Passing Time Inside the Clock Tower of Venice

My first glimpse of the Clock Tower in Venice came on the day of my arrival when I exited the vaparetto at St. Mark’s Square. My eyes were drawn to the deep blue and gold accents of its façade, the winged lion and the bell which sat atop the clock. Built in the late 1500’s, the tower was built to represent the glory and wealth of Venice during the Renaissance Era. Strategically placed in the center of the plaza, the beautiful clock was visible to all who approached the island.

Prior to arriving in Venice, I found a group tour online that offered a behind the scenes look inside of the Torre dell’Orologio, Venice’s Clock Tower. I booked it immediately, fascinated by the opportunity to learn more about the history of the clock and to experience an up close look of its operating system. Of course I couldn’t pass up the scenic views from its lofty tower.

After all of the tour attendees arrived, we entered through a secret door on Merceria Street at the base of the clock, We climbed a set of steep, narrow stairs towards the housing of the internal workings of the clock. A system of pulleys and weights control the outside face of the clock while the gears and teeth are working in the background to keep up with the time.

Looking up towards the tower on the outside, I happened to notice a set of circular windows. From these glass panes, I could look out on the square below. Through the portholes, I felt like a spy, watching the tourists cross through the square while others waited in line for the next vaporetto.

Climbing the stairs to the second level, we approached a set of Roman numerals and Arabic numbers displaying the current time. This unique system is controlled by weights and pulleys from the inside. The Roman numerals represent the time’s hour while the Arabic text calculates the minutes.

On the exterior, there is a statue of the Virgin Mother and Jesus looking out from the balcony. The winged lion of Venice stands in front of an unidentified open book. There had once been a statue of the Doge that knelt before the lion, but it was removed after the city was captured by Napoleon.

During the holiday seasons of Epiphany and Ascension Day, the numbers and numerals are removed to make way for the rotating three Magi and an angel that pass over the face of the clock. Crossing in front of the Virgin and Child on the balcony, they disappear into the opposite door returning on the hour, every hour. Our guide opened the door of a nearby storage room to see the holiday figures in the storage room. We learned that these are the original statues that were dedicated in February of 1499.

We climbed up the final set of stairs to the clock tower’s bell. Located at the top of the clock, we stepped onto the roof terrace for a spectacular view of St. Mark’s Square. Above us, there were two moors with mallets that rang the bell and we happened to have arrived at the time of their ringing. From the veranda we had several minutes to enjoy the view below which included the square, St. Mark’s Church and the Camponile. We could clearly see the spires of the multi-domed cathedral, the three winged lions surrounding the camponile, Theodore and his alligator, as well as the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore across the Grand Canal. After enjoying the view, we returned to the square and admired the Torre dell’Orologio.

Staring closely at the face of the clock, I could clearly see the signs of the zodiac designed in ultramarine and gold leaf at its center. Twenty-four Roman numerals have been etched in white marble on the outer circle, representing the twenty-four hours of the day. I was amazed at all of the features of the clock that I would not have otherwise noted. The tour, led by Elizabeta, provided an additional insight into the wonders of the city of Venice and I can’t help but look at this city in a whole new perspective.

Have you traveled to Venice? Did you take any group tours or found a place that you will not soon forget? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for taking this behind the scenes tour of the Clock Tower with me in Venice! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Torre dell ‘Orologio – Venice’s Clock Tower
Piazza San Marco
30124, Venezia, Italy

A visit inside the Venice Clock Tower is only accessible by a third party tour company.

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041.5225832

Where to Eat:

Caffe Florian Venezia
Piazza San Marco, 57
30124, Venezia, Italy

I had intended on ordering a coffee, but I knew I had to try the House Specialty – The Bellini. Made from Italian Prosecco and Peach Smoothie, this is one fabulous way to start my morning. I couldn’t pass up the macarons, which are rumored to have also had their start in Venice. I opted for the chocolate, lemon and strawberry, which were absolutely sumptuous.

What to Eat:

Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
Vegetables from the Rialto Market
Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta. Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions. Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read:

Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice:

The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen. The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset; Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.