Campanile

The 30m-tall bell tower has been rebuilt twice since its initial construction in 888, and was long used as the city’s main lighthouse. Critics have called the tower squat and ungainly, but when it suddenly collapsed in 1902, Venetians rebuilt the tower exactly as it was, brick by brick. Entry to the tower leads through the ground-floor Loggetta, a light Renaissance touch by Sansovino and, when the tower is open to the public, a lift whisks visitors to the top for spectacular panoramas over the city. But you may have to admire it from below: due to ongoing stabilisation efforts, the bell tower may be closed on your visit.