The Archangel Gabriel looks down on the city from 323 feet high in the sky (nearly 100 meters), although he is, technically, an incredibly fancy weathervane. He stands on a pyramid-shaped spire on the belfry - home to Venice's five bells - which leads down the earth-toned brick tower to rest on a 39 square foot base.
The impressive structure is an exact replica of the one which mysteriously collapsed one summer morning in 1902. Mind you, that one was built to replace the original bell tower built in the ninth century, but it was heavily damaged in an earthquake in the 1500's.
A smaller and slightly less ornate version marked the original bell tower, built in the 9th century. It had to be torn down in the 1500's after an earthquake damaged it. They made the second bell tower a little bigger and a little better. Famous admirers of it included Galileo and Goethe.
Venetians appreciate the many services the unique bell tower has performed for the city. Not only do the bells help save their souls, but they also have served to warn of incoming armies. Because it was the biggest structure in Venice for many centuries, they military used it for defensive purposes, while tourists and artists have used it to "see forever".
Each of the five bells has different jobs. The largest is to announce the beginning and ending of a usual work day. A second acts like a clock bell, gonging the hour. One is reserved to call the Venetian Senators to the Doge's Palace. Another is for when prisoners are executed.
Although not as gaudy as some other Venetian structures, the bell tower is still far from plain. The brick takes on skin tones. At the top, golf leaf glints in the sun. No bats are in this belfry, but lions can be seen walking around it. There is also a woman in bas relief represented who is a symbol of Venice herself.
Many tourists enjoy taking the elevator ride up the Campanile to enjoy the view and the interior artwork of the tower. They can also see the intricate marble works of the attic and meet the bells in the belfry.
