World’s Top 10 Famous Clock Towers: Iconic Timepieces

Last Updated on 4th December 2023 by admin

Time is a universal concept that has interested humanity for generations, and people have developed clocks and timepieces of many shapes and sizes throughout history to monitor its passage. Clocks have become an essential component of our lives, helping us keep track of the time and remain on schedule, from ancient sundials to current computerised watches.

However, some clocks stand out more than others, becoming cultural icons and symbols of their respective cities and countries. Humans are inspired to adapt, transform, and start anew by these ultimate timepieces.

The following is a list famous clocks towers from around the world that stand out in terms of design, structure, weight, and magnificence. In this article, we will take you on a journey of the 10 most famous clock towers in the world.

 

1) Big Ben Tower Clock

Year of construction: 31 May 1859

Total Height: 316 feet (96 m)

Location: Westminster, London, UK

Big Ben is definitely the most famous clock tower in the world and one of the famous tourist attractions in London. It is a world-famous clock tower situated in the Palace of Westminster, London (United Kingdom). The clock was named after the first commissioner of works known as Big Ben, and its official name is Elizabeth Tower. The clock tower has 11 floors reflecting the Gothic Revival architectural style.

The clock has been running since 1859 and has only been stopped a few times, especially during World War II when the clock faces were blacked to escape enemy bombing attacks. Big Ben has appeared in several films, television shows, and works of literature, cementing its place as a cultural symbol, making it one of the famous Landmarks of the world.

 

2) Makkah Royal Clock Tower (Abraj Al-Bait)

Year of construction: 2004 to 2012

Total Height: 1972 feet (601 m)

Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia

The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as Abraj Al-Bait is world’s tallest clock tower located in the heart of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The iconic famous tower comprises 120 levels, with the clock itself taking up four of them. It features 2 million LED lights since it has the world’s largest clock face. Saudi Binladin Group designed and constructed this entire Abraj Al-Bait complex, the complex itself being a hotel & residential structure.

It is also one of the tallest buildings in the world, standing at 1,972 feet. But it is the clock tower’s connection to the Islamic faith and the Haj pilgrimage that truly defines it. It is situated to Masjid al-Haram, Islam’s holiest place, and overlooks the Kaaba, the black cube-shaped structure that Muslims worldwide face during prayer.

 

3) The Peace Tower Clock

Year of construction: 1927

Total Height: 322 feet (98 m)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Central Block of Parliament in Ottawa is home to the famous clock tower. The Peace Tower Clock is a Canadian national symbol that stands tall and proud in the centre of the country’s capital, Ottawa. The 28-story structure is dedicated to the 65000 Canadian soldiers who died in World War One. There is also a Memorial Chamber Room near the Peace Tower and is dedicated to Canadians who died in wars around the world.

The peace tower contains 53 massive bells and a flag that reads “peace.” The clock itself is a technological marvel, with four clock faces each measuring 12 feet in diameter. The hands of the watch are made of copper and are black plated, making them stand out against the white faces of the watch. The clock mechanism is a work of art in itself, with over 10,000 pieces working together to keep time accurately and reliably.

 

4) Prague Astronomical Clock

Year of construction: 1410

Total Height: 228 feet (69.5 m)

Location: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is recognized not only for its famous castle but also for the tower clock. This is the medieval tower clock located in Prague and attached to Old Town Hall. Astronomical is one of the most famous clocks in the world known as Orloj. This unrivaled piece of art shows the relative positions of the sun, moon, earth, and constellations. The clock shows time and date.

The Prague Astronomical Clock is a true masterpiece of human creativity, it has been ticking for over 600 years, captivating the hearts and minds of people from all over the world. It has weathered wars, revolutions, and many changes in the world around it, and it still stands proudly today as a tribute to the Czech people’s endurance and resolve.

 

5) Rajabai Clock Tower

Year of construction: 1 March 1869

Total Height: 280 feet (85 m)

Location: Mumbai, India

Rajabai Clock Tower is an iconic attraction in the busy metropolis of Mumbai, India. Indian architecture has also contributed to the collection of famous clocks around the world. The clock tower is located in the Fort Campus of the University of Mumbai, near to the High Court. South Mumbai is home to the Rajabai Clock Tower. The clock tower is part of the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble, which was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.

This clock tower, built in the late 1800s, is a tribute to the enduring spirit and creativity of the Indian people. The Rajabai Clock Tower is a remarkable architectural and engineering wonder with its towering height and exquisite design. The face of the clock tower is beautifully designed, and its hands slowly slide across its four faces, counting the time with precision and accuracy.

 

6) The Saviour Tower (Spasskaya Tower)

Year of construction: 1491

Total Height: 233 feet (871 m)

Location: Moscow, Russia

Spasskaya Tower is one of the most recognized symbols of Moscow. It is located on Red Square near St. Basil’s Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in the world. The Clock Tower is a famous structure in Moscow (Russia), served as the principal entrance to the Kremlin complex.  The clock is the most emetic mark of Russia, and it was designed to welcome foreign officials. The clock face is huge, having a 6-meter diameter.

The Saviour Tower, which was built in the 15th century, was initially used as a watchtower to guard the Kremlin, Moscow’s mediaeval fortress, from invading troops. The tower has been refurbished and rebuilt multiple times throughout the years, and it now stands as a spectacular example of Russian Baroque architecture.

 

7) Philadelphia City Hall Clock

Year of construction: 1898

Total Height: 548 feet (167 m)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

The Philadelphia City Hall Clock Tower is a stunning example of historic architecture. The Philadelphia City Hall clock was built with a special marvel, the clock tower has nine stories and four clock displays in each direction. The clock tower is also one of the tallest freestanding structures in the city and best tourist attraction in USA.

The Philadelphia City Hall Clock is a true masterpiece of beauty and engineering, and it’s also an iconic symbol of the city. The Philadelphia City Hall Clock, built in the late 1800s, measures over 500 feet tall and has been decorated with elaborate carvings and sculptures highlighting the city’s rich history and tradition. The clock face is nearly 26 feet in diameter and surrounded by beautiful artwork and adornment.

 

8) Rathaus Glockenspiel Clock Tower

Year of construction: 1908

Total Height: 260 feet (79 m)

Location: Munich, Germany

The Rathaus Glockenspiel Clock Tower, located in the centre of Munich, and one of the famous tourist attractions in Germany. It is a spectacular work of art, which features 43 bells and 32 sculptures that depict dancing figures. It symbolizes ” fresh vitality” from the illness and deaths as a result of the plague, as well as “men’s loyalty to the king through tough times.”

Geramy is usually known for its magnificent and famous castles across the world, but this towering clock tower is another one of the country’s incredible attractions. It is one of the most famous clocks in the world and a significant symbol of the city’s history and culture. The glockenspiel, a musical clock mechanism that plays twice daily, captivating spectators with its elaborate display of moving figures and chimes, is the actual star of the performance and it is a treasured institution that brings tourists from all over the world.

 

9) The Clock Tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building 

Year of construction: 1894-1897

Total Height: 135 feet (41 m)

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building’s Clock Tower is a spectacular clock located in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. The world-famous clock tower is situated in Jalan Raja of Dataran Merdeka and the Royal Selangor Club (Malaysia). Various official departments were situated in the magnificent tower construction during the British era. This is where the office of information and communication was recently established.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was designed initially to operate as British Malaya’s administrative centre. The clock is an engineering marvel, with complicated gears and systems that have kept perfect time for almost a century. With its distinctive Moorish-style construction and towering presence, the clock tower immediately became one of the city’s iconic landmarks.

 

10) Zytglogge Clock Tower 

Year of construction: 1191 and rebuilt in the 15th century

Total Height: 179 feet (54.5 m)

Location: Bern, Switzerland

The Zytglogge Clock Tower, located in the centre of Bern, Switzerland, is an incredible piece of Swiss architecture.  This clock tower’s historic structure draws people from all over the world. UNESCO has designated this famous clock as a world heritage monument. This astronomical clock has a melodic component that adds to its appeal. Zytglogge clock tower is one of the most recognizable symbols and famous tourist destinations in Bern, Switzerland.

The clock itself is a piece of art, with an extraordinarily detailed face that displays a variety of information about the sun, moon, and stars’ locations. The tower also has bells that sound every hour, adding to its distinct charm and character. It indicates the immense power of human imagination and creativity.

 

These are abovementioned famous top 10 famous clock towers in the world are examples to humankind’s great creativeness, skill, and invention. These beautiful clocks, each with its own unique identity and charm, have captivated the hearts and minds of people all around the world. The awesome ancient architecture and jaw-dropping designs are reflected in these incredible timeless timepieces.

These famous clock towers are absolutely magnificent feats of engineering and construction, whether they are symbols of national pride, big city icons, or simply testaments to human endeavour. Each clock offers an incredible narrative about a distinct city.