Official Information
Official website: https://www.basilicasanmarco.it
Online ticket office: Book Bell Tower Tickets
Address: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
The Campanile di San Marco is generally open daily. In the summer season, opening hours are approximately 09:30 to 21:15. In the winter season, hours are approximately 09:30 to 19:15. The last ascent is about 15 to 30 minutes before closing. Opening times can change for weather or liturgical reasons, so always check the official ticket office before your visit.
The Campanile di San Marco, or St Mark’s Bell Tower, stands as Venice’s most iconic vertical landmark and offers the city’s best panoramic views. Nearly 99 metres tall, the present tower is a precise early 20th century reconstruction of the medieval original that suddenly collapsed in 1902. The current structure preserves the historical silhouette with a tall brick shaft, a belfry containing five bells, a pyramidal spire, and a gilded statue of the Archangel Gabriel that rotates with the wind. Historically, the campanile served as a watchtower and lighthouse, then became the civic bell tower for Venice, marking working hours, sounding alarms, and celebrating victories of the Republic.
Visiting is straightforward: the ascent is entirely by lift, making it accessible to most visitors (note that the cabin is small and may feel cramped). At the top, a secure viewing gallery provides sweeping 360-degree views. You can see the domes of St Mark’s Basilica, the rooftops of the city, the Doge’s Palace, the Riva degli Schiavoni, and out across the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore and beyond. On clear days, the Dolomites are sometimes visible on the distant horizon.
Tickets should be purchased in advance for a timed slot to avoid queues, especially in peak season. The tower may close suddenly for fog, storms, or high winds, so it is wise to confirm opening before your visit. Informational panels briefly explain the tower’s history and its bells. Photography is allowed, but the use of tripods is not. The bells still ring every hour and can be extremely loud if you are at the top—some visitors may prefer to avoid the hour if they are sensitive to noise. A visit to the campanile pairs naturally with the Basilica and several museums surrounding Piazza San Marco, making it an essential starting point for exploring Venice.