Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: Entrance fee

The Scala Contarini del Bovolo, an impressive spiral staircase in Venice, looks like something out of a fairy tale (and a geometry book). This architectural gem combines Gothic and Renaissance styles and is famous for appearing in scenes from Orson Welles' version of Othello. The small but charming Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is often bathed in warm Venetian sunlight. Its most famous feature is the external spiral staircase of multiple arches - the word bovolo means "snail shell" in Venetian dialect - that offers a majestic view from above. Originally built in the 15th century by Giovanni Candi, the staircase was added in 1499 and is the highest in Venice. Each wide step and the elegant spiral make its design reminiscent of a snail's shell. With the combined ticket, you can also visit the Oratorio dei Crociferi, a small prayer room nearby that houses a cycle of paintings by Palma il Giovane. His red and gold costumes of the dignitaries portrayed are a must-see for art lovers.