Campanile in Venice

As of one year ago, there's still a sign in several languages stating that...use the free bag check at Ateneo S. Basso basically on the square next to the Basilica - guidebooks have the details...

There is still a free bag check as noted. Used it a month ago. We did not climb the Campanile, but I highly recommend the much less visited San Giorgio Maggiore, a five minute vaporetto ride across the bacino. You can ride to the top (3 euro I think) and look back on San Marco, as well as get a great view of the laguna. It was like looking at a map "live." And not crowded!

Thanks so very much for taking the time to help! Guess I'll just have to find out about the Campanile when we get there -- don't want to check bags to enter that particular structure if it's not required! Thanks again -- Ciao!

I'd PLAN on checking your bags - this rule has been around awhile; there's not a reason to change things now...

I was there in February. I had to check my backpack before ascending via elevator (are there stairs too?), but the checkroom was right next to the elevator and the cashier. I always have a tote bag in my backpack. I believe I was able to put my "valuables" and my water bottle in it - or possibly I just shoved them into my oversize pockets in my coat.

Another option for a good view is from Rick Steve's Venice Guidebook. This last September we took the free shuttle boat across to the Hotel Molina Stuckey on the Guidecca, went up to their "sky bar" and the pool area, and got a free fabulous view of the island. Then took the free shuttle back to the main island.

i was in venice in may...i got there early right when the tower opened...i always carry a rs civita daypack...i was allowed to take it up...no one checked or asked me anything...

We always carry a daypack in Venice, been up and down both the tower in St Marks Square and across the water (better) at San Giorgio many many times, and never a second thought or a cross word. The Campanile lift is >> small<< though.