St. Mark's Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) Tours
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Sitting high above St. Mark’s Square and visible from the Grand Canal, the remarkable clock in St. Mark’s Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) has served as Venice’s official timepiece for more than 500 years. Touring this historic symbol of the city is a highlight of any visit, not least for the sweeping views from the top of the tower.
The Basics
A unique landmark of Venetian architecture, St. Mark’s Clock Tower is part of a 15th-century building featuring the central tower thought to be designed by Mauro Codussi flanked by two shorter wings on either side. The clock mechanism has changed over time, with a later addition of panels with Roman numerals and Venice’s winged lion symbol, but the two large bronze figures that strike the hours on a bell, the copper statues of the Virgin and Child, and the clock face are all original. The clock displays not only the time of day but also the current zodiac sign and phase of the moon.
A visit to the clock tower is generally included in tours of the highlights of St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), including St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and the bell tower; skip-the-line tickets are a must for these popular sights. Tours include an explanation of the internal clock mechanism and a climb to the top of the tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Venice clock tower tours must be booked in advance and are led by a specialized guide.
- Children under six years old are not allowed.
- Due to small spaces and steep stairs, the clock tower is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
St. Mark’s Clock Tower is located on the north side of St. Mark’s Square, in the center of Venice. The nearest vaporetto (water bus) stop is San Zaccaria.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and can be very crowded in the summer. The best time to visit is from October through March, when the sights around St. Mark’s Square are more pleasant to tour.
The Procession of the Three Magi
One of the most unique features of St. Mark’s Clock Tower is the procession of the three Magi—statues of the three Wise Men led by an angel that emerge from a small doorway to pass in front of the Virgin and Child statues. This happens only twice a year, on the Epiphany (January 6) and on Ascension Day (40 days after Easter Sunday).
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy
Admission: Varies
10 Tours and Activities to Experience St. Mark's Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio)
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St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Group or Private Tour with Optional Doge's Palace
See the wonders of Venice's St. Mark's Basilica without the crowds during this after-hours, small-group tour. Learn about the basilica's famed mosaics from your guide and explore the crypt below the church to see where St. Mark's remains are said to lie. Upgrade to see the Doge's Palace after the basilica and wander the former home of the Venetian Republic's government.
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From
$117.40
From
$117.40
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
San Marco Walking Tour with Optional Gondola Ride Gondola Ride
Explore the history and legends of St Mark’s Square on a 2-hour walking tour led by a local guide. Known as the cultural and political heart of Venice, the square is home to some of the city’s most dazzling landmarks and architecture, including Italo-Byzantine St Mark’s Basilica and Gothic Doge’s Palace. Upgrade to include a ride on a classic Venetian gondola after the tour — a must-do experience when visiting Venice!
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From
$30.90
From
$30.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this classic walking tour combines the blockbuster sights of history-packed Venice with a relaxing gondola ride. Listen to legends and stories from the city’s Renaissance heyday as you travel down cobblestoned streets and over picturesque footbridges. Tours cover Saint Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Calle Varisco.
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From
$148.30
Price varies by group size
From
$148.30
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
St. Mark's Basilica guided visit with terrace
Admire the Basilica's golden mosaics, observe up close the original four bronze horses exhibited in the Museum, look from above the wonderful inside of St Mark's Basilica and marvel at the unique view of St Mark's square from the panoramic terrace
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From
$39.55
From
$39.55
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Venice in one day
Visit all the major attractions of the city on a great panoramic tour. Your Venetian tour guide will meet you at the train station and accompany you in the heart of the city through the most authentic and unspoiled areas of Venetian culture to San Marco, the heart of Venetian culture.
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From
$564.96
per group
From
$564.96
per group
One day in Venice
One day with your local guide who will introduce you and visit Venice on a tour that travels the city like a journey through time. A day to fall in love with Venice and get to know it as only Venetians understand it.
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From
$494.33
per group
From
$494.33
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Venice Highlights : City tour 2 hours and Murano boat tour
Feel like a VIP as a private guide shows you Venice’s must-see attractions, starting with a personalized tour of the monuments of St. Mark’s Square. Learn the long, illustrious history of the Venetian Republic inside the Doge’s Palace and glittering St. Mark’s Basilica, and then cruise across the lagoon for a look at the glass-making heritage of Murano island. All water taxi service is arranged for a seamless half-day adventure.
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From
$432.54
per group
From
$432.54
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
San Marco, Basilica and Pala D'oro walking tour
This Walking Tour will lead you directly to the heart of Venice, to St Mark’s square, center of the political and religious power of the Serenissima Republic. An expert guide will tell you the history and the curiosities of one of the most beautiful squares in the world, that over the centuries has undergone countless transformations linked to important historical events
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From
$49.43
From
$49.43
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Ghosts of Venice - Discovering the unknown
After the sun has set and the tourist crowds have departed, the mysterious side of Venice becomes apparent. Discover the myths and hauntings surrounding the popular city on a 90-minute ghost tour. Follow your guide through deserted squares, down quiet alleyways, and into the past. Learn about local legends, unexplained events, and of course, ghost stories that have been passed down through generations.
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From
$35.32
From
$35.32
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square
You will discover the most important and famous attractions of Venice explained by a guide born and raised in Venice.
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From
$74.15
From
$74.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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