One of my favorite things to do in Venice is see the city from above. Climbing up is fun with kids, too! But, as a mamma of three, I know that it’s not always easy to climb a tower or building with little ones.
Luckily, Venice has the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a ‘tower’ that can be climbed by a spiral staircase. It’s easy enough for the littlest legs and kid will feel accomplished and enjoy checking out the views from the top.
We live in Tuscany but enjoy taking the train up to Venice to explore for the day or overnight. I hope this quick look at the Scala Contarini del Bovolo inspires you to climb it with your kids!
Good To Know: This guide is focused on kids, but it’s also a great climb for adults!
Scala Contarini del Bovolo – Why Climb it with Kids
Unlike some other ‘climbs’ in Venice, this one requires you to walk up the steps (vs taking an elevator to the top). If your kids are like mine and often need to let out some pent up energy, a doable climb like this is perfect.
There are no tours or guides. You get to walk up at your own pace.
You don’t need to reserve your climb, so you can ‘play it by ear,’ which is handy if you’re traveling with kids.
It’s a unique building that kids enjoy looking at.
It doesn’t take very long to walk up to the top. This means meltdowns are less likely, and if you have multiple kids, you’ll be able to keep everyone together.
Kids 11 and under can enter and climb for free!
Reasons to Skip the Scala del Bovolo with Kids
If you’ve got a stroller and don’t feel comfortable leaving it alone at the base of the tower in the ticket office. You can’t bring it with you up the stairs.
You have a wiggly toddler that runs off or doesn’t stay with you. The spaces between the railings are too large for me to feel comfortable in this situation. (But if this is your situation, I would avoid Venice until your child is a little older as Venice has many other dangerous obstacles like water without barriers.)
If you’re already planning on doing another climb, this may be overkill for kids.
Likewise, if your kids want to climb as high as they can above Venice, Scala del Bovolo won’t get you there. In this case, you’ll want to take the elevator up to the top of St. Mark’s bell tower.
You may want to read about
Climbing Venice’s Clock Tower
Climbing St. Mark’s Bell Tower
Scala del Bovolo – What the Climb is Like
After purchasing your tickets in the small ticket office of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, scan your QR code on your ticket to enter and start walking up the steps!
The climb up the steps of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is fairly easy.
There are about 110 steps (please count them and let me know what you get!) and they spiral their way up to the top of the tower.
Fun Fact: Bovolo means ‘spiral.’
You can take breaks as often as you need to, as the stairway is wide so people can pass you and others can walk down the steps past you at the same time.
At the end of the climb, there are smaller, more narrow steps.
When you reach the top, you can look out at the almost 360° view of Venice and its rooftops. Can your children find the domes of the Basilica di San Marco and the bell tower? What about Venice’s leaning tower? You can really see it lean!
You walk back down the same way. Be careful on the stone steps if it’s rained, as they could be wet and slippery.
Tips for Climbing the Scala Contarini del Bovolo with Children
Use the toilet and change diapers before the climb. There is no toilet on site.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you can try to time your visit with sunset. In the summer, the tower closes before sunset.
You can leave your stroller in the ticket office.
Don’t show up just before it closes. The last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time. You can check the opening days and times on the official website.
What to Do with Kids After Climbing the Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Get gelato at Suso – Everyone needs gelato after a climb!
Go on a gondola ride – Check out my Tips for Taking Your Kids on a Gondola.
Walk to Piazza San Marco and the lagoon, and take a vaporetto to a playground – You can stop at Giardini della Marinaressa, the playground at Giardini Napoleonici, or the playgrounds at the Parco delle Rimembranze. Read more about Playgrounds We Love in Venice.
Find more ideas for what to do in Venice with children in my guide to Venice with Kids
You may also want to check out
Tips for Your First Trip to Venice
Venice at Night
Venice in the Winter
Islands of Venice
