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Exploring the Scala del Bovolo: Venice’s Spiral Secret

 


So, you’ve made it to Venice. You’ve dodged the pigeons in Piazza San Marco, maybe even splurged on a gondola ride (because, why not?), and now you’re wondering what else this city has hidden up its sleeves. Let me introduce you to something a bit off the beaten path: the Scala del Bovolo. This isn't your typical Venetian attraction, but that's exactly what makes it so special.

Nestled in a quiet courtyard, the Scala del Bovolo is like a surprise waiting to be discovered. Seriously, you could walk right by it and never know it was there—unless, of course, you know what you're looking for. And trust me, once you find it, you’ll be glad you did. This tower is like something straight out of a fairy tale, or maybe a dream you once had after too much gelato. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s just a little bit wobbly (more on that later).

The name "Bovolo" literally means "snail" in Venetian dialect, and when you see the tower, you’ll get why. It spirals up like the shell of a snail, a delicate and dizzying staircase that seems to defy gravity. Built in the late 15th century as an addition to the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, this tower was basically the medieval equivalent of showing off. “Look what I can build,” the Contarinis seemed to say. And honestly? They nailed it.

Now, about that wobbliness. The staircase wraps around the exterior of the tower in a way that seems almost too fragile to be true. As you climb the steps, you might feel a little unsure—like you’re walking on something that wasn’t meant to be climbed. But don’t worry, the tower has stood the test of time. Just keep going, and you’ll be rewarded with a view that’s nothing short of breathtaking.



At the top, you get a panoramic view of Venice that’s somehow both intimate and expansive. It’s like the city is whispering its secrets just to you. The red-tiled rooftops, the domes of churches, the endless canals—it’s all there, laid out like a beautiful, chaotic quilt. And since this spot isn’t flooded with tourists, you can actually take a moment to breathe it all in. Maybe even snap a selfie or two.

But what’s really cool about the Scala del Bovolo is that it’s not just about the view. It’s about the journey up those winding stairs, the feeling of discovering something hidden, something not everyone else has seen. It’s a bit like finding a hidden level in a video game—unexpected, a little tricky to get to, but so worth the effort.

So, next time you’re in Venice, when you’ve had your fill of the usual sights and you’re ready for something a little different, go find the Scala del Bovolo. It’s not the biggest, the flashiest, or the most famous spot in the city, but it’s definitely one of the most charming. And isn’t that what makes travel so magical? Finding those little treasures that no one told you about.

And hey, if you do get a little dizzy on the way up—just blame it on the spiral.

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