St. Mark's Campanile Venice

When you think of Venice, what symbol comes to mind? For many Venetians, that symbol is the bell tower of the Basilica di San Marco. This bell tower is known in English as St. Mark's Campanile.

The bell tower is one of the most prominent features of the Venetian skyline. It's hard not to miss, at 323 feet (100 meters) tall. Made of simple and elegant brick, it stands alone in St Mark's Square, housing five bells. Looking way up, you see a golden weather vane of the Archangel Gabriel standing on top of a pyramid-shaped spire.

Not many of Venice's original structures remain. The current St. Mark's Campanile is a perfect replica of the one which collapsed in 1902. It had stood for over 500 years. The current incarnation - its third - was built in 1912.

The current incarnation of St Mark's Campanile is based on the second tower, which sports the shape and features that made it world-renowned. It was this second tower that Venetians fell in love with and began to identify with. Non-Venetian fans of St Mark's Campanile include Galileo and Goethe (who wasn't even Italian).

Venice has been a magnet for conquerors over the centuries. The bell-tower became drafted to help in the duty to not only fight for Venetians' souls, but their lives as well. St Mark's Campanile has served as bell home, watchtower and lighthouse. With its commanding view, hostile forces to Venice could be seen and with the bells ringing, immediately warn the locals of their arrival.

The bells ring for different reasons. The largest bell rings just to herald the start and stop of a work day. One rings just to herald the ninth hour. Another is reserved just to summon the Venetian politicians to go to the Doge's Palace.

Although not as gaudy as some other Venetian structures, the bell tower is still far from plain. The brick takes on skin tones. At the top, golf leaf glints in the sun. No bats are in this belfry, but lions can be seen walking around it. There is also a woman in bas relief represented who is a symbol of Venice herself.

This latest incarnation of St. Mark's Campanile includes an elevator in order to get to the top. The attic is large enough to walk around in and get magnificent views of the city. Inside the belfry is beautiful marble that you can't see from the ground.

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