Standing tall through the ages, clock towers mark moments, authority, and strength. Apart from hours, they are the people who are known, admired, remembered. They’ve observed events coming and going in old European towns and in bustling Asian cities. There’s a certain fascination with complicated inner workings, or it’s attention-grabbing by looks or scale. These eleven come to mind; each has made stories and inspired wonder. They each find their way there because they are visible, palpable.
Big Ben, Elizabeth Tower, London
Standing proud by the Thames, Big Ben, really called the Elizabeth Tower, anchors the northern edge of Parliament in London. The clock face was finished in 1859, and attracts attention from all over the world. It rises 96 metres and houses a huge bell weighing over 13 tonnes. The design is sharp, has pointed arches and attracts shutterbugs like magnets. There are photos of it in albums beyond British borders. It remains defiantly well and true, despite recent repairs, and is a true icon of the city of London. Its voice speaks in the rhythm of war and peace, never faltering, never waspish, never dull, from generation to generation.
Prague astronomical clock, Czech Republic
The Orloj is located in the Old Town Square of Prague and indicates hours using gears older than those in most countries in the world. It has been used since 1410 to follow the movement of the sun, moon and stars in the seasons. As time goes on, the Apostles appear hour by hour, with a skeletal figure nodding by their side. After all these centuries, its dials continue to turn unabated, and they are watched by crowds who are drawn to ancient motion. When maps were drawn by hand, there were still moments to be marked by a clock, moments that are regular, quiet, continuous, unbroken moments like breaths.
Spasskaya Tower Clock Moscow
The Spasskaya Tower Clock has stood guard over the Kremlin, its towers seeming to pierce the clouds in Moscow’s sky. It was established in the 17th century, was reworked in rebuilds, but never ceased to ring. The large dial can be seen from afar, while the tower fits into the well-known red walls of the fortress. It was never broken, despite its times of uprising and battle, and it still measures hours for this city today. It has been the silent one, serving as a constant reminder of the fact that it looks down on Moscow for generations.
Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, Mecca
The Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower is 601 metres tall and stands highest on Earth above Mecca. It was completed in 2012, making it a landmark for miles around upon completion. Visitors can see the enormous clock dials of the Grand Mosque before reaching the location. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come, making use of what it has to offer in its immediate vicinity. In addition to the high-quality accommodations, space has been created on site for worship. Its clock faces spill light, a peaceful gesture of welcome in Islamic culture. It is a tower that stands tall, and marks the hours at the holiest of all places in the religion; more than just a tower, it is PRAYER made visible.
Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai
Rajabai Clock Tower is a landmark tower in the heart of the University of Mumbai. It was built in 1878, and is modelled on many aspects of Gothic Revival architecture from Britain. It was 85 metres high and used to be sounded by chimes, fourteen of which were rung every twenty-five minutes. This sound has ceased, and the ruins remain. Silent and from a different century, a Victorian postcard, the man watches over the busiest city in India.
The clock tower of Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul
The Dolmabahçe Palace Clock Tower is a tall building near the waters of the Bosphorus, before the majestic palace in Istanbul. It was built in 1855 during the Ottoman period and stands 27 metres tall, with elegant columns and arches which reflect the neoclassical style. The clock is also displayed in the traditional Turkish system, as well as the European system. This building suggests the changes which the empire was making in itself in the 1800s, and reflects the attempts made to mould itself into a new form. It was not heard again, but at times made its impact when power changed hands for new ideas over time.
Peace Tower, Ottawa
Above Ottawa’s skyline, the Peace Tower overlooks the Parliament’s Centre Block. It was erected in 1927 and is 92 metres tall, housing a Carillon of 53 bells. It has a solemn significance for many, in memory of people who perished in the First World War. People across town can see the dials on the clock. A silent landmark, which stood undaunting, marking time and memory. It’s silent most of the day, but puts on a show when it chimes.
The Palace of Westminster, London, is also known as the Houses of Parliament.
Torre dell’Orologio, Venice
Over there by St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, rises the Torre dell’Orologio. It was completed at the end of the 15th century, and traces the movements of the heavens as well as the passage of time on its face. On top, twin bronze statues called the Moers swing a hammer at each passing hour. Its appearance and location make it easy for cameras to be directed towards it. There are not many places in Venice that are captured as much as this. It stood witness to the rise and fall of empires, and to the merchants who came and went by its gates. A painting that comes to life, gondolas gliding past the same stones since before the days of clocks.
These Clock Towers Are Different
These eleven clock towers stand tall through the ages and come from various places and times, capturing the imagination of humans. Not only the old Orloj in the Old Town of Prague, but also the giant 21st-century clock in Mecca, tell of how humans make hours art. Some kingdoms prospered, others perished without a peep. Whether it was a large or small moment, they made it both rhythmic and quiet under their hands. They remain strong today, in the midst of the flickering screen and the fast-paced world; they stand tall, they measure days with dignity.
