St Mark's Clocktower
Torre dell'Orologio
The Renaissance clock tower on the north side of St Mark's Square, with a blue astronomical dial dotted with gold stars and two bronze Moors who strike the bell.
The clock tower was built between 1496 and 1499. Its blue enamel dial shows the time, the zodiac signs and the phases of the moon all at once. Above it are a gold statue of the Virgin and a winged lion, and at the top of the tower, two bronze 'Moors' strike the bell on the hour. The archway beneath the tower leads to the shopping street Mercerie, which runs all the way to the Rialto Bridge. Visiting the interior requires joining a small guided group tour, which is offered in Italian, English and other languages. The tour costs about €14 and must be booked in advance. It allows visitors to see the mechanism up close and climb to the top of the tower.
Opening hours
Exterior visible at all times; interior by guided tour reservation only
Nearby sights
- St Mark's Campanile
- St. Mark's Square & Basilica
- Museo Correr
- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- Grand Canal & Rialto Bridge