Clock Tower — Attraction in Venice

Let me preface by saying the clock tower was definitely worth visiting but I only took 2 stars away due to poor reception staff service.

If I can give you some context, the long story is below:We pre-purchased the tickets online on the official portal and on the email received were told that we need to take tickets at the Museo Correr some distance away on the first floor. After taking the tour sticky labels, the tour guide arrived on time and took the group down the stairs however the guide did not take a head account and we were lost in the crowd (today was during the annual Venice carnival time and you can imagine the crazy amount of people packed everywhere and the tour is in the middle of the San Marco square, the actual tower for visit was 3-5 minutes walking distance depending on your gait). We tried to go where the tower was but was unsure of where the actual entrance is, nor the nearby polizia has any idea. We went back to the Museo Correr office and tried to explain the situation to the staff in English but we were met with puzzled look and we were blamed for not waiting at the waiting area as told. I was hoping to give the benefit of the doubt and charted that as miscommunication and whipped out my phone to translate it to Italian that we followed all instructions however lost the tour once the group moved downstairs among the crowd) Still, we were given the same treatment and an air of nonchalance that it was all our fault followed by a rough pointing of finger at the general direction of where the tower was ( which was not helpful at all, as I have tried to explain to them that we have been there but cannot find the group nor the entrance). Not to mentioned all the back and forth of going between the ticket office and tower we would have to pass through a slow security gate. Frustrated, we went back downstairs and head back to the clock tower direction. We asked the nearby polizia who was just at the corner, he was being helpful although was not too sure himself, turned to asked the Carabinieri next to him and we were then re-directed again to the entrance staff of the Campanile di San Marco and after some google magic again finally arrived at the answer of the 'little door underneath to the left' which helped us to the right place. We were then greeted by a welcoming male security staff and the tour can finally continue as planned. The tour was pleasant but all these wild goose chase and the bad customer service tarnished the otherwise amazing clock...

The Clock Tower of Venice, also known as the Torre dell'Orologio di San Marco or the Torre dei Mori, is one of the city's most distinctive and easily identifiable structures. Located on the northern side of St. Mark's Square, this majestic edifice has functioned not only as a timepiece, but also as a potent emblem of Venice's riches and importance during the Republic period.

The tower was built between 1496 and 1499 under the direction of Mauro Codussi and completed by the Rainieri brothers. The astronomical clock was installed in 1499 and has been extensively restored and renovated throughout the ages. Throughout its history, the clock tower has served a variety of functions, including not just tracking the passage of time but also proclaiming noteworthy events and displaying Venice's splendor to approaching merchants.

The clock tower is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with elaborate detailing and magnificent embellishments. Towering at almost 30 meters, its most noticeable characteristics include:

Astronomical Clock: This mechanical marvel not only tells time but also keeps track of the sun, moon, and stars. Its visage, fashioned in gold and lapis lazuli, is breathtaking. The Moors: Two bronze sculptures of nude men striking a bell with a hammer decorate the top of the tower. These figurines, known as Mori or "Moors," represent the passing of time. The winged lion of St. Mark, Venice's symbol, is perched above the clock. Roman numerals signify the hours on the clock face. The Underneath Arcade: An arcade beneath the tower links to Merceria, Venice's main...

Astronomical clock in Venice

The Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) also known as Torre del Mori

The tower has been telling time for over 500 years now, just as it did back then, thanks to a precise, expert restoration that reworked both the structural and decorative elements as well as the clock's intricate mechanics.

The facade of this beautiful building is adorned with the impressive dial of the astronomical clock with its dial made of lapis lazuli.

It shows the phases of the moon and sun as well as the signs of the zodiac. On a few days a year (only on Epiphany Day and Ascension Day), the Magi, preceded by an angel, pass on the balustrade in front of the clock.

High up on the tower, two huge bronze-colored Moors strike the hours on a bell.

As a symbol of the entire city, the clock tower can be seen from the water on the Bay of San Marco. It rises from St. Mark's Square and forms the transition to the magical heart of Venice.

The clock tower is a symbol of stability and stands out from the other buildings in Piazza San Marco.

Construction of the tower under the direction of Mauro Codussi began in 1496 and was completed in 1499. The adjacent wing buildings (1502–1506) were designed by Pietro Lombardo and were added a third floor in 1755 by the architect...