Hi! I would like to either climb the bell tower in venice san marco or the one that you have to get to by boat that ive heard is just as beautiful but much less crowded. Which one would you pick? Is it worth doing both?? Should i buy tickets in advance, or is it fine to just show up? I would either go RIGHT when it opens or during sunset hours. I will be staying in venice for three nights, with two full days
Posted by
Miami
338 posts
I would go to both towers because both have spectacular views. I wouldn’t go early in the morning because you run the risk of a foggy morning and with fog the view wouldn't be good. Also, if you go at sunset time you'll get blue hour pictures if you like taking pictures. You don't need to buy tickets in advance for San Giorgio Maggiore, not sure about the Campanile.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
It is always a good idea to get “skip the line” tickets for Venice attractions in advance, but right now it appears the campanile does not totally sell out in advance way ahead, so you could probably wait until a few days ahead. Check a week or two ahead of your visit to see. This is the official website for ticket purchases:
https://basilicasanmarco.skiperformance.com/en/store#/en/buy?skugroup_id=2524
However, note that the website says access is by lift only: “ascent and descent by lift only”. I am not sure if that means you cannot climb the steps or ramps yourself and the ticket is only for the elevator. I believe I have read that the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore, on the small island by that name, is elevator only.
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
627 posts
I just want to put in a plug for going early in the morning when it opens. The mistiness and lack of crowds are magical. I still use as a screen saver a photo I took from the top of the bell tower years ago.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
Can anyone confirm if one can walk up instead of taking the lift?
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1594 posts
The San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower is by elevator only --- I know because in December my 6-year-old granddaughter was extremely bummed to discover this. She loved climbing the steps of the Torcello bell tower and assumed they were all like that (it also has a very cool view).
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
Good to know about the Torcello tower; thank you Nancy8. We enjoy climbing towers and will not do elevators (claustrophobia).
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1594 posts
Not exactly a tower, but a 15th century external circular staircase in Venice with a view: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/scala-contarini-del-bovolo
Granddaughter loved this one! Like with the Torcello bell tower, we had this all to ourselves because it was early morning (and also December). Probably a good idea to buy advance tickets.
Posted by
42 posts
I believe San Giorgio closes at 8p, so you may not get the sunset view. It is a great view though. Also, if you get tickets there, they take cash only (or at least told us they did!) Luckily, I had some.
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1297 posts
The Torcello tower is great, the stair winds its way around the most beautiful brick box. Well, brick box from the outside, but inside there are arches on arches on arches, and then the bells at the top. It is not in any way a hard climb.
At the top, you get excellent views over the lagoon, details that you can’t see from the ground. It helps one understand how the lagoon “works”.