The Campanile di San Marco — St. Mark’s Campanile — is the tallest structure in Venice and one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Italy. Standing at 98.6 metres, it has dominated the skyline of Piazza San Marco since the 9th century, serving as a lighthouse, watchtower, and bell tower through the rise and fall of the Venetian Republic. What many visitors don’t know is that the current tower is actually a reconstruction — the original campanile dramatically collapsed without warning in 1902, and was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 1912, brick by brick, to match the original exactly.
This photograph was taken in April 2017 using a Nikon 12-24mm wide angle lens — a focal length that allowed me to capture the full height of the campanile while keeping the expanse of Piazza San Marco in the frame. The wide angle perspective emphasizes the sheer scale of the tower against the sky.
The real story behind this image is the weather. Earlier that evening the rain was falling steadily and it looked like sunset was a write-off. I stayed patient, and just as the sun approached the horizon the clouds broke and put on one of the most dramatic light shows I have witnessed. The sky ignited in deep reds and oranges, reflecting off the wet paving stones of the square and bathing the campanile in fiery light. It is a reminder that bad weather often produces the most spectacular photography conditions — the key is staying out and waiting for it.
For photographers visiting Venice, Piazza San Marco at sunset is one of the most rewarding locations in the city. Position yourself on the western side of the square for the best angle on the campanile against the setting sun.
Another favourite photo of mine taken that evening from a nearby location can be seen here. A very different type of composition from this square can be viewed here.