Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo



The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo (also called Palazzo Contarini Minelli dal Bovolo) is a small palace in Venice, Italy, best known for the external spiral staircase, with a plethora of arches, known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo (of the snail).

The palace is located in a less-traveled side-street near the Campo Manin, near the Rialto.

The staircase leads to an arcade, providing a charming panoramic view over some of the roof-tops of the city.

History
The palace was designed and built in its current form in the 15th century by architect Giovanni Candi as one of the Venice homes of the Contarini family. Giorgio Spavento is believed to be responsible for the addition of the grand spiral staircase on the exterior, in 1499.

Palazzo del Bovolo was chosen by Orson Welles as one of the main filming locations (Brabantio's house) for his 1952 screen adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello and the staircase is prominently featured in the film.

Currently, the stair is being restored and it is closed to the public.