The leaning towers of Venice

The Leaning Towers of Venice: History, Collapses, and Preservation

When people think of leaning towers, Pisa usually comes to mind. But did you know that Venice also boasts several leaning towers — some of them dramatically tilted, others stabilized after centuries of careful work? These bell towers (or campanili) have become an unmistakable part of the Venetian skyline, adding to the city’s charm and mystery. On a private boat tour with Vidal Venice Tours, you can admire many of these architectural marvels from the water, just as Venetians have done for centuries.

Why So Many Towers Lean in Venice

Venice was built on marshy land, supported by thousands of wooden piles driven into the lagoon floor. Over time, uneven settling, rising water levels, and the natural shifting of the soil caused several bell towers to tilt. Instead of seeing this as a flaw, Venetians embraced these quirks — and today, the leaning towers are among the most fascinating sights of the city.

The Most Famous Leaning Towers in Venice

1. San Giorgio dei Greci

This elegant Greek Orthodox church near Campo dei Greci has a bell tower that leans dramatically toward the canal. Built in the 16th century, its tilt was already visible not long after completion. Today, it’s one of the most photographed towers in Venice, especially from the water.

2. San Pietro di Castello

Once Venice’s cathedral before St. Mark’s Basilica, the church of San Pietro features a tall bell tower with a noticeable tilt. The tower was completed in 1482 and, like many others, has been continuously monitored and reinforced to prevent collapse.

3. San Martino in Burano

Visible from afar thanks to its stark lean, the bell tower of Burano’s main church is an island icon. Its precarious appearance adds to Burano’s picturesque charm, especially when viewed from a boat during a lagoon tour.

4. Santo Stefano

Located near Campo Santo Stefano, this 14th-century tower leans prominently and has been reinforced over time. Walking through the square, visitors can’t help but notice how the tilt contrasts with the elegant palazzi around it.

Towers That Collapsed

The Campanile of San Marco (1902)

The most dramatic collapse in Venetian history occurred on July 14, 1902, when the bell tower of St. Mark’s Square suddenly crumbled to the ground. Miraculously, no one was killed except the caretaker’s cat. The tower was rebuilt “as it was, where it was,” reopening in 1912 — today it stands straight and strong, a testament to Venetian resilience.

Other Collapses

Over the centuries, smaller campanili in less-known parishes have also collapsed due to poor soil, unstable foundations, or lightning strikes. Each time, Venice learned from the disaster, improving engineering techniques to secure other leaning towers before they met the same fate.

How Venice Stabilizes Its Leaning Towers

Modern engineering has made it possible to preserve Venice’s tilting campanili without destroying their character. Techniques include:

  • Reinforcing foundations with concrete or steel supports.

  • Injecting stabilizing materials into the soil.

  • Continuous monitoring with sensors that detect even slight movements.

These measures ensure that today’s leaning towers remain standing, safe, and enchanting for future generations.

See the Leaning Towers of Venice with Vidal Venice Tours

Exploring Venice by boat is the best way to admire its leaning towers. From the canals, you’ll see how these bell towers rise above neighbourhoods and islands, each with its own story. With Vidal Venice Tours, you’ll enjoy an intimate perspective on the city’s hidden wonders — including its famous tilting campanili — while learning about their history from a local guide. Just drop us a message here to secure your spots!

Whether you’re cruising past San Giorgio dei Greci in Castello, spotting the leaning campanile of Burano, or reflecting on the rebirth of San Marco’s tower, these sights tell the story of a city that has always lived in balance with its fragile environment.