The Bell Tower of St. Mark in Venice, 98.6 meters high, is the tallest building in Venice. Its predecessor was a watchtower built in the 9th century and later turned into a bell tower. In the following centuries, the Bell Tower of San Marco was damaged by earthquakes and fires many times, and has undergone several reconstruction and renovation to become what it is now. As the city's lighthouse on the lagoon, the Bell Tower has long been regarded by Venetians as the undisputed landmark of Venice. Visitors can take the elevator to the Bell Tower and overlook Venice, but there are too many people in the queue.