Venice - Clock Tower

(Local Name: Torre dell'Orologio) The clock tower in Venice was designed and built (1496-99) by Mauro Coducci, probably to finish off the Procuratie Vecchie. It is typical of Venetian Renaissance architecture.

The top storey with the mosaic of gold stars strewn over a blue background and the Lion of St Mark were added in 1755 by Giorgio Massari.

The two bronze Mori Moors on the terrace who strike the bell to mark the hours were cast by Paolo Ranieri (1494-97). Visitors can climb to the roof of the clock tower to get a closer view of these two figures.

The magnificent great clock (from which the tower gets its name) was also made by Ranieri and his son. It shows the hours, phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac. Above the clock-face is a gilded Madonna. During Ascension Week and at Epiphany the Three Kings are conducted by an angel past the Madonna at each hour.

Below the clock tower is the passage leading to the shopping street of Merceria.