St. Mark's Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio)

Overview

The St. Mark's Clock Tower, also known as the Torre dell'Orologio, is a medieval bell tower with a large astronomical clock. It is located in Piazza San Marco, the principal public square of Venice, Italy. The tower is renowned for its intricate clock mechanism and its intriguing moors, which strike the bell on the hour.

The tower is an important historical and architectural landmark in Venice, showcasing the city's rich maritime and artistic heritage.

Historical Architectural

Location

Address

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Veneto

Neighborhood: San Marco

Coordinates

45.434400, 12.338700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€10 (clock tower access)

Children

Free (under 6)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

Half-day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, pleasant

• Spring flowers
• Easter celebrations

summer

Hot, humid

• Extended opening hours
• Outdoor performances

autumn

Cool, comfortable

• Fall foliage
• Wine festivals

winter

Cold, rainy

• Christmas markets
• Holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Dress modestly for church visits
Check for guided tour options

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Camera

seasonal

Jacket (spring/autumn) Umbrella (winter)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate

• Stairs in clock tower
• Crowded areas

Medical facilities: First aid available, hospitals nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (Euros), Credit/Debit cards

Currency

Euro (€)

Typical Costs

entry tower €10

guided tour €25

food cafe €15-30

souvenirs €5-50

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, Walking shoes, Inappropriate clothing for churches

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance for peak season
• Official website or authorized vendors
• 24-48 hours in advance for refund
• Available for clock tower access

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Nearby dining

Digital Services

Mobile App

Venezia Unica

Size: 80 MB

Features: City map, Attraction tickets, Public transport info, Guided tours

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Piazza San Marco, Nearby cafes and shops

Charging Stations: Near the clock tower, Cafes and shops

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Distance: 8 km

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

Water taxi

€80-100 20 min

Bus (ATVO)

€8 30 min

From City Center

Distance: Varies (walkable or short vaporetto ride)

Vaporetto (water bus)

€7.50 10-20 min

Walking

Free 20 min

Taxi boat

€20-30 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a historic and cultural symbol of Venice

Historical Significance: The tower's clock is one of the oldest in the world, representing Venetian technological prowess

Insider Tips

The clock's hourly show is a must-see
Visit the nearby libraries for a quiet break

Local Recommendations

• Try a cappuccino at Caffè Florian
• Visit the nearby Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Ciao

thank_you Grazie

where_is Dov'è

how_much Quanto costa

beautiful Bello

ticket Biglietto

Guide Languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Piazza San Marco

Best Time: Early morning or golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the tower and square

Result: Iconic Venice scenery

#Venice #StMarksClockTower #TravelItaly

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas of the square, Clock tower (with ticket)

prohibited areas Inside churches without permission

flash photography Not allowed in certain areas

commercial photography Permit needed for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited in the city center

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

Distance: 50m

Walking: 2 min

Type: Church/Cathedral

Doge's Palace

Distance: 100m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Museum/Palace

Bridge of Sighs

Distance: 150m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historical Landmark

Rialto Bridge

Distance: 800m

Walking: 15 min

Type: Bridge/Landmark

Grand Canal

Distance: 200m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Waterway

Reviews

4.7

Based on 15,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Book the clock tower tour in advance"
"Don't miss the hourly chime"

Contact Information

+39 041 522 8432

info@torredellorologio.it

www.torredellorologio.it

Social Media

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