Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a late Gothic palace in Venice famous for its extraordinary external spiral staircase, the Scala del Bovolo ("bovolo" means snail shell in Venetian dialect). Tucked into a quiet courtyard between Rialto and Piazza San Marco, it is one of Venice's most surprising architectural discoveries. The oldest section of the palace dates to the 1300s, when the Contarini family of the San Paternian branch chose this location for its strategic position, roughly equidistant from the commercial hub of Rialto and the political center of San Marco. The palace functioned as a "fontego" house, a merchant's combined residence and warehouse, reflecting the practical architecture of Venetian aristocratic life before display became paramount. The facade once bore elaborate floral frescoes, fragments of which survive today. In 1499, Pietro Contarini commissioned the famous spiral staircase to enhance the palace's courtyard elevation. The building changed hands many times over the centuries. In the 19th century, a lodging-house keeper named Arnaux Marseille, nicknamed "il Maltese," ran the palace as a boarding house. Local legend holds that he inspired Hugo Pratt's comic character Corto Maltese. One of his guests, the German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel, discovered the C/1859 comet and the Merope Nebula of the Pleiades while observing the sky from the building's upper terrace. The palace is now owned by I.P.A.V. (Public Institutions of Venetian Assistance) and serves as their headquarters, with the staircase and exhibition rooms open to visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 QuestionsWhat is Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo?
It is a late Gothic palace in the San Marco district, famous for its external spiral staircase (the Scala del Bovolo). The building dates to the 1300s and belonged to the Contarini family. Today it houses exhibition spaces and the administrative headquarters of a Venetian social welfare foundation.
How much does it cost to visit Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo?
Full-price admission is 9 EUR. Reduced tickets (7 EUR) are available for visitors aged 12-26, seniors over 65, and members of FAI or the Touring Club Italiano. Children under 12 and Venice residents enter free. A 15 EUR option covers private photoshoots or visits in carnival costume.
What is the Corto Maltese connection?
In the 19th century, the palazzo was run as a boarding house by Arnaux Marseille, known locally as "il Maltese." Venetian legend holds that this figure inspired comic artist Hugo Pratt to create his famous seafaring character Corto Maltese, though this remains unconfirmed.
What are the opening hours of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo?
Summer hours (late February through October) are daily 10:00am to 6:00pm, with last entry at 5:30pm. Winter hours (late October through February) are daily 9:30am to 5:30pm, with last entry at 5:00pm. Closed December 25-26.
Is Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of Venice's best hidden gems. The spiral staircase is architecturally unique, the rooftop panorama is excellent, and the courtyard setting feels miles from the San Marco crowds. The visit takes about 40 minutes, and the history of the building (from merchant palace to boarding house to comet observatory) makes it far more interesting than a simple photo stop.
