views it offers from the top. It is also notable for its historical significance and the fact that it has undergone multiple reconstructions throughout its history.

What is the best time to visit bell tower?

The best time to visit the bell tower at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, is during the morning hours, shortly after it opens. This is because the tower can get quite crowded during the day, and long lines can form, which may result in a longer wait time. Additionally, visiting in the morning means that you will be able to avoid the hottest part of the day, which can be uncomfortable during the summer months. It's also worth noting that the tower is typically closed on Sundays and during certain religious holidays, so it's important to check the schedule before planning your visit. Overall, visiting the bell tower in the morning can help ensure that you have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

How many bells are there in bell tower?

There are seven bells that are named after saints and other religious figures, with the largest and oldest being named after Saint Mark. The other bells are named after Saint John the Baptist, Saint Gregory, Saint Jerome, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Clement. Each bell has a specific function, including announcing the opening and closing of the basilica, signaling the time of day, and marking special religious occasions. The bells are an important part of the basilica's history and continue to be an integral part of its daily life.

thrillophilia-logo

Email Us: stmarksbasilica@thrillophilia.com

The content and images used on this site are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners.

© 2024 www.stmarksbasilica.com All rights reserved.