Clock towers are a common sight in many parts of the world, with some being iconic buildings. Many clock towers are freestanding structures. Some of famous clock towers are also adjoin or located on the top of another building. These were used in towns to notify people of emergencies.
#1 The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben)
The most iconic Elizabeth Tower is in London, usually called “Big Ben”. The tower is a powerful symbol of democracy. The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin. The tower stands 316 feet (96 m) tall. Dials of the clock are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter. It was the largest bell in the United Kingdom for 23 years. The clock uses its original Victorian mechanism, but an electric motor can be used as a backup. The tower is a British cultural icon recognized all over the world.
#2 Makkah Royal Clock Tower (Abraj-Al-Bait)
Abraj-Al-Bait is a government-owned complex of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Makkah Clock, Royal Tower, is the fourth-tallest building in the world. It has a Clock Tower Museum at the top four floors of the tower. The building is topped by a four-faced clock, visible from 25 kilometers (16 miles) away. It is among the sixth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. The tallest tower complex has a total surface area of 32,000 square meters. The total height of the clock is 57 m (187 ft).
#3 Rajabai Clock
The Rajabai Tower is a clock tower in South Mumbai, India. Its construction was completed in November 1878. The clock tower was designed by famous Architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott. The total cost of construction came to ₹555000. It was named after the mother of Premchand Roychand, who donated half of the money for construction. The tower is among the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018.
#4 Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock also known as Prague Orloj. It is a medieval astronomical clock attached to the Old Town Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. The clock was first installed in 1410. It is the world’s third-oldest astronomical clock. It is also the oldest operational astronomical clock. According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected. The background represents the Earth and the local view of the sky.
#5 Peace Tower Clock
The Peace Tower is the dominant feature on Parliament Hill. It is probably the most widely recognized symbol of Canada after the flag. In 1927, the Peace Tower clock was given to Canada by the United Kingdom. The original clock no longer works and has since been replaced. There are four clock faces in total: one on each side of the Tower, running by electric motor.
#6 Savior Tower (Spasskaya clock tower)
The Spasskaya Tower is translated as ‘Savior Tower’. It is the main tower on the eastern wall of the Moscow Kremlin, which overlooks Red Square. The Spasskaya Tower was built in 1491 by the Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari. The clock face has a diameter of 6 meters (20 ft). According to old legends, the tower was possessed with miraculous powers. It was reputed to protect the Kremlin from enemy invasion. The height of the tower with the star is 71 meters.
#7 Zytglogge Clock tower
Zytglogge Clock tower is a major tourist attraction. The Zytglogge is one of Bern’s most recognizable symbols. The tower is the oldest monument of the city, and with its 15th-century astronomical clock. It is a heritage site of national significance, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The Zytglogge has an overall height of 54.5 meters (179 ft). The main body of the tower is divided into the two-story plinth, and the three-story tower shaft.
#8 Philadelphia City Hall
The Philadelphia City Hall is a famous clock tower in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is built of brick, white marble, and limestone. Philadelphia City Hall is the world’s largest freestanding masonry building. In 1976, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. In 2006, the famous building is named as National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The clock tower of Philadelphia City Hall was a part of the tallest building in the world (1894).
#9 Rathaus Glockenspiel
The heart of Munich, Germany has a famous clock tower, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. The Glockenspiel Was built in 1908. The Munich Glockenspiel is 110 years old. The name glockenspiel comes from the German language and means “to play the bells.” The first instrument has 34 keys, whereas the second glockenspiel has 30 keys.
#10 Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower
It is the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world. The Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock tower (old Joe) is at the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, UK. The tower stands at 100 meters (330 feet) tall. Joyce of Whitchurch built the clock. The largest bell weighs 13,619 pounds (6,177.5 kg) with all the bells together weighing 20 long tons (20 tonnes). The minute hand of the clock is 13 ft 5 in long, the hour hand is 2 ft across. The pendulum of the clock is 15 ft long. The famous clock tower was completed in the year of 1908.
Which famous clock tower of the world you had visited? Is there any clock tower at your native place? Every town in the world should have a clock tower at the center of the city. Do you agree with the statement? Your feedback is important for the further study of the article.
