St Mark's Campanile

St Mark's Campanile is located in Piazza San Marco, and although it's the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica, they are not physically joined together (I had my doubts about this at first). It measures 99 metres tall and, with there not really being many tall buildings in the city, it allows you to have some great views of Venice.

The campanile dates back to the ninth century and has been subject to several reconstruction works, with the most recent being the most important of them all. It is a brick tower with a square base: the upper part is where the white belfry can be found - with 16 arches, four on each side - and a turquoise pyramid-shaped needle crowning the top of it with a golden weather vane that represents the Archangel Saint Gabriel. I personally quite like it, although the contrast between the reddish colour of the bell tower, along with its incredible height, and the very short white church did shock me in the beginning.

The bell tower collapsed on July 14th, 1902, and, miraculously, there were no victims. The rebuilding works began not long after and the original construction model was followed, in addition to keeping the exact same location for the tower. It was finally inaugurated ten years later on April 25th, 1912 - St Mark's Feast Day.

It is a tower that you can go up in a lift until you reach the panoramic terrace. It's not at all big, but it is definitely sufficient.

It is one of the most beautiful views that you'll have whilst here, as you can see Venice from above, with all of its canals, its different islands, and the chaotic distribution of its streets, as well as having an incredibly detailed view of the Piazza San Marco.

To one side, you will see the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and to the other, Santa María de la Salutte Church, as well as the Piazza San Marco below you. The view is quite different to the one you would have if you were in the square: you can see more details, especially the figures and sculptures on top of the buildings and the Basilica. Also, a bit further away, you will find the Arsenal, and you can look at all of the islands, Lido beach, as well as several of the city's canals.

Entry to the campanile costs 8€ per person, but it's worth spending the money. When I went, there was practically no queue, just a couple of people waiting in front of me, and I didn't have to wait long, as I was able to get straight in the lift up.

The campanile's opening hours are from 9am to 7pm, although they are extended during July and August to stay open until 9pm.