Clocks aren’t just about telling time—they have their own stories to tell. These clock towers are like little pieces of history with a touch of glamour!
Curious about some iconic clocks? Check out our list of the most famous ones from around the world. These clocks aren’t just about telling time; they’re deeply tied to historical events or are key symbols of their cities. Each clock has a unique style that defines its surroundings. While they might not be the go-to timepieces anymore, their status as landmarks is still strong. Let’s discover them!
Big Ben, the world’s most famous clock, symbolises Britain globally. Completed in 1859 in neo-Gothic style, its name refers to the largest bell. Now called Elizabeth Tower, it was once the largest and most accurate four-faced clock.
The Philadelphia City Hall clock, finished in 1901, stands an impressive 167 meters tall. Designed by John McArthur, it was meant to be the tallest building, but the Eiffel Tower beat it to that title. You can head up to the observation deck for great views and check out the statues of William Penn.
Check out this campanile at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa—it replaced an old tower that burned down. It's got cool stained glass and brass plaques. Also, there's a 53-bell carillon inside that plays different tunes, kind of like a giant piano!
Located in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, the Urania World Clock, opened in 1969, stands over 10 meters high. It features four clock faces on a 2.7-meter column and a rotating steel solar system model. It displays time for 148 cities across various zones.
This clock tower in Montreal, finished in 1922, is a must-see at 45 meters tall. You can climb the 192 steps to the observation deck from May to September. There’s an urban beach with a restaurant and live entertainment—perfect for a fun day out!
This stunning clock, made in 1405 and rebuilt in 1527, stands 16 meters tall in Bern. Its intricate details, bright colours, and animated figurines make it standout. On the hour, a large figure strikes a bell. The clock features a lunar dial, zodiac signs, a calendar, and a star chart. Originally a city gate in 1220 and later used for various other purposes, it’s now a famous clock tower!
The Rajabai Clock Tower, built between 1869 and 1878 at the University of Mumbai, is a masterpiece, no doubt! Inspired by Big Ben, this 85-meter-tall tower features gorgeous stained glass and limestone sculptures. It was once the tallest building in Mumbai!
Cosmo Clock 21 is a huge ferris wheel that’s 100 meters across. It’s got the world’s largest digital clock face and 60 gondolas for up to 480 riders. The wheel spins every 15 minutes, offering amazing city views. At night, the spokes light up with cool patterns like fireworks, spirals, and flowers—it's pretty magical!
Isn’t it amazing how clocks can be so much more than just telling time? They can be memorials or show off the talent of their makers. The clock towers we’ve looked at are perfect examples of how remarkable these timepieces can be!
