St. Mark’s Bell Tower | Venice’s tallest structure

St. Mark's Bell Tower, fondly known as the "master of the house," dominates the skyline of Venice's St. Mark's Square, inviting you to ascend its 323 feet for a one-of-a-kind perspective. From the top of the tower, you can see the maze of narrow streets, the red-tiled roofs of the buildings, the Grand Canal winding its way through the city, and prominent landmarks like St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the domes of St. Mark's Basilica. You can also see the lagoon and the Alps at a distance. But this tower isn't just about the view—it has a rich history. Originally built in the 9th century, it has been rebuilt several times, most notably after collapsing in 1902.

Fun fact: Galileo once used the bell tower to demonstrate his telescope to the Doge in 1609! So, if you're interested in history and want a cool view of Venice, don't miss the chance to climb St. Mark's Bell Tower.

Your St. Mark's Bell Tower ticket types explained

Standard entry tickets

Suited for: Budget travelers and those short on time
Duration: 30 minutes
Guide: Not available

What you get

  • Entry access to St. Mark’s Bell Tower.
  • Explore the St. Mark’s Bell Tower at your convenience.

Tickets to St. Mark’s Bell Tower

Combo tickets

Suited for: Those who want to explore further
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Not available

What you get

  • A visit to St. Mark’s Bell Tower and St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Skip-the-line access to both the attractions.

Combo (Save 20%): St. Mark’s Basilica + St. Mark’s Bell Tower Tickets

St. Mark’s Bell Tower: Top things to spot

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The Spire

The Spire, the bell tower’s pyramid-shaped crown, is as iconic as the bell tower itself. You can spot it at the top of the structure.

Archangel Gabriel

Catch a glimpse of the golden statue, which is a weather vane in the form of the archangel Gabriel, symbolic of divine protection and guidance.

Lion of St. Mark

The Lion of St. Mark stands as a symbol of Venice's power, prosperity, and maritime dominance. This iconic winged lion, often depicted holding a book and bearing a sword, represents the evangelist St. Mark, whose remains are believed to have been brought to Venice from Alexandria.

Allegorical figure of Venice as Justice

The allegorical figure of Venice as Justice at St. Mark's Bell Tower, embodies the city's commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law. Depicted with her eyes covered and holding scales and a sword, she symbolizes impartiality and the administration of justice. This representation underscores Venice's historical role as a center of commerce, diplomacy, and legal governance, where the principles of justice were upheld.

The Logetta

The famous bronze and marble logetta of the St. Mark’s Bell Tower is decorated with statues of ancient Roman Gods and deities. Designed by Jacopo Sansovino in the 16th century, the logetta of St. Mark’s Bell Tower served as a meeting place for the city’s leaders.

The Belfry

The Belfry, located at the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower is home to the five bells of the tower - Marangona, Nona, Trottiera, Mezza Terza, and Renghiera. Each of these bells has a unique sound and was rung for different purposes.

The views

From the top, you'll get a bird's-eye view of Venice's layout, including its famous canals and sometimes even the distant mountains. Look out for the other landmarks of St. Mark’s Square such as Doge’s Palace and the Basilica as well.

Know before you go to St. Mark’s Bell Tower

St. Mark’s Bell Tower

General timings: Every day from 9:30am to 9:15pm

Last entry: 8:45pm

Note: During bad weather conditions such as fog, strong winds, or extreme cold, the Bell Tower closes for safety reasons.

Detailed St. Mark's Bell Tower timings

Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy. Find on maps.

  • By ferry: Water bus line 1, 51, 2
    Nearest stop: S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F"
  • By train: Trenitalia
    Nearest stop: Santa Lucia
Detailed directions to St. Mark's Bell Tower
Wheelchair-accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Parking 
  • The St. Mark’s Bell Tower has a lift to take you to the top.
women carrying small purse
  • There are no lockers facilities at St. Mark’s Bell Tower, so avoid carrying large bags. However, you can carry a small purse or sling.
  • Start your day at St. Mark's Bell Tower after crossing the Grand Canal by boat or gondola. It's a convenient stop to take in the layout of Venice, so you understand where everything is located.
  • The bell tower has 5 traditional bells at the top. These bells have historically served various functions, from announcing executions to important events and celebrations. Now they ring just to mark the hour. Plan your visit to coincide with the ringing of the bells for an immersive experience.
  • Minors must always be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please ensure that your clothing covers both shoulders and knees.
coffee
  • Caffè Florian: Located 21m from St. Mark’s Bell Tower, Caffè Florian is one of the oldest cafes in the world. It offers a historic and elegant setting for coffee, tea, and light snacks. 
  • Quadri: Quadri, located 0m from St. Mark’s Bell Tower offers fine dining with a view. The menu features Venetian and Italian cuisine, and the restaurant's terrace provides excellent views of St. Mark’s Square. 
  • Gran Caffè Lavena: This historic café, located 999m from St. Mark’s Bell Tower has been serving customers since 1750. It's a lovely spot for coffee, pastries, and people-watching.
  • Osteria Enoteca San Marco: For a taste of Venetian cuisine, consider Osteria Enoteca San Marco. It's located near St. Mark's Square and offers a selection of traditional dishes and a variety of wines.

Beyond St. Mark’s Bell Tower

St. Mark’s Basilica

Located only 23m from St. Mark’s Bell Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the must-visit attractions in Venice. Also Known as the ‘Golden Church’, due to its dominant golden mosaics, St. Mark’s Basilica is a stellar example of Byzantine architecture.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Located 250m from St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is an art museum dedicated to 20th-century artworks. From cubism and surrealism to abstract expressionism, the artworks at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum showcase the varied styles of art.

Doge’s Palace

Located 990m from St. Mark’s Bell Tower, Doge’s Palace is one of the iconic landmarks of Venice. Built in a Venetian-Gothic style, the Doge’s Palace was the royal residence of the Doge of Venice.

Frequently asked questions about St. Mark’s Bell Tower tickets

Standard entry tickets for St. Mark’s Bell Tower give you entry access to the tower, whereas combo tickets include skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Bell Tower and additional access to St. Mark’s Basilica.

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