Scala Contarini del Bovolo was commissioned by Pietro Contarini at the end of the 15th century. At that time, a façade on the Grand Canal was considered a symbol of prestige, power, and social visibility for Patrician families. Lacking this privilege, the Contarini family chose to stand out by commissioning an unusual architectural work, capable of drawing everyone’s admiration.
The term bovolo, which in Venetian means “snail”, refers to the distinctive spiral shape of the staircase—an elegant loggia structure that winds its way up 26 meters, offering a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Venice.
A blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine influences, the staircase remains one of the most original examples of Venetian architecture.
