St Mark’s Clock Tower

Standing on the left side of St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Clock Tower is a remarkable blend of artistic and mechanical beauty. The Senate of Venice ordered its construction in the 15th century. They wanted to mark the passage between the city’s largest square to the narrow shopping streets, called the Merceria. Above the arch, you’ll see the clock face, decorated in gold and midnight blue enamel. It shows the hours, moon phases, the sun’s journey across the sky, and the changing seasons. Quite the package! Look a little higher and you’ll see a statue of the Virgin and Child in a little alcove. If you’re visiting during Epiphany or Ascension, there’ll be a special show featuring the Three Wise Men. Every hour, they appear from the door on the left, led by an angel, to pay their respects to the Virgin Mary before disappearing again. Above, the statue of the Lion of Saint Mark — the symbol of the Republic of Venice — watches over you. At the very top of the tower stand two figures known as the “Moors,” named after the dark metal they’re made of. They strike the bell every hour, but not at the same time. The bearded Moor, known as the “Old Man,” rings the bell two minutes before the hour to represent time gone by. The other, the “Young Man,” strikes it two minutes after the hour to mark the time to come. For those interested, the clock tower offers paid guided tours to explore inside — just make sure to book in advance!