The Clock Tower in Venice (Torre dell'Orologio) is a Renaissance landmark on Piazza San Marco, completed in 1499, featuring an astronomical clock face, mechanical figures, and two iconic bronze bell-strikers known as the Moors. The tower straddles the archway that opens into the Merceria, Venice's principal shopping street since medieval times, designed as both a public timepiece and a triumphal gateway connecting the political heart of the city to its commercial artery. The astronomical clock face, crafted by Zuan Carlo Rainieri of Reggio Emilia starting in 1493, displays the hours, zodiac signs, and phases of the moon in blue and gold enamel. Above the clock, a gilded Madonna and Child receive a procession of mechanical wooden Magi figures during Epiphany and Ascension. At the very top, the two colossal bronze Mori strike a large bell on the hour, their greenish patina a familiar sight against the Venetian sky. St. Mark's Clock Tower is accessible inside only through small-group guided tours that take you past the clock's remarkable mechanism of pulleys, weights, and gears, through the rooms housing the Magi figures, and up to the rooftop terrace where the Mori stand. The view from the top provides a unique close perspective over Piazza San Marco and across the lagoon. The building has been attributed to architect Mauro Codussi, whose classical design vocabulary set it apart from the existing Gothic and Byzantine architecture of the square. Side wings were added in the early 1500s and raised by Giorgio Massari in the 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 QuestionsCan you go inside the Clock Tower in Venice?
Yes, but only through small-group guided tours that must be booked in advance. The tour takes you through the interior mechanisms of the clock, past the wooden Magi figures, and up to the rooftop terrace where the two bronze Moors stand beside their bell. Tours are managed by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.
What is special about the Venice Clock Tower?
The tower features a remarkable 15th-century astronomical clock that shows the hours, zodiac signs, and lunar phases. Twice a year (during Epiphany and Ascension), carved wooden figures of the three Magi and an angel emerge from ornate doors and parade past the Madonna and Child. The two bronze Moors on the rooftop have been striking the bell on the hour for over 500 years.
Who are the Moors on top of the Clock Tower?
The two large bronze figures, nicknamed the Mori (Moors) because of their dark patina, are automated bell-strikers installed when the tower was completed in 1499. They represent shepherds or timekeepers, and they swing hammers to strike a large bell on the hour. They are a beloved symbol of Venice.
How do you book a Clock Tower tour?
Tours are available through the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia website or at the Correr Museum ticket office in Piazza San Marco. Group sizes are small due to the narrow interior stairways, so booking several days ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.
Is the Clock Tower in Venice worth visiting?
Yes, the Venice Clock Tower tour is one of the most unusual experiences in the city. The small-group format (around 12 people) means you get close-up access to the 15th-century clock mechanism, the Magi figures, and the rooftop terrace beside the bronze Moors. It takes about an hour and offers a perspective on Piazza San Marco you cannot get anywhere else.
