TOP 15 Unbelievable Clock Towers

Clock towers have been built for centuries to provide local people with a reliable source for the time and to serve as cultural landmarks. Spanning a wide range of styles, they are some of the most beautiful and exquisite buildings in the world. So it's time to tour the world to visit the top 15 most amazing clock towers. Let's begin. Number 15. The Elizabeth Tower in London. The Elizabeth Tower, previously known as the Big Ben Tower, is an iconic landmark located in London, England. It's located on the northern end of the Palace of Westminster, which is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which are the two main governmental organizations in the country. Designed by the architect Augustus Pugin and completed in 1859, it's one of the most recognizable structures in London and is a tourist attraction in its own right. Measuring 315 feet or 96 meters tall, it's adorned with ornate Gothic architecture and it's got a main clock face on each of its four sides. These faces are 23 feet or about 7 meters in diameter and the clock itself is still operated by a complex mechanism of gears and weights that keep accurate time, with the chimes that can be heard throughout London. The tower's bell, commonly known as Big Ben, weighs 13.7 tons and it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation in 1858. The bell has since become one of the most iconic symbols of London and is often used in films, television shows, and other media to represent the city. Over the years, the Elizabeth Tower has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its historical significance and its structural integrity. The most recent restoration, which began in 2017, is a multi-year project that aims to preserve the tower and its clock for many years to come and has included cleaning the tower's exterior and repairing its stonework, as well as installing new modern amenities such as an elevator and air conditioning. 14. The Clock Tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Malaysia The Clock Tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur is one of Malaysia's most recognizable and important landmarks. It's situated on Jalan Raja in the heart of the city and is part of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which was constructed in 1897 during the British colonial era of the country and served as the administrative center for Malaysia until its independence in 1957. The Clock Tower stands at a height of about 135 feet or 41 meters and has a traditional Moorish design. It features a distinctive blend of Islamic and European architectural styles characterized by its pointed arches, domes, and ornate details, and is made of brick, concrete, and cast iron with intricate carvings and motifs across the entire structure. The Clock Tower's most notable feature is its large clock face, which is 49 feet or 15 meters in diameter and was manufactured by the renowned clockmasters Gillett and Johnston of Croydon in England. It consists of a weight-driven mechanism that powers four clock faces, each of which is illuminated at night, and the tower's chimes can be heard throughout the city, signaling the time every 15 minutes. In addition to its functional purpose as a timekeeper, the Clock Tower has played a significant role in Malaysia's history. It's been the site of several important events, including the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of the Malaysian flag to mark the country's independence in 1957, and it's further been a focal point for political demonstrations and rallies throughout the years. 13. RAJABAI CLOCK TOWER, INDIA The Rajabai Clock Tower is a prominent landmark in Mumbai, India, that was built in the late 19th century by the wealthy businessman Premchand Roychand as a tribute to his mother, Rajabai. The tower stands at a height of 279 feet or 85 meters, and it's one of the tallest of its kind in India. Featuring a blend of Gothic and Venetian architectural styles, the tower is made of locally sourced buff-colored kerala stone and features intricate carvings and embellishments. The tower's most prominent feature is, of course, its clock face, which is just over 8 feet or 2.5 meters in diameter and features Arabic numerals, having been manufactured by the famous clockmakers John Benson and the company of Ludgate Hill in London. Rajabai Clock Tower has played an important role in Mumbai's history, where it was initially used by the University of Mumbai as a library and it became a time reference for the city's residents. The tower chimes could be heard throughout the city, signaling the beginning and end of the workday, and today, the tower remains a popular tourist attraction and is considered an architectural masterpiece. In addition to its functional and historical significance, the Rajabai Clock Tower also has a cultural importance. The tower has been featured in several Bollywood films, including Munnabai and BBS and Hiropanti, and its clock face has also been used as a backdrop for several music videos and photo shoots. It has, though, been deteriorating over time, so underwent a major refurbishment project back in the early 2000s. The project involved cleaning the tower's exterior and repairing its stoneworks, and the restoration of the clock mechanism, too, with the tower being reopened to the public in 2011 and continuing to be a source of pride for 12. Philadelphia City Hall Clock, United States Standing as one of the standout sites on the Philadelphia skyline, the Philadelphia City Hall Clock is in the Tower of Philadelphia City Hall, which was completed in 1901 after 30 years of construction. The tower stands at a height of 548 feet or 167 meters, which makes it one of the tallest masonry buildings in the world. The clock face of the Philadelphia City Hall Clock is 26 feet or almost 8 meters in diameter, and was manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company of Connecticut. Featuring Roman numerals and ornate hands, it is surrounded by a circular gallery, which offers stunning views of the city. The City Hall Clock has long played an important role in everyday life in the city. It was initially used as a lookout post for spotting fires, and the clock was used as a time reference for residents, of course. The clock's chimes were used to signal the beginning and end of the work and, in its presence, inspired further engineering triumphs in the region. The Philadelphia City Hall Clock has undergone several restorations over the years. The most recent restoration project was completed in 2019, which involved cleaning and repairing the clock's mechanism, restoring the tower's stonework, and replacing the clock's lights with energy-efficient bulbs. The clock's accuracy has also been improved, ensuring that it remains a reliable time reference for the modern age. 11. Sietgloga Clock Tower, Switzerland The interestingly named Sietgloga Clock can be found near the center of the Swiss city of Bern, where it has been a significant part of the skyline for over 800 years and is considered one of the oldest and most fascinating astronomical clocks in the world. The tower that the clock is mounted on was originally built in the early 13th century as a city gate and guard tower, but when it was deemed surplus to requirements, it was later converted into a clock tower in the 15th century. The name Sietgloga translates to time bell in Swiss German, reflecting the tower's primary function as a timekeeper for the city, and it became the most trusted clock in Bern, after which every other timepiece would be set. The Sietgloga Clock Tower is renowned for its intricate astronomical clock, which has been functioning for over five centuries. The clock is made up of several dials, each displaying different information, such as the time, the day, the month, and the phase of the moon, something that requires an incredibly complex mechanism to achieve, with guided tours dedicated to showing visitors how that works. Aside from the clock, the Sietgloga Tower also boasts a stunning exterior. Built in a distinctively gothic style with elaborate ornamentation and intricate carvings, its features include a figurine of a jester, known as the Sietgloga's Glockenspiel, which performs a short show every hour and draws crowds from far and wide to see its antics. 10. SAINT MARK'S CLOCK TOWER, ITALY Saint Mark's Clock Tower, located in the heart of Venice in Italy, is a stunning example of the Renaissance style of architecture. Standing tall at 325 feet or 99 meters, the tower dates back to the 15th century and is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Venice. It is also known as the Torre dell'Orologio, which translates to Clock Tower in English. This clock tower is a complex structure with a range of functions. It features a large clock face that displays the hours, minutes, and phases of the moon, which is driven by a pretty complex set of gears and mechanisms that are housed inside the lower part of the tower. The clock is also equipped with a system of bells which chime on the hour every hour. One of the most unique features of this clock tower is the two bronze statues which are located at the top. These figures, known as the strike the hours on a bell with their hammers and are also equipped with a set of trumpets which they play on special occasions. Saint Mark's Tower is adorned with a range of other decorative features, including reliefs and sculptures which depict various scenes from the Bible and the history of Venice. These ornate decorations are exquisitely crafted and reflect Venice's role at the center of the art world for centuries. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice. It is possible to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. It is also the focal point of a range of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Number 9. The Deira Clock Tower, Dubai The Deira Clock Tower is a prominent landmark in the bustling district of Deira in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is an iconic structure that stands at the intersection of Al Maktoum Road and Umm Harir Road and overlooking Dubai Creek. Plus, it is a symbol of the city's growth and development over the years. It was first built in 1963 during a time when Dubai was rapidly transforming into the modern city that it is today. It was designed by the architect Zeki Homsi, and it was the first clock tower to be built in the city, standing 92 feet or 28 meters high, and incorporated a mixture of traditional and modern architectural styles. It features a white structure with blue mosaic tiles and gold-plated numerals on the clock face. It was initially built to serve as a roundabout, but it soon became a popular landmark in its own right. Recently, in 2019, it underwent a major renovation to restore it to its former glory, works that involved the installation of a new clock mechanism and the refurbishment of the tower's exterior. The Deira Clock Tower is not only a landmark, but it also serves a practical purpose as a crucial intersection in the city's road network, connecting the old and new parts of the city. The tower also serves as a focal point for events and celebrations throughout the year, including the National Day and New Year's Eve festivities. 8. THE PEACE CLOCK TOWER, CANADA The Peace Clock Tower, also known as the Peace Tower, is a national symbol of Canada, located in Ottawa, the country's capital. The tower is part of the Parliament Hill Complex and was built to commemorate the sacrifices made by Canadians during World War I. It was built between 1919 and 1927 and measures 302 feet or 92 meters tall. The tower features a carillon, which is a musical instrument consisting of bells that are played using a keyboard. This particular one has 53 bells, which range in size from just over 9 pounds or 4 kilograms to over 10 tons. The largest bell, called the Burden, weighs a whopping 22,279 pounds or just over 10,000 kilograms, and it's one of the heaviest bells in the world. The Peace Clock Tower is also home to the Memorial Chamber, which honors the memory of Canadians who died in military conflicts. The chamber features a book of remembrance that contains the names of over 118,000 Canadians who have lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions, and is an important symbol of Canada's commitment to peace and its role in the international community. The tower, too, is a popular tourist attraction and an iconic landmark in Ottawa, where visitors can take a guided tour of the structure itself and the Parliament Hill Complex, as well as listen to the carillon's daily performances. 7. Prague Astronomical Clock, Czech Republic The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Prague Horloge, is a medieval astronomical clock located in the Old Town Square of Prague in the Czech Republic. It is one of the oldest working clocks in the world, with its origins dating back to the 15th century. The clock was first installed in 1410 and has undergone several renovations and modifications over the years. It truly is a mechanical wonder and consists of three main components, the Astronomical Dial, the Hourly Walk of the Apostles, and the Calendar Dial. The Astronomical Dial is the clock's most complex feature and displays the position of the sun, the moon, and other celestial bodies in the sky. It also shows the time in both local and Central European time as well as the phases of the moon. The Hourly Walk of the Apostles is a popular feature of the clock, too, and occurs every hour and sees twelve apostles appear on the faces and move past two windows above the Astronomical Dial, while a skeleton representing death tolls a bell. It is a captivating and popular spectacle for visitors that attracts thousands of visitors each day who want to see it for themselves. The Calendar Dial is a newer addition to the clock and shows the day of the week, month, and year, as well as featuring a symbol for each zodiac sign and displaying the position of the sun in the zodiacal circle. As a focal point in the city, the Prague Astronomical Clock is an important cultural and historical symbol that has witnessed many events over the centuries and has become an integral part of the city's identity. It has survived wars, fires, and even a botched restoration in the 20th century and, hopefully, will continue to stand for many centuries to come. 6. The Spasskaya Clock Tower, Russia The Spasskaya Clock Tower, also known as the Savior Tower, is one of the most recognizable buildings in Moscow, in Russia. It is at the gate of the Kremlin, a fortress complex that houses the official residency of the President of the Russian Federation, and has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. The Spasskaya Clock Tower was built in 1491 and underwent several renovations over the years. The tower's most famous feature, of course, is its clock, which was added in 1625 and is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering that was seen as one of the most accurate and reliable clocks in the world for centuries. Its face features the twelve signs of the zodiac, as well as a depiction of the sun and the moon. The tower is also home to several bells, including the Spassky Bell, which weighs over 11 tons and is one of the largest bells in the world. It is rarely heard, though, because of its size and age, and is now only rung on special occasions, such as national holidays and important events. The Spasskaya Clock Tower has also played a significant role in the history of Russia, where, at first, it served as a watchtower and was used to announce the opening and closing of the city gates. During the Soviet era, the tower was a symbol of the country's military might and was used as the backdrop for the annual May Day parade, and in modern times, it has become a popular tourist site and the location of the daily changing-of-the-guard ceremony. 5. Zimmer Tower, Belgium The Zimmer Tower, also known as the Zimmer Observatory, is a famous landmark located in the quaint town of Leer in Belgium. It was built in 1930 as an astronomical observatory and clock tower and is named after the man who commissioned its construction, a wealthy local resident named Felix van den Barschzimmer. The Zimmer Tower stands at 115 feet or 35 meters tall and boasts a stunning Art Deco design. The tower's most distinctive feature, though, is its four clock faces, which are each more than six and a half feet or two meters in diameter. These clock faces are illuminated at night, making the Zimmer Tower a prominent feature of Leer's skyline. The observatory in the tower was equipped with a telescope that was used for astronomical research until the 1970s, but today the tower serves as a museum and cultural center, and visitors can climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Leer and the surrounding countryside. Inside the tower, the visitors can learn about its history and the science of astronomy through interactive exhibits and displays. There are also regular art exhibitions and concerts, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. One of the most unique aspects of the Zimmer Tower is its carillon, which is a musical instrument that is made up of a series of bells that are played using a keyboard. The carillon in the Zimmer Tower is one of the largest in Belgium, with 49 bells that weigh a total of 28 tons, and on occasion will be played by a professional carillonneur, with visitors often hearing the beautiful melodies drifting through the town. 4. CHIANG RAI CLOCK TOWER, THAILAND The Chiang Rai Clock Tower is an incredible landmark located in the heart of Chiang Rai, a city in northern Thailand. It was built in 2008 and is now one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who are drawn to its beauty and unique design. The tower is a four-sided structure that stands at a height of 197 feet, or just over 60 meters. It's made of steel, and it's decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, including images of Buddhist deities and mythical creatures. The tower was designed by Chalom Chai Kositpipat, a famous Thai artist and architect who has made his career with innovative and unconventional designs, and created this to commemorate the city's 750th anniversary. In addition to its stunning architecture, the Chiang Rai Clock Tower is at the center of a unique sound and light show that takes place every evening, which features music, narration, and a dazzling light display that illuminates the tower and its surroundings. The tower has also become a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, and it's surrounded by bustling night markets and street vendors selling locally produced food and souvenirs. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside, or they can simply relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the area. 3. Bromo-Seltzer Arts Tower, Maryland, United States Found in Baltimore, Maryland, the Bromo-Seltzer Arts Tower was originally built in 1911 as the headquarters for the Bromo-Seltzer Company, which produced a popular antacid medication. Today, the tower has been transformed into a vibrant arts and cultural center that's home to dozens of artists, musicians, and other creative professionals. The structure is 289 feet or 88 meters high, and it's one of the tallest buildings in Baltimore. It's particularly recognizable because of its distinctive clock face, which is actually modeled after the face of a Bromo-Seltzer bottle. It also features a stunning art deco design, and it's decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures too. Inside the tower, visitors can explore a wide variety of art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. There are dozens of artists who work in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, and visitors are able to watch artists at work, attend exhibitions and performances, and even purchase original works of art. One of the most popular attractions in the Bromo-Seltzer Arts Tower is the Clock Room, which is located on the 15th floor. Visitors climb the tower's winding staircase to reach the room, where they can see the functioning clock mechanism up close and enjoy stunning views of the city. 2. Rathausglockenspiel Clock Tower, Germany The Rathausglockenspiel Clock Tower is one of the most standout structures in Munich, Germany, and a sight that anyone who's visited the city will undoubtedly recognize. The tower, which is at 279 feet or 85 meters tall, is located in the heart of the city's historic center, and is famous for its elaborate clock and its stunning display of mechanical figures. The tower was built in the late 19th century and was designed to be a symbol of Munich's economic and cultural power. It features a striking gothic revival design and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. At the top, there's a clock with two main faces that display the time as well as the phases of the moon and the position of the stars. The clock also features an intricate mechanism that activates a series of mechanical figures twice daily. These figures represent various scenes from Munich's history, including a barrel makers and a procession of the city's patron saints, all of which move and interact with each other. It is, of course, a popular tourist attraction and gathering spot, with visitors flocking to the square below the tower to watch the mechanical figurines come to life. It is a particularly vibrant and packed event during the summer months when the square is filled with outdoor cafes and street performers, and it becomes the beating heart of the city. 1. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Saudi Arabia The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as the Abraj al-Bayt, is a towering hotel complex located in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It's situated just a few steps away from the Masjid al-Haram, which is one of the holiest sites in Islam, and surrounds the Kaaba. Completed in 2012, it's since become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the whole country and holds the record for being the tallest clock tower to have ever been built. The complex, which is comprised of seven towers, the tallest of which stands at a height of 1,972 feet or 601 meters, makes it the third tallest building in the world. The towers are adorned with an array of Islamic motifs and features a mix of classic and modern architectural styles. This clock tower is crowned by a massive clock, which is visible from nearly in Mecca. The clock faces are 141 feet or 43 meters in diameter, which again are the largest clocks ever made and are each illuminated by millions of LED lights. Inside the clock tower is a luxury hotel complex that boasts over 1,500 rooms and suites, as well as numerous dining, shopping, and recreational facilities. The hotel offers unparalleled views of the Kaaba and the Masjid al-Haram, making it a popular choice for Muslim pilgrims who visit Mecca every year. It also offers a range of services and amenities designed to make guests stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. I'll see you next time.