Music with a View | Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a hidden gem of Venice

VENICE, Italy — There are so many things to see and explore in Venice.

“Everyone who arrives in Venice feels a new emotion,” said Simone Venturini, who is the Tourism Councilor of Venice. “You need to discover the lagoon around Venice. Venice by night is not Venice by the morning.”

Venice is also a city where you are encouraged to wander around.

“Step outside of the main streets. Get lost in the narrow streets and the less touristic neighborhoods,” said Venturini.

Sometimes getting lost in Venice can lead you to a hidden gem.

“You can come here and see something special,” said Edoardo Rizzi who works at Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

“It’s very famous for this kind of spiral staircase. It’s called Bovolo. It’s a Venetian term that means ‘snail,’ because it’s typical of the shape of the staircase,” said Rizzi.

The first portion of the building dates back to 1300.

When we visited Scala Contarini del Bovolo, we climbed 113 steps of the staircase to hear Italian music. Two musicians from the were performing on the terrace.

“I’m a soprano from the Venice Music Project and I live here in Venice,” said Caterina Chiarcos.

Chiarcos has been singing most of her life.

“I started very young when I was a child,” said Chiarcos. “I followed my mother’s steps because she was an opera singer. So, let’s say I started to have music in my life very early. But I really started to study as a singer when I was 20 years old or something like that. I’ve specialized in Renaissance music, medieval and Baroque age music.”

Chiarcos and lute player Davide Gazzato performed two songs from the top of Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

“This is the first time I’m singing here,” said Chiarcos. “The acoustics are very interesting. It’s very easy to imagine people sitting here in the evening, enjoying music and the view and the fresh air.”  

At first glance, Scala Contarini del Bovolo resembles another famous site in Italy.

“It was in 1499 and they created this kind of spiral staircase, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa,” said Rizzi.

Unlike Venice attractions that are right on the lagoon or a canal, this is a hidden gem.

“We are exactly in the middle of the city center because we are a few steps from St. Marco Square and the Rialto Bridge. Those are the two main spot areas everyone wants to see in town,” said Rizzi. “Here, we are in a narrow street, and we are part of the project called the ‘hidden jewels of Venice.’ We want to demonstrate that Venice is other things.”

Scala Contarini del Bovolo has hosted small weddings and photo opportunities with people wearing masks and costumes during Carnival. Occasionally, they host a unique concert for music lovers.

In Venice, it is easy to spot the most popular places. Just follow all the people. But, if you are headed to this Italian city, spend a little time getting lost and listen.

“Music is rooted inside Venice,” said Venturini.

You might find a music experience on top of a hidden gem.  

“We want to create something typical and feel very Venetian,” said Rizzi.

“I think this is really a spectacular place,” said Chiarcos.  “You can enjoy the music and view at the same time.”

Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a towering place off the beaten path.