St Mark's Clocktower (Torre dell'Orologio), Venice, Italy

...dell'Orologio (the clock tower in St Mark's Square) had been under wraps while being cleaned. Each year a different picture covered it (Empire State, Eifel Tower etc).
In 2008 it was uncovered and we found that tours were available, but alass they were fully booked during our time in Venice.

So this year I set out to make sure we got inside for a look see. Following a link on www.veniceconnected.com I booked 4 places on the ...
...at the opposite end of St Marks square on the day of the visit and at least 15 mins prior to the tour.

The guide actually picks you up at the Museme Ticket office.

Our party only consisted of us 4, so we had the guide all to ourselves.

She walks you thru St Marks Square to the Clock tower, entry is thru a locked tiny door to the side.

On the first level, you are given the history of the ... more

On our trips to Venice from 2002 thru 2007 the Torre dell'Orologio (the clock tower in St Mark's Square) had been under wraps while being cleaned. Each year a different picture covered it (Empire State, Eifel Tower etc).
In 2008 it was uncovered and we found that tours were available, but alass they were fully booked during our time in Venice.

So this year I set out to make sure we got inside for a look see. Following a link on www.veniceconnected.com I booked 4 places on the English Language Tour for 10:00 on the Monday.
At this point I would stress the need to prebook, the tour size is limited to a maximum of 12, and you need to choose one in the language you can understand.
Also I would recommend a visit to veniceconnected.com as you can also prebook your Vapereto Tickets at a good discount, but for some reason you have to do those at least 14 days in advance.

Anyway with the print out from the booking process in hand (cost is 12 euros per person) you have to collect the actual tickets from the Correr museum, (located at the opposite end of St Marks square on the day of the visit and at least 15 mins prior to the tour.

The guide actually picks you up at the Museme Ticket office.

Our party only consisted of us 4, so we had the guide all to ourselves.

She walks you thru St Marks Square to the Clock tower, entry is thru a locked tiny door to the side.

On the first level, you are given the history of the clock, diagrams on the walls, also at this level you can see the weights that hang from the clock.

The next level you can see the clock workings, the guide explains how there are actually 5 parts that drive different features on the clock.

The next level is where the mechanism is for the digital display that shows the time in Roman Numerals, updating to the outside each 5 mins.
Also on this level are stored the Four Figures that now are only displayed on Accension Day, they parade outside giving homage to the Virgin Mary displayed on the outside of the clock.

Up to 1998 the Clock Keeper and his family actually lived in the Tower, imagine the tick all day every day.

Then you go up a very tight (for me but I am large) staircase to come out onto the roof, where the Large Bell and two Figures who strike to hours are.

The views are stunning, and a completely different view of St marks and the Square, also the roof tops of venice.

The views are worth the 12 euros alone, so add the Clock and also it gives you entrance to the Correr Museum, well worth a visit on its own, one of the best value outings in Venice.

Do bear in mind that Tickets booked on line are non refundable so be sure to turn up in time. 

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