Torre dell'Orologio Venice
A Renaissance marvel in St. Mark's Square, featuring an intricate astronomical clock and offering breathtaking Venetian views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited tour slots available
Torre dell'Orologio Venice
Best Time
Limited tour slots available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Renaissance marvel in St. Mark's Square, featuring an intricate astronomical clock and offering breathtaking Venetian views.
"A beautiful masterpiece, I could watch it every day. It still shows the right time!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for access & understanding. Check schedules for Wed, Fri, Sat tours.
⏰ Appreciate the Details
Note the zodiac, moon phases, and the striking Moors. It's a complex timepiece!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Astronomical Clock
Torre dell'Orologio Facade
A Renaissance masterpiece showing time, zodiac signs, and moon phases. It's a marvel of engineering and artistry.
The Striking Moors
Top of the Clock Tower
Two bronze figures, the 'Moors', strike the hours with their hammers. A unique and iconic feature of the tower.
Panoramic Views
Top of the Clock Tower
Ascend for breathtaking, unexpected views over St. Mark's Square and the Venetian rooftops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Understand the Clock's Complexity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for access & understanding. Check schedules for Wed, Fri, Sat tours.
⏰ Appreciate the Details
Note the zodiac, moon phases, and the striking Moors. It's a complex timepiece!
📸 Capture the Square
The tower offers unique perspectives of St. Mark's Square.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby
Located conveniently near other attractions in St. Mark's Square.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for access & understanding. Check schedules for Wed, Fri, Sat tours.
⏰ Appreciate the Details
Note the zodiac, moon phases, and the striking Moors. It's a complex timepiece!
📸 Capture the Square
The tower offers unique perspectives of St. Mark's Square.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby
Located conveniently near other attractions in St. Mark's Square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Torre dell'Orologio as a beautiful masterpiece and a symbol of Venice. The astronomical clock's intricate details and the stunning views from the top are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the guided tour is highly recommended for its insights, booking in advance is essential due to limited availability.
"Beautiful masterpiece, I could watch it every day. It still shows the right time (2-4min difference), zodiac sign and date of the month. Masterpiece!"
Darta Ansone
"Nice tour in English. Reservation needed to organize in advance.
Wed, fri -930, 1030
Sat - 930, 1030"
oalvares
"The Clock Tower represents one of the symbols of the Carrarese era in Padua and contains seven centuries of history and some mystery. The Beautiful clock tower is located in the Piazza Dei Signori and positioned between the Palazzo del Capitanio and the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi. The Tower was raised between 1426 and 1430 on the ruins of the eastern gate of the Reggia Carrarese, residence and seat of the government of the lords of the city, built at the behest of prince Ubertino da Carrara, who was part of the Carraresi clan of Padua, he was later the Lord of Padua from 1338 to 1345. The design and construction of the clock was overseen by Giovanni Dondi also known "dell'Orologio", who was an Italian physician, astronomer and mechanical engineer. The dial has a circular shape, with the planet Earth in the center, according to the Ptolemaic astronomical theory of a geocentric system, the outer band is engraved with the numbering of the hours in Roman characters, the inner band contains the copper stars. In the third band we see the zodiac signs. The attentive observer will see that there are 11 symbols: Scorpio occupies two squares, and Libra is missing. A popular legend tells that Dondi was dissatisfied with the economic treatment reserved for him by the clients, so he decided to remove the sign of the scales, a symbol of (lack of) justice."
Asiyah Noemi Koso
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Torre dell'Orologio is centrally located in St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of Venice. If arriving by Vaporetto (water bus), the San Marco Vallaresso or San Zaccaria stops are the closest.
Yes, it's impossible to miss! It's a prominent landmark right on St. Mark's Square, adjacent to the Procuratie Nuove and overlooking the Merceria shopping street.
You can admire the exterior of the Torre dell'Orologio from St. Mark's Square for free. However, to go inside and experience the clock mechanism and views, a ticket for a guided tour is required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are primarily for guided tours and must be booked in advance online. Tours are limited and have specific timings, often on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Tour times are specific and limited, typically offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM, and Saturdays at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Always check the official booking site for the most current schedule.
The cost is associated with the guided tour. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official ticketing website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
There is no strict dress code, but as it's a historical monument and involves climbing stairs, comfortable attire and footwear are recommended.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as tours are limited and often sell out. Purchasing on the day is generally not possible or very difficult.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll see the intricate mechanism of the astronomical clock, learn about its history, and ascend to the top for stunning panoramic views of St. Mark's Square.
A guided tour typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, including time for the ascent and descent, and enjoying the views.
The climb involves stairs. While not excessively strenuous, it requires a moderate level of fitness. Comfortable shoes are a must.
The clock is a complex astronomical instrument reflecting Renaissance scientific understanding, showing not just time but celestial movements.
The most striking feature is the pair of bronze figures, known as 'The Moors', who strike the hours on a bell at the top of the tower. 
📸 📸 Photography
From St. Mark's Square, you can capture the entire facade. The views from the top offer unique angles of the square and surrounding rooftops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the tower during the tour, but it's always good to check with your guide. Be mindful of others and the delicate mechanisms.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for exterior shots, offering softer light and fewer crowds. The clock's details are visible throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the climb involves stairs, it's generally manageable for most families with children who can walk independently. The rewarding views from the top are a great motivator. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the top and around the clock mechanisms. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs
The guided tour delves into the tower's construction, the clock's designer (Giovanni Dondi dell'Orologio, though the Venice tower has different architects), and its role in Venetian life. Learning about the 'Moors' and their function, as well as the tower's architectural evolution, provides a rich historical context. The tower's location in St. Mark's Square also connects it to the broader history of the Venetian Republic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Astronomical Marvel
+1Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the clock, including the zodiac signs and the celestial movements. The tower's construction and the clock's design reflect the advanced scientific knowledge and artistic flair of the era. It's a fascinating glimpse into how people understood the cosmos centuries ago, making it a must-see for history and science enthusiasts.
One of the most captivating elements is the pair of bronze figures, known as 'The Moors', located at the very top. These figures, one older and one younger, strike the hours on a bell with their hammers, a dramatic and iconic display that has captivated onlookers for centuries.
+1Experiencing the Tower Tour
The ascent involves climbing stairs, leading you through the different levels of the tower. Along the way, guides share fascinating stories and historical anecdotes about the tower and its significance to Venice. The climb culminates at the top, where you are rewarded with breathtaking, unexpected panoramic views over St. Mark's Square and the surrounding Venetian cityscape.
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of these tours, booking in advance is crucial. Tours are typically available on specific days and times, often Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Securing your spot online well before your visit will ensure you don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore one of Venice's most iconic landmarks from the inside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit