Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Like a revolver pulled from a petticoat, ultramodern Negozio Olivetti was an out-
right provocation when it first appeared under the frilly arcades of Piazza San
Marco in 1958. High-tech pioneer Olivetti commissioned Venetian architect Carlo
Scarpa to transform a narrow, dim souvenir shop into a sleek showcase for its
typewriters and 'computing machines' (several 1948-54 models are displayed).
(Olivetti Store; 041 522 83 87;
www.negoziolivetti.it
;
Piazza San Marco 101, Procuratie Vecchie;
adult/reduced incl audio tour €5/2.50;
11am-6.30pm Tue-Sun Apr-Oct, to 4.30pm Nov-Mar;
San Marco)
7
Chiesa di Santo Stefano
CHURCH
The free-standing bell tower behind it leans disconcertingly, but this brick Gothic
church has stood tall since 1325. Credit for ship-shape splendour goes to Barto-
lomeo Bon for the marble entry portal and to Venetian shipbuilders, who con-
structed the vast wooden
carena di nave
(ship's keel) ceiling that resembles an up-
turned Noah's Ark.
(
www.chorusvenezia.org
; Campo Santo Stefano; admission €3 or with Chorus
Pass;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat;
Accademia)
8
Campanile
TOWER
The basilica's 99m-tall tower has been rebuilt twice since its initial construction in
AD 888, and Galileo Galilei found it handy for testing his telescope in 1609. Critics
called Bartolomeo Bon's 16th-century tower redesign ungainly, but when this ver-
sion suddenly collapsed in 1902, Venetians rebuilt the tower as it was, brick by
brick.
(Bell Tower;
www.basilicasanmarco.it
; Piazza San Marco; admission €8;
9am-9pm Jul-Sep,
to 7pm Apr-Jun & Oct, 9.30am-3.45pm Nov-Mar;
San Marco)
9
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
PALACE
