Torre dell'Orologio, Padua, Gothic clock tower in Piazza dei Signori, Italy.
The Torre dell'Orologio is a Gothic clock tower in Piazza dei Signori in Padua, positioned between two adjacent palaces and topped with an astronomical clock. The structure features an octagonal upper section with a dome and is organized across multiple levels that housed both defensive and timekeeping functions.
The tower originated as an eastern gate of Palazzo Carrarese and received its first astronomical clock in 1344 by Jacopo Dondi. It was rebuilt in 1428 under Venetian rule and transformed into a standalone structure marking the city's new political authority.
The astronomical clock at its face displays Earth as the center of the cosmos, surrounded by copper stars and zodiac symbols. This arrangement reflects how medieval people understood the universe and organized their days around celestial movements.
The tower can be visited through guided tours, allowing access to all five floors and exploring the interior spaces. The clock mechanism is displayed on the third level, letting visitors understand how medieval engineers achieved accurate timekeeping.
The tower includes a special bell system where the bell rings again five minutes after each hourly chime. This extra sound marked the traditional end time for merchants completing their negotiations in the square below.
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