St Mark's Campanile (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is St Mark's Campanile?
What makes it 63% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free and a stroller fits the lift, but no changing tables, crowding, wind, and bell noise reduce comfort; use a carrier and nearby paid restrooms instead.
Positives:
- Free Baby Entry: Children under 7 ride free, so your baby doesn’t need a ticket.
- Gentle Elevator Ride: The lift avoids 320 stairs and is easy with a baby carrier.
- Panoramic Space: The deck has room for strollers and safe vistas for all ages.
Challenges:
- No Changing Facilities: There are no changing tables inside; use nearby paid restrooms before entering.
- Wind and Crowds: The open deck can be breezy and crowded, so dress your baby warmly.
What is St Mark's Campanile?
- A freestanding 98.6-meter tall red-brick bell tower standing beside St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice’s main square.
- Venetian architects rebuilt the tower in 1912 to match its 16th-century Renaissance form, featuring a square brick shaft, marble belfry and pyramid spire topped by a gilded Archangel Gabriel.
- A historic civic landmark that served as both a watchtower overlooking the lagoon and a lighthouse guiding ships, housing five bells that regulated Venetian public life.
What is so special about St Mark's Campanile for with baby?
- Free elevator ride for your baby and quick ascent for views
- Short, photo-friendly top stop to suit a baby’s attention span
- Free 3 pm bell watch minimizes walking and fees
- Nearby baby-change facilities before entry
- Easy stroller and carrier options for a smooth visit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for the elevator ride, photos, a bell-watch, and a pit stop in the square without rushing your baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in St Mark's Campanile
Elevator to the Observation Deck:
Ride the lift to the top for 360° views of St. Mark’s Square, the lagoon and Venetian rooftops.
Tip: Use a baby carrier in the lift and book tickets online 72+ hours ahead to skip lines.
3 pm Bell-Ringing Watch:
Stand on the Basilica steps to hear all five bells ring together free of charge.
Tip: Plan this short stop around your baby’s nap time for minimal walking and noise exposure.
Quick Top-Deck Photo Stop:
Spend 5–10 minutes at the summit capturing your baby with the lagoon backdrop.
Tip: Descend before the baby gets fussy and fold strollers at the top to save space.
Pigeon Feeding in the Square:
Buy a seed packet and let your baby watch or try feeding Venice’s famous pigeons.
Tip: Pick up seeds (€1) at nearby kiosks, and keep the stroller clear of pigeon mess.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Mark's Campanile
- Skip-the-Line Booking: Reserve tickets via Venezia Unica 72+ hours ahead for a timed entry.
- Visit Off-Peak: Go early morning or after lunch to avoid peak crowd and noise.
- Use a Soft Carrier: Carry your baby rather than push a stroller on the deck for safety.
Reviews of St Mark's Campanile
Eugene L
St. Mark's Campanile towers 99 meters over the square, offering unbeatable 360-degree views of Venice, the lagoon, and Alps on clear days. Rebuilt in 1912 after collapse, the elevator ride is quick and easy—no stairs! Spot the Basilica's domes, Grand Canal, and islands below. It's windy up top, but exhilarating. Tickets around 10 euros, timed entry recommended to skip lines. Pro tip: Go at opening...
Wenbin Chiu
The heart of the city beats strongest at Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). Napoleon famously called it "the drawing room of Europe," and it retains that regal, open-air charm. Flanked by the majestic St. Mark's Basilica—a breathtaking fusion of Byzantine and Gothic architecture—and the imposing Doge's Palace, the square is a monumental spectacle. Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in th...
Josephine W
A must-see in Venice! The Campanile is hands down the best spot for 360-degree panoramic views. Terracotta rooftops stretch out beneath you, creating a sea of colour, while the deep turquoise lagoon is simply breathtaking. The elevator ride is smooth, and the signage helps orient you to key landmarks. From the viewing platform, you enjoy unparalleled perspectives of the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s B...
Dennis Diaz
It’s really nice being able to see so much of Venice from the top of the bell tower— the views are definitely a highlight and really beautiful. We paid €40 to go up, which felt a bit pricey, but overall the experience was still worth it. It was raining the day we visited, yet we still enjoyed the panoramic views over the city. A memorable stop in Venice!
Ollie Fitton-Cook
A visit here is €15, somehow steeper than visiting the actual basilica over the square, but I think it was worth it. You get a quick lift ride to the top of the tower and then obviously the views across the city. It was a bit rainy when we went but this didn’t ruin the experience. We did expect some kind of joined up ticket system for St. Mark’s Square; I think it would be good to be able to buy...
When is the best time to visit St Mark's Campanile (Venice, Italy)?
In summer afternoons the top deck can be windy. Spring mornings offer milder weather and shorter lines. Check the tide forecast to avoid acqua alta flooding the square.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult elevator tickets | EUR 20 |
| Public restroom fee | EUR 1.5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 21.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of St Mark's Campanile
Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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About St Mark's Campanile
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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