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Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Attraction
4.5 (11743 reviews)
Restored 15th-century palace with a spiral staircase, a film location for Orson Welles' Othello.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
+39 041 309 6605
Did You Know?
Spiral Staircase
The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is famous for its unique spiral staircase, known as a 'bovolo' in Venetian, which is made up of 80 monolithic steps that twist counterclockwise.
Staircase Construction
The iconic spiral staircase was built in 1499, adding a distinctive feature to the late-Gothic palace.
Family Name Change
The Contarini family, who owned the palace, adopted the nickname 'Contarini del Bovolo' after the addition of the spiral staircase, which became a defining characteristic of their residence.
Inspiration for Corto Maltese
In the early 19th century, the palace was rented by Arnoldo Marseille, known as the Maltese, who opened an inn there. He is believed to have inspired the character of Corto Maltese, the protagonist of Hugo Pratt's comics.
Highlights from Reviews
• Unique architecture
The spiral staircase (Scala del Bovolo) is a distinctive and beautiful architectural feature, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine styles.
• Panoramic views
The climb offers lovely rooftop views over Venice, providing a different perspective of the city, especially good for photos.
• Hidden gem
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, it's considered an enchanting secret and a peaceful, atmospheric spot away from mainstream tourist crowds.
• Helpful staff
Staff were noted for being extremely nice and helpful, assisting with tickets and providing information about the exhibits.
• Art exhibition
Beyond the staircase, there's an interesting art or fashion exhibition with knowledgeable staff, adding unexpected value to the visit.
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