Venice Attractions

Venue: The Clocktower in Piazza San Marco    When: Daily

The wonderful clocktower in Piazza San Marco, commissioned by the Doge Agostino Barbarigo in 1493 and constructed by Giampaolo Rainieri and his son, Giancarlo, remains today an incredible feat of mechanical precision and one of the most impressive sights of Venice.

Upon the completion of the clocktower, on 1 February 1499, the two master mechanics, who spent six years designing and constructing their marvellously intricate machine, became its custodians, beginning a tradition which was to last for five centuries whereby the custodians lived with their families in the actual clock tower.

The machinery of the clock has been subjected to several redesigns and restorations through the years, and its basic mechanism has actually changed at several points. The most recent restoration, by Swiss clock-makers Piaget, was finished in 1999, and the clock now functions perfectly. It indicates the time, the current phase of the moon and the reigning sign of the Zodiac and in times past allowed seafarers to discern the most favourable times for setting out at sea. In 1858 the clocktower was declared the official timekeeper of Venice, according to which all other clocks were adjusted.

The clock stands over one of the main entrances to Piazza San Marco, so when you come out from underneath it you have the Doge's Palace on your left and another clocktower, as well as the Lion on the pedestal, straight ahead. The facade of the clocktower contains the three symbols of powers that govern Venice, namely the civic authority, symbolised by the Lion of San Marco, the Christian faith, symbolised by the Three Wise Men paying homage to Jesus, and the knowledge of science and mechanics, symbolised by the complex machinery of the clock itself.

An urban myth claims that the Council of Venice rewarded the clock-makers with great generosity, but that it also had their eyes torn from their heads so that they could never repeat a similar masterpiece. This seems not to be based in fact.