In this article, I present Venice clock toweralso known as the Tour des Maures.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of this emblematic tower
- What you can see on the tower
- The must-sees at Venice's clock tower
- How to get to this monument
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Venice's clock tower, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Venice Clock Tower: article summary
Venice Clock Tower: history and anecdotes about the Moorish tower
If there's one place you won't want to miss in Venice, it's St. Mark's Square !
She gives her name in the neighborhood and home to some of the city's most emblematic monuments, including St Mark's Basilica or the famous Doge's Palacewhich leads to the Bridge of Sighs.
This is also where you'll find the Venice clock toweralso known as Tour des Maureswhich I present below.
A brief history of Venice's clock tower
Venice's clock tower stands at the western entrance to Piazza San Marco. It marks the end of the ProcuratiesThe three huge buildings surrounding the square served as workplaces for the city's civil servants.
Construction began in 1496and was completed in 1506. The building is in Renaissance style, and the architect in charge, Mauro Codussi, was also responsible for other buildings in Venice, including the unusual church of San Zaccaria.
The building features an archwhich you can cross to enter Venice's most famous maze of shopping streets: Haberdashery. You will then enter the San Polo district, home to the famous Rialto bridge.
It is an emblematic building in Venice and was part of the of all its residents. The dial not only tells the time, but also the season, the position of the sun and the different phases of the moon. So everyone - onlookers, sailors, merchants, doges and so on - can find the information they need! - to find the information they need!
Visit Venice clock tower was restored several times over the course of its history, firstly between 1751 and 1759, when it was reinforced and 2 columns added. Then between 1855 and 1859, when the clock mechanism was reworked and the upper structure was refurbished.
It will then be dismantled and partially modified between 1999 and 2006, which is sure to stir up public opinion. Located right next to the Basilica of San Marco, you won't want to miss it!
What can you see on Venice's clock tower?
You can simply look up to discover this major building before passing under its arch, or crossing Piazza San Marco towards the lagoon, but it would be a shame to miss out. striking details that make it up!
The Moorish bell ringers
At the top of the tower, you'll see two statues in bronze of men, nicknamed Moors because of their color. One wears a beard - he's old - and the other doesn't - he's young.
An important detail, since these two shepherds don't ring the bells with their respective hammers at the same time. The old man rings the hour 2 minutes early to mark time spent when the kid is 2 minutes late, symbol of the future.
The Magi procession
Visit January 6 for Epiphany and Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), the bells ring out and lucky spectators can witness a mechanical processionfeaturing the Magi and nativity figures.
Two small doors open above the main dial, and small wooden figures scroll from one side of the façade to the other. If you're in Venice in winter or during the ascent, don't miss this show!
Le Lion de Saint Marc
Visit Lion is the symbol of the city of Venice and a representation of Saint Mark.
You can admire one of the remaining lion statues - many of which were destroyed when French forces arrived in 1797 - on the façade.
The Dials
There are two dials - one on each side of the tower - and you can see the time in Roman numerals. 12 astrological signs as well as the names of the months and days.
Center, the earth and the moonfor this simplified version of the dial. It was in fact much more complex before the 18th-century modifications.
Inside the clock tower
A unique opportunity to discover insanely precise mechanisms of the clock, the numerous gears or the ventilation system needed to cool it. A real feat for its time, and still impressive today.
In addition to the technical aspects of the visit, you'll be able to climb to the top and see the statues up close and personal, while enjoying a superb view of Venice's main square.
Reservations are essential, as explained below.
How do I get to the clock tower?
Venice's clock tower is easy to find since it's located in the city's most important square. To get there, you have several options:
- on foot, as you explore the places of major interest of Venice
- at vaporettoSan Marco or San Zaccaria stop
You'll find it easier to find your way around with the Venice map.
Good to know : If you're planning to ride the Vaporetto like a true Venetian, you should know that there's a Vaporetto Pass for unlimited use of this unusual means of transport!
Venice Clock Tower: prices, reservations, opening hours and practical information
Here's everything you need to know to discover Venice's clock tower in the best possible conditions.
Rates and reservations
- Adult ticket: 15 euros
- Reduced rate (children/students/retirees): 12 euros
Reservations are mandatory to enter the clock tower.
It can be made either online (on the official website of Venice's museums) or directly at the Museo Correr in the piazza. This is a guided touravailable in French!
Please note that the ticket, to be collected from the Correr Museum ticket office, entitles the holder to one entry to the museum, as well as free admission to the National Archaeological Museum, the Monumental Halls and the Marciana Library.
Good to know For museum-lovers, there are a Museum Pass which may prove interesting.
Opening hours
Visits in French are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 15.00, Thursdays at 14.00, Saturdays at 11.00 and Sundays at 14.00.
Other visits, in Italian and Englishare available at times which can be consulted on the site.
Practical advice
The narrowness of corridors and the steepness of staircases can pose problems for claustrophobic people and pregnant women.
Children under 6 are not allowed.
What to see and do in the area?
There is a lot to do in the area, as you can see on this interactive map of Venice.
Here are a few suggestions!
- Visit St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace (> think of the City Pass !)
- Climb to the top of the Venice Campanile
- Coffee at the famous Café Florian or treat yourself a good carpaccio at Harry's Bar the creator of this dish, but also of Bellini!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
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