Torre dell’Orologio

Did you ever wonder what the most famous clock in Venice is? Here in front of us, stands the Torre dell’Orologio, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that stands proudly on the north side of St. Mark’s Square. It’s been keeping time for Venice for over five hundred years, and it’s a reminder of the city’s glorious past. You might be surprised that this beautiful tower, with its intricate details and fascinating clock, was built in just three years. Work started in 1496 after an old clock at the north-west corner of St. Mark’s church, the clock of St Alipio, was in such a bad state that the Senate decided to build a new one. Imagine the effort of dismantling an old clock and constructing a brand new one in just three years! This clock, called the Torre dell’Orologio, is a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering, standing at the entrance to the Merceria, the main street of Venice. The original clock mechanism was built by father and son artisans, Gian Paolo and Gian Carlo Ranieri. To make sure the clock would be visible from the waters of the lagoon, the tower was built at a height to make it easy to admire from the sea. The Torre dell’Orologio has many secrets, and although it may look imposing, the inside of the tower is a space full of life and activity. There were even apartment rooms built to accommodate the families of the keepers of the clock, as a continuous tradition for centuries. During tours, you pass by the intricate clock mechanism while making your way up the narrow spiral staircases to the top of the tower. Then, you can stand right under the famous figures known as the Moors, two bronze figures which strike the hours on a bell. Even the bell is original! The Moor’s on the top of the tower have a secret. They were originally gilded, and it was thought that they represented shepherds or two giants. They are known now as the Moors thanks to the dark patina acquired by the bronze over time.