Saint Mark's Bell Tower
...is possible to admire not only all the city but also the majority of the Lagoon.
The modern aspect of the steeple dates back to the beginning of the last century (1902) when, after collapsing, was rebuilt paying attention to keep its original foundations (the ones left, constituted by hundreds of poles
stucked into the ground).
Jacopo Sansovino was the architect of the building entry, called Soggetta, and it was built in the XVI° Century. The sculptures within it (they celebrate the success of the Serenissima Republic), the bas-reliefs and the statues
were restored following the collapse.
You can reach the top of the Steeple by lift (maximum 14 persons per time), installed in 1962 (it was considered a lux in that epoch).
The steeple consists of five bells, each of which had a precise task and had its own name. In the morning, when Venetians went to work, they could hear the "Marangona" that announced the start (but also the end) of the working day.
At midnight instead you could hear the "Nona". When the Doge summoned the Senators in its palace in the "Great Counsil Room" where this latter took place, you could hear the "Mezzaterza" first (summoning) and the
"Trottiera" (beginning of the Great Council"). Executions were tolled by the "Maleficio" (something like "Curse").
To complete the description of the steeple only the "Golden Angel" is left, which lies right on top. This Angel was projected and created by Bartolomeo Bon.
Did you know that...
Every year, the flight of the white little dove gives start to the Venice Carnival?!?!
