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Clock Tower — Tolentino
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Clock Tower

The Clock Tower overlooks Freedom Square, onto which the Municipal Palace and Palazzo Sangallo open as a corollary. The tower, which also serves as the bell tower for the adjoining Collegiate Church of St. Francis, has four dials: the first at the top indicates the phases of the...

Photo · Giovanna S.

Clock Tower — Tolentino, Italy.

Location
Tolentino
Type
Other
Opening hours
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About Clock Tower

Clock Tower - Tolentino | Secret World Trip Planner

The Clock Tower overlooks Freedom Square, onto which the Municipal Palace and Palazzo Sangallo open as a corollary. The tower, which also serves as the bell tower for the adjoining Collegiate Church of St. Francis, has four dials: the first at the top indicates the phases of the moon, the second (the mechanical dial sundial) marks the hours "Italian style," the third (the astronomical clock) marks the hours and minutes, and the fourth (the calendar clock) indicates the days of the week and month. Under the last dial, there is a small sundial that was used by the "moderator" to put back the astronomical clock. The clock strikes the hours and quarters. At noon it sounds several chimes followed by a short harmony. It is the work of Antonio Podrini of Sant'Angelo in Vado, who built it in 1822. Summing up, the four dials contain: 1° - THE PHASES OF THE MOON 2° - ITALIAN CLOCK with the hours - (III-VI) Matins - (VI-III) Third hour - (III-VI) Sixth hour - (VI-III) Ninth hour - (III-VI) Vespers - (VI-III) Compline 3° - ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK 4th - DAYS MONTH AND WEEK Under the four dials is the sundial.

Clock Tower - Tolentino | Secret World Trip Planner
Clock Tower - Tolentino | Secret World Trip Planner
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A perfect day in Tolentino

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  1. 01
    Morning
    Clock Tower
    📍 Tolentino
    Start here
  2. 02
    Afternoon
    📍 8.6 km away
  3. 03
    Evening
    📍 11.5 km away

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Clock Tower features four distinct dials: the top dial shows moon phases, the second displays Italian-style hours for canonical times, the third is an astronomical clock marking hours and minutes, and the fourth indicates days of the week and the date. Below these four main dials sits an additional small sundial that was historically used by the moderator to adjust the astronomical clock.
The Clock Tower was designed and built by Antonio Podrini of Sant'Angelo in Vado in 1822, making it a 19th-century masterpiece of horological engineering. This skilled craftsman created one of the most complex timekeeping systems in the region, combining multiple timekeeping methods into a single tower structure.
The Italian-style clock displays hours divided into canonical times used in religious observance, including Matins, Third hour, Sixth hour, Ninth hour, Vespers, and Compline, reflecting the tower's connection to the adjoining Collegiate Church of St. Francis. This historical timekeeping system shows how the tower served both civic and religious functions in the community.
The Clock Tower strikes the hours and quarters throughout the day, but noon is the most dramatic time to visit when it sounds several chimes followed by a short harmony. Plan to be in Freedom Square around midday to experience this special acoustic feature and appreciate the tower's connection to the surrounding Municipal Palace and Palazzo Sangallo.
Yes, the Clock Tower serves as the bell tower for the adjoining Collegiate Church of St. Francis, making it a dual-purpose structure that serves both the civic and religious communities. Its location overlooking Freedom Square allows it to function as a public timekeeper while supporting the church's liturgical schedule through its specialized Italian-style hour markings.

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