Contarini del Bovolo is a small palazzo in Venice, built in the 15th century by the architect Giovanni Candi. During the late 15th-century renovations, the Palazzo acquired its modern Renaissance features with the construction of a multi-arch spiral staircase known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, meaning “of the snail.” The construction of the loggias (covered outdoor galleries, incorporating architectural arches into the design) also dates from the same period. Additionally, one can still observe the traces of the original Gothic architecture inside the building as well as on the main façade overlooking Rio di San Luca.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is famous for its 28-meter-high multi-arch spiral staircase dating to the late 15th century. It was called bovolo (meaning snail) due to its design.
The Contarini family owned the building from the late 15th century until the 19th century. The property passed over to Domenico Emery of Toulon who then converted the palazzo into a lodging house. One of the guests was the German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel who discovered comet C/1859 and the Merope Nebula of the Pleiades from the top of Palazzo Contarini’s tower. In 1849, Domenico Emery handed the property down to an institution assisting the needy members of the parish. Since then, Venice’s welfare services have owned the structure.
