St. Mark’s Clock Tower

The St. Mark’s Clock Tower is a historical monument in the Piazza San Marco in Venice. It is a product of the Renaissance period. You can also get to access the balcony with a superb view of the city. The Clock Tower is a steep climb, hence not recommended for people with difficulty climbing.

It comprises the Torre dell’Orologio, i.e. the Clock Tower, and lower buildings on each side of it. The intricate gold and blue clock keeps track of time, the zodiac sign, and the lunar phases. In a guided tour, you will learn about the clock’s history and the fascinating mechanism behind the clock, which is an engineering marvel. The Clock Tower was designed by Maurizio Codussi and built by a father-son duo—Giampaolo and Giancarlo Raineri—in the 15th century. A bell atop the tower is struck by two bronze statues, known as ‘Moors’, in the shape of an old man and a young man, signifying the passage of time. A level below is the proud winged lion of St. Mark against a starry blue background. Another level down and just above the clock is the statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. An arch beneath the tower leads to Merceria, a shopping street.