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On the north side of Piazza San Marco in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Venice is the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio). It’s located just to the right of the Old Procuratie (Procuratie Vecchie) and to the left of Saint Mark’s Basilica. The tower was completed in 1499 but the original appearance has changed over the years.
The Moors
At the very top of the tower is the bell, which was cast in 1497 by Simeone Campanato. It’s rung by two bronze figures known as “the Moors”. One of the figures is old and one is young, meant to represent the passage of time.
The Lion
The next level down features the Lion of Saint Mark in front of a blue background with gold stars. A statue of Doge Agostino Barbarigo, who was in office while the tower was being built, used to kneel in front of the lion. It was removed in 1797 after the city was conquered by Napoleon.
Virgin and Child
Below the lion is a balcony with a copper statue of the Virgin and Child. To the left, a panel indicates the hour in Roman numerals. To the right, another panel indicates the minutes in five minute intervals in Arabic numerals. Only twice a year, on Epiphany (January 6) and Ascension Day (the first Thursday 40 days after Easter), statues of the Three Magi led by a trumpeting angel leave from a doorway where the numbers reside. They parade around the statue of the Virgin and Child, bow to them, and enter through the other doorway.
Clock Face
Finally, on the next level down is the clock face. It’s surrounded by a marble circle indicating the 24 hours of the day in Roman numerals. Inside the circle are the signs of the Zodiac in gold, indicating the position of the sun within the zodiac. In the very center is the earth with a moon revolving around it to show the phases of the moon.
Arch
Pedestrians can pass under the tower through a two story archway that leads from Piazza San Marco to a street called the Merceria.
Visiting the Tower
It’s possible to visit the Clock Tower on a guided tour booked in advance. Tours in English are available daily at scheduled times. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office of the Museo Correr on Piazza San Marco.
Tickets for adults cost €14 while children from age six to 14 are admitted for €11 (as of August 2023). Children under 6 cannot attend tours. Reduced admission of €11 is available for holders of the Museum Pass or the combined ticket to the museums on Piazza San Marco.
