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Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo Entrance Ticket

1. Venice: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo Entrance Ticket

Discover a masterpiece of architecture tucked away off the main streets of Venice and get stunning views with an entrance ticket to the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Get up close to its unique, external multiple arch spiral staircase, known as the "Scala Contarini del Bovolo" ("Of the Snail"). Take a closer look at its remarkable mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Byzantine styles, and then get an impressive view of the city rooftops. Go to the arcade at the top of the stairs and gaze down at the maze of streets and canals.

Venice: Legends, Anecdotes and Ghost Stories Walking Tour

2. Venice: Legends, Anecdotes and Ghost Stories Walking Tour

The Venice Ghost Walking Tours feature a delightful sightseeing route through Hidden Venice that provides the perfect stage upon which your guide will introduce you to Ghost Stories. Legends and anecdotes from Venice's Past & Present. Stroll through narrow passageways, cross sleepy canals and abandoned piazzas (campi) to discover that Venice by night is a city of romance and mystery. During the Venice Ghost Walk you'll hear some intriguing ghost stories that will bring a chill to the night air. Throughout these 90-minute Venice Ghost and Legends Walking Tours your knowledgeable and entertaining guides will also entertain you with ghost stories and legends about Venice and the Venetians themselves. Mind your step, as you follow your guide on this Ghost Walking Tour of Venice as you don't want to wake the dead! We'll cross one cemetery hidden beneath the streets and campi of the modern-day city of Venice. And as you navigate the labyrinth of Hidden Venice you'll see numerous architectural gems lost in the backstreets of Venice that include the famous Bovolo staircase. Built by a wealthy Venetian, at a time when Venetians still travelled around the city on horse-back, this elaborate staircase enabled the nobleman to ride his horse up to his private apartments. You'll explore a secret passage-way, one of the few remaining ones left in the city. The lover of a noble Venetian lady used this passageway to gain access to her private apartments without the knowledge of her husband (access subject to water-levels). With stories of rat-infested prison cells that flooded during high tide, and a stroll along the "Calle dei Assassini" there will be many other surprises along the way. The Tour ends close to the Rialto Bridge.

Venice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour

3. Venice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour

Discover the heart and soul of Venice on the best walking tour of San Marco (the Old Town). Discover the highlights of Venetian architecture, history, culture, Renaissance art, food and wine with a passionate Local Guide, and immerse yourself in amazing stories about Marco Polo, da Vinci, Vivaldi, Tintoretto, Casanova, and more! Experience Venice and its top sights at yout own pace! Book a 2-hour tour to discover the best things to do in Venice, from famous bridges, to majestic palaces, to awe-inspiring churches. Explore the famous Piazza San Marco, the central square of St. Mark. Do you know how often the Basilica of St. Mark is flooded by the tide? Or who is the only person who escaped from the prison of the Doge's Palace? Or how does the Astrological Clock of Torre dell'Orologio work? Don't worry as your Expert-Guide will tell you all about this and more interesting facts about the Republic of Venice, the Venice Carnival, and more. You will admire the views of the Grand Canal and San Giorgio Maggiore, then head deep into the maze of Venice's narrow streets to discover top sights such as Teatro La Fenice, Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio, and Campo Santo Stefano. The final stop will be Ponte dell'Accademia, a popular spot for photographers and lovers. Book a 3-hour tour to learn more about Venice and visit San Zaccaria, a hidden gem of San Marco. It is one of the most decorated churches in town,with many beautiful Gothic and Renaissance sacred artworks. Another highlight will be crossing the iconic Rialto Bridge, an ornate footbridge which offers picturesque views of the Grand Canal with its beautiful Venetian architecture and romantic gondolas. It is one of the busiest places in town, connecting San Marco to San Polo and the famous Rialto Market. On the other side you will see San Giacomo di Rialto, the city’s oldest churches. Book an extended 4-hour tour to also visit one of Venice’s top-rated attraction, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. We provide skip-the-line tickets to help you beat the crowds. This 15th century palace is known as a film location for Orson Welles' Othello, featuring an iconic spiral staircase. Climb up the stairs ""of the snail"" to an arcade to enjoy an impressive view of the city rooftops. It’s a great place to take in the handmade beauty and complexity of Venice’s unusual landscape. Book a 6-hour tour to also visit the Doge’s Palace, one of Italy’s most luxurious palaces! With reserved entrance tickets you will skip the line at the ticket time so you can spend more time inside, exploring the charming inner courtyard and discover the treasures of the Doge’s Apartments, where over 120 Doges of Venice lived over the centuries. The palace houses works by Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, Vittoria and Tiepolo. Another highlight will be the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to its prison, where the famous lover Casanova was imprisoned. With so many stories to tell, the Doge’s Palace is a must-see in Venice!

Venice: City Pass with 30+ Attractions, Gondola, Guided Tour

4. Venice: City Pass with 30+ Attractions, Gondola, Guided Tour

Explore Venice with a cost-effective City Pass. Visit over 30 attractions, including Doge’s Palace, Leonarda da Vinci Museum, Scuala San Rocco, and more. Enjoy guided tours and a trip to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, along with a complimentary Canal Grande boat tour or a gondola ride. Take the stress out of planning your trip to Venice, and experience the city's rich history, culture, and magical atmosphere through museums, churches, tours, and gastronomy. Explore the city at your own pace over 7 days. Book optional public transportation for 1, 2, 3, or 7 days. Following attractions are included: Museums and Galleries: Doge’s Palace Museum Correr National Museum of Archaeology at the Piazza San Marco Leonardo da Vinci Museum Jewish Museum (currently closed) Landmarks and Monuments: Scuola San Rocco State Library Marciana Church Santa Maria di Giglio Church di Santo Stefano Church di Santa Maria Formosa Church di Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church di San Giovanni Elemosinario Church di San Polo Church di San Giacomo dall'Orio Church di San Stae Church di Sant’Alvise Basilica di San Pietro di Castello Church del Santissimo Redentore Church di Santa Maria del Rosario Church di San Sebastiano Church di San Vidal Church di San Giacomo di Rialto Scala del Bovol and Sala del Tintoretto (including observation deck) Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista Boat Experience: Grand Canal Tour* Gondola ride* Island tour of Murano - Burano - Torcello *Choose between one of these tours Guided Tours: Teatro La Fenice Tour (opera tour) in English Venice City Tour - Discover the "Hidden Venice" in English Public Transport (if selected): 1, 2 , 3 or 7 days Discount Partner save up to 15 %: Guided Walking Tour through Venice

Venice: The Ghost & Legends Walking Tour

5. Venice: The Ghost & Legends Walking Tour

Starting in Campo San Bartolomeo, this 1.5-hour walking tour takes you to the hidden corners of Venice. A qualified guide will lead you through winding streets and eerie squares and tell you tales of mystery, murder and superstition. This tour covers areas of Venice after dark including hidden squares and darkened alleys, that otherwise you might not have the courage to visit. Walk through the Castello district as you learn about Venetian doges and noblemen. Hear about unrequited love, the ghostly sounds outside the Malibran Theater and tales of tragic deaths. Head to Campo San Giovanni and Paolo, and then walk along the foreboding Fondamenta Nuova, across from a cemetery. Hear the story of the unburied child, said to be seen in the murky lagoon. The tour ends in the Cannaregio district.

Secret Venice & Gondola Tour

6. Secret Venice & Gondola Tour

Explore a lesser-known side of Venice on a 2-hour tour of the city’s hidden piazzas and palaces. In the company of a professional multilingual guide, you will set off from the Venice Pavillon, in front of the Royal Gardens near San Marco Square and stroll for approximately 90 minutes through little squares and down narrow canal-side streets. Head for the world-famous Fenice Theatre, completely restored inside after the disastrous fire of 1996. See San Fantin Church, a harmonious Renaissance building built initially by Scarpagnino and extended by Sansovino. You will then proceed towards Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo to view its unusual spiral staircase overlooking the tiny courtyard. The tour ends back near San Marco Square, where you will swap land for water and enjoy a 30- minute gondola ride along some of Venice’s beautiful canals.

Walking Tour to Uncover the Hidden Venice

7. Walking Tour to Uncover the Hidden Venice

The tour will start at the San Marco Column. You can see for yourself why people consider this square to be the most beautiful drawing room in the world once you go there. A brief historical overview of the largest maritime empire in the Mediterranean Sea will be provided in the guide. The guide will point out some of the most well-known buildings in this square as you move on with the tour. The St. Mark's Basilica, the cathedral church of Venice, will be unveiled to you in this square. This building is the city's iconic symbol with its Byzantine-style cupolas, golden mosaics, and priceless bronze and gold horses imported from Constantinople. The exterior of the church was designed in a severe Gothic style, as the tour guide will explain. The Doge's Palace, another monument located in St. Mark's square, is the next thing you'll see after passing the Cathedral. Here, the tour guide will explain to you the history of this stunning palace, the fire that occurred there, as well as the layout and architectural design of this magnificent structure. Then proceed on foot to the Campanile (Bell Tower), Venice's tallest structure, which once served as a lighthouse for ships. You will continue your tour of Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, home to the Pantheon of Venice, the biggest church in the city. The tour guide will show you the church's stunning sculpture-designed exterior. The Scuola Grande di San Marco ("Great School of Charity"), Venice's most prominent and exquisitely decorated structure, is located just a short distance from the church. The tour guide will go over the significance of this building to the Venetians and its importance to them. The house of Marco Polo, a famous traveler and author, is one of the hidden gems you'll find as you meander through Venice's streets and pretty alleys while crossing over tiny bridges. When your tour guide describes the place's historical significance and the contributions the man who once lived there made to the world, it's difficult not to feel a sense of awe. You won't stop there; the guide will lead you to Mercerie, the busiest and most well-known shopping street in Venice. This former hub of the city's commerce is located between San Marco Square and the Rialto Bridge. After passing the Rialto bridge, proceed along the grand canal to the Teatro La Fenice, the most renowned and well-known theater in Italy. Here, you can read the legend of a mythical phoenix that the people of Venice have long told. On your way back to St. Mark's Square, stop by the external, gothic Scala Contarini del Bovolo later. Your walking tour will come to an end at this point after a pleasant two hours of walking without feeling overwhelmed or tired because you have learned about the city's perfect blend of art, architecture, and history as well as its priceless artistic heritage.

2-Day Venice Trip From Rome - Private Tour

8. 2-Day Venice Trip From Rome - Private Tour

On the first day, depart from the Roma Termini Train Station at 6:50 AM. In three and a half hours you will reach the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station, where you will meet your guide. Upon arrival in Venice, you will check in at the hotel. Your unforgettable journey will start from here. Walking along the Grand Canal and crossing the historic center of Cannaregio with its delightful little streets, you will head towards to San Marco Square where you can admire the most famous monuments of Venice, such as the 700-year-old basilica of San Marco and its museum as well as the San Marco Campanile. Also see the Clock Tower of the first Renaissance building, the Ducal Palace in Venetian Gothic style and the Bridge of Sighs, where you can take romantic and unforgettable photos. After lunch, you will head for the magnificent Rialto Bridge, where you can admire the splendid view of the Grand Canal and stroll through the ancient Rialto market. Afterwards you will visit the historical Panoramic Terrace of Fontego dei Tedeschi, now the residence of some of the most famous brand shops, where you can enjoy the best view of Venice. Then have dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel to end day one of your trip.  On the second day, you will meet with your guide at 9:00 AM in front of the hotel and head to the vaporetto station. There you will board a boat in the direction of the extraordinary Santa Maria della Salute, located at Punta della Dogana between the Canale Grande and Giudecca. During the short trip, you can admire the Grand Canal and its breathtaking view from the sea. Upon arrival, you will visit the 17th-century Basilica built in Baroque style and here you can take some remarkable photos. Afterwards, you will head to the Accademia Bridge, where you can admire a different panoramic view of the Grand Canal. After lunch, you will go to the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, the hidden treasure of Venice, a staircase characterized by a style between Renaissance, Gothic and Byzantine. Then you will be satisfied with the wonderful views of the city thanks to a traditional gondola ride that will show you the best of the Venice canal. After your gondola ride, you will board a vaporetto and return to your hotel. Take your bags and go to the train station where you catch the train at 4:35 PM back to Rome.

Venice: Rialto, Guggenheim, and Fondaco Terrace Walking Tour

9. Venice: Rialto, Guggenheim, and Fondaco Terrace Walking Tour

Join us at Campo San Bartolomeo, in the heart of Venice, to meet our professional guide. Admire the famous statue of Carlo Goldoni, and take in the beautiful architecture of the square before embarking on a journey through time. Step back in time and experience the heart of Venice as you see the iconic Rialto Bridge from the lower part, you'll be able to appreciate the magnificent structure as it towers above the shimmering waters of the canal. where merchants have been trading for centuries. Your English-speaking guide will take you on a journey through history, sharing fascinating tales of the bridge's construction and the vibrant markets that once crowded its banks. The Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a hidden gem in Venice that's waiting to be discovered by you! This historic building was once the hub of trade for German merchants in Venice and now serves as a premier shopping center with an amazing rooftop terrace. You'll climb up the stairs to the top floor where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace. From here, you can see the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and even the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica As we explore the charming streets of Venice, we'll stumble upon a hidden treasure - the Bovolo. This unique architectural gem boasts a magnificent spiral staircase that offers stunning views of Venice's rooftops. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of this staircase and its significance to Venice's architecture. But that's not all! We'll also pass by the beautiful Chiesa Santo Stefano, a charming church with a unique facade that dates back to the 13th-14th century. Your guide will share interesting stories and facts about the church's rich history and cultural significance. Prepare to be enchanted as you cross the famous Ponte dell'Accademia, a picturesque wooden bridge that spans the Grand Canal. The current bridge was built in 1933 to replace an earlier iron bridge constructed by the Austrians later on. As we make our way through the picturesque streets of Venice, we'll arrive at one of the city's most renowned art institutions - the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Peggy Guggenheim was a prominent American art collector and patron who had a great love for modern art such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Salvador Dali. Your guide will take you on a journey through the museum, sharing fascinating stories about Peggy's life, her love of art, and the significance of her collection. We'll come across the stunning Chiesa della Salute. This beautiful church, one of the most important artpiece of the Venetian Baroque period. As we reach the end of our tour, we'll make our way to Punta della Dogana, a contemporary art museum. It's the perfect place to snap some photos, and also you can take the traditional gondola of Venice to the famous St. Mark Square. And with that, our tour concludes, but the memories and knowledge gained will stay with you forever.

Secrets of Venice Carnival and Life of Casanova Tour

10. Secrets of Venice Carnival and Life of Casanova Tour

Meet your English-speaking guide in front of La Fenice opera house for a walking tour that follows in the footsteps of Giacomo Casanova, and travel back to the Venice Carnival of the 18th century. To set the mood, your guide will be dressed in traditional Venetian costume, and will acquaint you with the story of the Venice Carnival, then and now. Learn the history of the masks, once used to hide the wearers' identify, and hear how they are made. Admire elegant costumes from the 17th century, now worn to parade through the streets at Carnival time. See luxurious costumes worn by people attending one of the many Grand Balls that take place in private palaces. Your guide will talk about Casanova as a great lover, adventurer, extravagant, Freemason, and servant of the establishment. Born in Venice, he grew up in the San Samuele area, and you will walk through the narrow calle (alleys) that pass his home and the house of the poet Giorgio Baffo, who introduced the young Casanova to worldly pleasures. Learn about the Ridotto, the 1st Casino in Venice, where Casanova would meet the Venetian aristocracy. Hear fascinating stories about the courtesans who also played a part in making the city as animated as possible. Experience an alternative walking tour, filled with desire and passion, pleasure, and entertainment. End the tour in a typical Caffe approx 10 mins walk from St Mark’s Square with a hot cappuccino and typical Venetian Carnival cake called a “frittelle”, only made during the Carnival period.

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What people are saying about Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 1,810 reviews

Our tour guide was the best ever! Funny, knowledgeable, local. We had a great time!

The tours was very nice and you will know more information about secret Vince

I really enjoyed this tour - I learnt a lot and recommend to everyone

Great walking tour. Grace was a lovely guide ! Highly recommend

We enjoyed the tour and the guide was very informative