- you are here: Home
- Hidden Treasures
- The history of the flight from St Mark's bell tower during the Venice Carnival
The history of the flight from St Mark's bell tower during the Venice Carnival
Local Traditions
The history of the flight from St Mark's bell tower during the Venice Carnival
On the second Sunday of the Venice Carnival, people gather in St. Mark's Square to witness the famous flight of the angel, during which the winner of the 'Marie' beauty contest of the previous year launches herself from St Mark's bell tower attached to a rope to reach the Doge's Palace.
But not everyone knows that this flight has a very ancient tradition and is in a sense, tragic. In fact, in the mid-sixteenth century, during the Venice Carnival, a young Turkish acrobat succeeded, aided only by a balance pole, to get to the belfry of St Mark's bell tower, walking on a long rope that started from a boat anchored by the quay of the pier. On his descent, he reached the balcony of the Doge's Palace, and handed some gifts to the Doge.
After the spectacular success of this spectacle, now called Svolo del turco, the event, which usually took place on Maundy Thursday, was requested and programmed to be part of an official ceremony for later events using similar techniques and formats that were developed and modified over the years.
But in 1759, the show ended in tragedy. On one occasion, the acrobat crashed into the horrified crowd. Because of this serious incident, the original format of the event was forbidden. Since then, the acrobat was replaced by a large wooden dove that similarly started from the bell tower, and as it descended threw flowers and confetti on the crowd.
... And if you wish to visit St. Mark's Bell Tower, please note that on our portal you can purchase online a convenient skip the line ticket!
- Google+
- tumblr
Search posts
Latest posts
Venice: What happened on March 3 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, today is St. Cunegundes Empress’ Day - March 3, 1043: the monastery and church...
ViewVenice: What happened on March 2 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, today is Pope Simplicius’ Day - March 2, 1429: an exceptional high tide with pu...
ViewVenice: Veronica Franco: the most talked-about woman in the Serenissima

Big Names
Among the various Venetian female figures of the past, certainly one of the most interesting and, for many reasons also modern, was Ver...
ViewVenice: 10 songs that will make you think of Venice

Did you know that...
Sometimes we hear the first few lines of a song and our minds are suddenly transported back to a place, a memory or a dream. We put tog...
ViewTop posts
Venice: What happened on March 4 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, today is St. Casimir of Krakow’s Day - March 4, 1476: Andrea Vendramin struggle...
ViewChioggia: The Valley of the Seven Dead Men

Mysteries & Legends
Halloween is just around the corner: have you already got into the fascinating terrifying aura of the scariest party of the year? No ye...
ViewVenice: The stone heart of St Mark’s Basilica

Unknown places & works
If you are visiting St Mark’s Basilica and have just abandoned the wonderful vision of the Pala d'Oro (which is a must-see), just a f...
ViewVenice: Map of Venice, what to know before you leave

Did you know that...
Did you know that Venice is not a single large island but rather a collection of 117 small islands linked together by over 400 bridges?...
View