johncristiani: VENICE SEEN FROM THE CAMPANILE OF SAN MARCO

mercoledì 9 aprile 2014

VENICE SEEN FROM THE CAMPANILE OF SAN MARCO

The Campanile was begun in 888 under Doge Pietro Tribuno and rebuilt several times in the 12th to 14th century. It stands on the pre-existing foundations of a Roman watchtower. Several architects took part in the construction, the most important being Ncolò Barattieri (1180) and Montagnana (1329). In 1489 the Campanile was struck by a lightning. The old bell chamber was burned out and had to be completely rebuilt in its present style by Bartolomeo Bon from 1511 to 1514.

From the top of the tower it is possible to get a wonderful view of the forest of roofs, chimneys and steeples as well as the variety of squares, streets and bridges below.

An illustrious visitor to the tower was Galileo Galilei. In 1609 from the belfry Galileo demonstrated the wonders of the telescope to the rulers of the Republic.

The Campanile consists of a solid square brick shaft (12 meters wide and 49.5 meters high (half the total height of 98.6 meters) with pilaster strips. Set on the belfry is a large cube serving as a base for the pyramidal spire topped by a gilded copper angel.

It was struck several times by lightning and rocked by earthquakes, but it survived for centuries. Unfortunately on 4 July 1902 it collapsed in a pile of rubble. There no human victims and the nearby Libreria was only slightly damaged. The news of the collapse went round the world immediately. That very evening the Venice City Council resolved that the campanile should be rebuilt "where it was and as it was". Nine years later, on 25 April 1912 the new campanile was officially open.

A comfortable lift carries people to the top. The price per person is 8 euros.