You may have seen a clock tower in a photograph or at a popular tourist attraction, but did you know that long before we started constantly checking our phones or glancing at the watches on our wrists, clock towers were the best way to tell time? Even after the invention of mechanical clocks in the 13th century, civilizations were pioneers in integrating timekeeping with architecture, using columns and sunshades. Clock towers remain among the most iconic structures in the world to this day.
In this article, we will learn about what clock towers are, and what are the most famous ones?
What are clock towers?
A clock tower is a large, often freestanding structure, sometimes part of a grand building, topped with a clock that usually symbolizes a particular event or commemorates a specific occasion. Clock towers are among the most important historical and tourist landmarks in the world, attracting many visitors who come to take souvenir photographs. They can be found in several different Arab and European countries.
The 10 most famous clock towers in the world:
1- Big Ben Clock Tower
One of London's most famous and magnificent landmarks is the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, completed in 1859. Often referred to as Big Ben, the tower was known by this name for over 160 years. The tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth's 60-year reign.
The Elizabeth Clock is a cultural symbol of the United Kingdom, particularly in visual media, especially television programs and for those involved in the film industry.
The Elizabeth Tower is the third tallest clock tower in the world. It consists of 11 floors and the clock has a diameter of about 7 meters. The minute hand of the clock has a diameter of 4.2 meters and the hour hands are 2.7 meters long. The main bell weighs about 13.7 tons and has a diameter of 2.7 meters, in addition to the four quarter bells, which are smaller in size and weight and have different dimensions in order to produce different tones.
The clock consists of four faces, each face made of more than 312 pieces of agate glass, which is equivalent to 1248 individual pieces of thin glass.
2 - Makkah Clock Tower
Part of the Abraj Al Bait complex in Mecca, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is one of the world's largest clock faces. Completed in 2012, it stands approximately 601 meters tall, making it visible and audible from all directions, up to a distance of 13 kilometers. Each clock face measures 43 meters wide by 43 meters high and is adorned with the word "Allah" (God) on all four sides. It is one of the tallest clock towers in the world. Beneath the clock faces, which have a diameter of 141 feet, are observation decks, topped by an eight-story tower housing a science center, an observation deck, and a prayer center. The clock also broadcasts the call to prayer using 21,000 green and white LED lights and loudspeakers that can be heard from over four miles away.
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3- Rajbay Clock Tower in Mumbai - India
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The Rajbay Clock Tower, located on the Fort campus of the University of Mumbai, was designed by the British architect Sir Gilbert Scott, who drew inspiration from the Elizabeth Tower. Completed in 1878, the tower incorporates four different types of stone, along with stained-glass windows and limestone carvings.
The tower underwent a restoration process that was the first since its construction, which lasted for two years and was completed in 2015. The tower is 280 feet tall and includes 25 floors.
4- Peace Tower in Ottawa - Canada
The Peace Tower, the centerpiece of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, was designed by Jean-Omar Marchand and John A. Pearson. It features 53 bells and stands approximately 92.2 meters tall. Dedicated in 1927, it honors Canadians who lost their lives in World War I. The tower's original clock was a gift from the United Kingdom to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. This clock is unique in that it cannot be turned back; therefore, government employees must stop it for one hour at the end of daylight saving time each year.
5- Old Joe's Tower - England
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It is one of the tallest clock towers in the world, erected in 1908 and named after Joseph Chamberlain, the first Chancellor of the University of Birmingham in England. The clock was built by the Wychurch Company and is approximately 5.25 meters wide. Its largest bell weighs 6,177.5 kg, and the total weight of the bells is 20 tons. The minute hand is 4.1 meters long, the hour hand is 61 cm wide, and the pendulum is 4.6 meters long. The clock hands are made of copper plates. The tower consists of ten floors, served by an elevator in the southwest corner, where the tower, known as "Old Joe's," reaches a height of 100 meters.
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6- Philadelphia City Hall - United States of America
The Philadelphia Hall, located in the United States of America, has a clock tower that reaches a height of 548 feet and held the title of the tallest building in the world between 1901 and 1908. This tower consists of four clocks on each of its sides, each holding one clock, with each clock having a diameter of 26 feet.
7- Prague Astronomical Clock – Czech Republic
This astronomical clock is located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, specifically on the facade of the famous City Hall. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it is the third oldest astronomical clock still in operation today. Its most distinctive feature is the windows that open every hour (from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM), revealing small statues of the disciples of Christ. The clock's history is intertwined with numerous tales and legends passed down through generations. Once considered a source of bad luck, it has become a symbol of optimism. It is also one of the most important attractions drawing thousands of tourists to Prague from all over the world.
8- Rathaus Building - Munich Orchestra Bells - Germany
Located in Munich's new town hall, the bell tower, erected in 1908, stands 260 feet tall and features 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that perform daily at 11:00 AM (winter time) and 12:00 PM (summer time). The upper section of the tower was the site of the 16th-century wedding of Duke Wilhelm V , in a section reserved for dukes. The facade and bells were restored in 2006-2007, prior to the town's 850th anniversary in 2008.
9- Spasskaya Clock Tower in Moscow - Russia
The Spasakia Clock Tower, also known as the "Savior Tower," is located in the famous Red Square in Moscow, the capital of Russia. It was built in 1491 by the Swiss architect Pietro Antonio Solari.
The clock on the Spasskaya Tower was installed between 1491 and 1585. It is also commonly referred to as the Kremlin Bells, as it was officially set to Moscow time. The gate of the Spasskaya Tower was used to greet distinguished foreign dignitaries and during official ceremonies and processions held in Red Square, which is one of Moscow's most popular tourist attractions.
The Kremlin clock faces, located on the four sides of the Spasskaya Tower, have a diameter of 6.12 meters. The Roman numerals are 0.72 meters high, the hour hand is 2.97 meters long, and the minute hand is 3.27 meters long. The clock and bells weigh a total of 25 tons.
The clock's accuracy is achieved through a pendulum weighing 32 kg, and the clock is manually switched from winter to summer operating mode.
10- Zytglogge Tower in Bern - Switzerland
The magnificent Zettglogge clock tower is one of Bern's most important and famous landmarks. A landmark that has stood in the city for over 800 years, it's a must-see on any trip to Switzerland. This 23-meter-tall tower is located next to the West Gate in the old town and is distinguished by its enormous antique clock. This clock showcases the precision of Swiss watchmaking, as it is made entirely of wood and has been moving for centuries. The clock also features several symbols representing the sun, moon, and stars, adding to the tower's unique charm and beauty.
These clock towers and many others around the world are not just for telling time, but are considered cultural icons and prominent landmarks that attract tourists from all over to enjoy the amazing beauty of these places. The presence of such clocks in towers with great artistic and cultural details since ancient times indicates the interest of ancient civilizations in time and its importance to them.