Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a noble residence near Campo Manin in Venice, recognizable by its distinctive spiral staircase on the exterior facade. The staircase rises through several floors, linking pointed arches with rounded openings up to a viewing platform beneath the roof.

The Contarini family, an influential Venetian noble lineage, had this residential palace built in the 15th century to display their social rank. The unusual exterior staircase was likely added around 1499 as a later addition to the original structure.

The Venetian term 'Bovolo' describes the spiral form of the exterior staircase winding along the facade, giving the building its nickname. Visitors experience an architectural solution that moved the ascent between floors outdoors, creating a vertical path with arcaded openings.

Access to the building is through narrow lanes away from main routes, with signage leading from Campo Manin through small passages. Those climbing the spiral staircase should watch for slippery steps and wear sturdy footwear.

The arcade openings along the staircase follow different stylistic elements: the lower floors show Gothic pointed arches, while higher up, Renaissance rounded arches appear. This transition reflects the construction period, when Venice stood between two artistic eras.