Venice - Campanile

The Piazza di San Marco would not be complete without the rectangular towering Campanile in front of the Procuratie Nuove that links the Piazza and the Piazzetta.

The Campanile was begun in the 10th century; it was completed in the 12th century and its pointed roof added in the 15th century. It could be seen from afar by approaching ships and it guided them home with its gilded pinnacle.

It collapsed on 14th July 1902, smashing the Loggetta at its foot but causing no casualties. By 1912 it had been painstakingly rebuilt.

The Campanile is 98.6m/322.5ft high and has a double wall. A lift goes up to the Belfry from where there is a magnificent view of the city.

In the Middle Ages the Campanile was also used as a pillory: wrongdoers - including adulterers and renegade priests - were closeted in a cage and hoisted half-way up the tower. This breezy punishment could last for several weeks.