Bell Tower and Library description and photos - Italy: Venice (Topic)

Bell Tower and Library description and photos - Italy: Venice. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

The hundred-meter-high Campanilla bell tower has become a symbol of Venice. It was erected on a Roman foundation during the reign of Doge Pietro Tribuno (888-912) and for centuries the bell tower withstood storms and earthquakes, but weakened due to careless construction work on July 14, 1902, it collapsed, destroying a small lodge, built by Sansovino at the foot of the bell tower ... Both the bell tower and the lodge were reconstructed and inaugurated in 1912.

The three-arch lodge by Sansovino is decorated with four beautiful bronze statues of Apollo, Mercury, Mir and Minerva by the same sculptor. Built in 1537-1549, it housed the Republic's armed guards during a Grand Council meeting.

The magnificent Library building is considered a masterpiece by the architect Sansovino. In 1536, the Senate of the Republic decided to build a library that could accept books donated to the city by Cardinal Bessarione, as a token of gratitude for Venice's shelter after fleeing the Turks. There are three main entrances to the building from Piazza San Marco: closer to the embankment is the entrance to the existing library, from the opposite side - the entrance to the Archaeological Museum.

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Topic: Bell Tower and Library description and photos - Italy: Venice.