Torre dell'Orologio, Medieval clock tower in Bologna, Italy
Torre dell'Orologio is a clock tower featuring an astronomical dial that displays both time and celestial movements. The structure houses exhibitions about its mechanical systems and Bologna's municipal art collections, with interior spaces accessible through guided tours.
Built in the late 15th century, the tower was designed to serve dual purposes of timekeeping and public announcements for the community. Its bell system historically regulated the daily rhythm of the city, signaling different events and times throughout each day.
A mechanical puppet named Giorgio performs daily from the tower, keeping alive a tradition that has always connected people to their city. These performances remain a reason for locals and visitors to pause and look up.
The tower is accessible through guided tours that allow visitors to see the interior and observe the mechanical systems up close. It helps to plan ahead since tour availability varies with seasons and daily schedules.
The astronomical dial does more than show hours; it also displays positions of stars and celestial bodies, making it a scientific instrument rather than just a clock. This combination of timekeeping and sky observation was a remarkable technical achievement for its era.
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