Description of the attraction
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 renovated 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. It was built in 1537-1549 and housed the armed guards of the Republic during the 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.
