Travel and Vacations

St. Mark’s Campanile – The Famous Belltower of Venice

Story Published on July 31, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

You haven’t truly seen Venice until you see the bell tower (the Campanile) of the Basilica di San Marco and St Mark’s Square. This is the structure around which the rest of Venice revolves. It is also considered the symbol of the soul of Venice.

The Archangel Gabriel looks down on the city from 323 feet high in the sky (nearly 100 meters), although he is, technically, an incredibly fancy weathervane. He stands on a pyramid-shaped spire on the belfry – home to Venice’s five bells – which leads down the earth-toned brick tower to rest on a 39 square foot base.

What exists today is actually a replica of a replica. The second St. Mark’s Campanile (the first to take on its familiar shape) collapsed for no known reason in 1902 after 500 years of faithful service and was rebuilt in 1912.

Before its sudden and inexplicable collapse, St Mark’s Campanile had been built in the 9th century. After an earthquake in the 1500′s, it became irreparably damaged and needed rebuilding. Famous visitors to the second incarnation of the bell tower include Galileo and Goethe.

Venetians appreciate the many services the unique bell tower has performed for the city. Not only do the bells help save their souls, but they also have served to warn of incoming armies. Because it was the biggest structure in Venice for many centuries, they military used it for defensive purposes, while tourists and artists have used it to “see forever”.

The bells ring for different reasons. The largest bell rings just to herald the start and stop of a work day. One rings just to herald the ninth hour. Another is reserved just to summon the Venetian politicians to go to the Doge’s Palace.

Although not as gaudy as some other Venetian structures, the bell tower is still far from plain. The brick takes on skin tones. At the top, golf leaf glints in the sun. No bats are in this belfry, but lions can be seen walking around it. There is also a woman in bas relief represented who is a symbol of Venice herself.

Many tourists enjoy taking the elevator ride up the Campanile to enjoy the view and the interior artwork of the tower. They can also see the intricate marble works of the attic and meet the bells in the belfry.

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