Torre dell'Orologio : The side of the clocktower facing Piazza San Marco

Torre dell'Orologio : The 24-hour dial with zodiac signs, above which sits the Virgin and child statue flanked by two barrels displaying hours and minutes

Torre dell'Orologio : The visit begins on the first floor with the history of the tower

Torre dell'Orologio : The intricate system of pulleys and weights moves silently at regular intervals

Torre dell'Orologio : Looking up, you can see where the chains holding the weights originate

Torre dell'Orologio : On the second floor, you'll be able to closely examine the complex workings of the core clock mechanism

Torre dell'Orologio : One floor higher, you can see inside the mechanism of the clock barrels that indicate the hours and minutes

Torre dell'Orologio : On the same floor, you'll find the wooden statues of the Magi and the Angel, which emerge in procession twice a year

Torre dell'Orologio : Finally, once outside on the terrace, you can see the two Moors up close

Torre dell'Orologio

St. Mark's Clock Tower

Renaissance clock tower topped with two giant statues that hammer out the hours.

Top 20 Aerial Views

Sestiere San Marco

Take me there

San Marco (6-min walk)

Tell me more about water buses

torreorologio.visitmuve.it

Visit official website

+39 041 4273 0892

Call now

Standard admission is €14. Reservation is mandatory.

Book online

Highlights

Venice's official historic timepiece

The golden and blue enamel dial was visible from the lagoon waters, ensuring incoming ships had access to the precise time.

The Moors

The nickname of the two giant bronze statues striking the bell apparently comes from the dark patina acquired by the metal since its casting in 1497. However, they are said to symbolize either shepherds (because they wear sheepskins) or giants, due to their imposing size.

A technological marvel

Weights and a complex system of gears regulate the striking of the bell by the Moors and move the clock hands to indicate time, the moon phase and the current sign of the Zodiac.

Digital clock face

The two rotating barrels added in 1858 were an early form of a digital clock face. One barrel displays hours in Roman numerals and the other minutes in Arabic numerals.

Captivating tours

One hour guided tours ascend all four storeys via steep spiral staircases, passing by the impressive clockworks to reach the roof terrace. From there, visitors can enjoy close-up views of the Moors in action and Piazza San Marco from above.