Venice - Campanile and Clock Tower
Day 9 & 10 - Explore Venice - Campanile and Clock Tower Campanile of San Marco "El Patron de Casa" The bell tower is lovingly referred to as "The Master of the House". For centuries it was the first sight of Venice for visitors arriving by sea. The tower, which suffered through several fires and a collapse, gained its present-day form in the early 16thC. The plain brick structure stands 324 feet tall and is topped by an arched belfry and gilded statue of the Angel Gabriel. In earlier days, each of the five bells had a specific purpose. The largest rang at the beginning and end of the workday. A second bell rang at midday. The third rang to summon members to council. The fourth announced a session of the Senate, and the fifth bell announced executions. On August 25, 1609, from the top of the Campanile, Galileo showed the Doge how his new invention, a telescope, could be used to spot approaching enemy ships. For a fee, v...