Post date: Oct 01, 2014 3:34:18 AM
A clock is a classic example of a method used by the human population to keep track of time. From the early ages of sundials, to water clocks, incense clocks, eventually reaching mechanical and digital clocks, there have been many ways to measure time. The evolution of clock pieces changed the entire notion of time. In a time of the sundial, it was considered an appointment to meet on a specific day. Eventually, this evolved to expectations of arrival within a certain hour. By the late 17th century, the word punctual first appeared. Today, it's considered rude in some cultures to arrive late by even 1 minute. Quite a change!
It wasn't until after the late middle ages and the Renaissance, cities became more interested in regulation of life especially through clocks. It around this time that the Senate of Venice announced for the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock tower in St. Mark's Square) to be built. This clock tower is now one of the most recognizable pieces in Venice and can be seen in the image to the left.
Clocks are very important to the culture of Venice. Each clock is unique and can be considered an art piece in itself. Many public clocks can be seen as stand alone structures or on bell towers.
Though not all bell towers have a clock face directly on them, bell towers play an important role in keeping time in the city of Venice. As one might imagine, the ringing of bells in intervals will easily allow the people of Venice to understand how time is passing. It is important to understand and record the intervals that the bells for towers ring. Venetians living and working near major bell towers know the significance of ringing times. Whether a bell rings on the hour, twice a day, or once a week, this signifies the passing of time in an oral way rather than the visual way of clocks.
Both clocks and bells have interesting histories making them important to the city of Venice in ways other than just as time keepers. This concept of keeping time has evolved through the years with the city. It will be absolutely fascinating and a great thrill to be able to look at and document these keepers of time while in Venice. Read our previous post about time in Venice to gain a better understanding of how time plays a role in the culture of Venice!