These famous landmarks were built to become iconic. Their role far exceeds merely telling the time - the world's most famous clocks have become architectural highlights in the cities they were built, drawing in throngs of tourists to admire their stunning beauty. Let's take a look at 10 of the world's most beautiful clock towers:
Once you have finished admiring these wonders, why don't you take a look at these majestic churches?
The Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben, located at the Palace of Westminster, is possibly the most famous landmark in London and in England. It is also one of the most famous buildings in Europe. It was completed in 1858 and is the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.
Standing at a height of 548 feet, this clock tower held the title of the tallest building in the world between 1901 and 1908. It is comprised of four famous clocks - one on each of its sides, with each clock measuring 26 feet in diameter.
This clock tower stands at a height of 1,972 feet and features the world's largest clock face. The tower comprises of four clocks, one on each of its sides, measuring 141 feet x 141 feet apiece.
This medieval clock is the main feature of the famous Old Town Square in Prague. In fact, many tourists flock to the square each day waiting to watch its famous moving figures on the hour. First installed in the year 1410, the astronomical clock is the oldest one still operating in the world today.
Built in 1908, the clock tower is a famous tourist attraction in Munich. Every day at 11am sharp (and during the summer at 12pm and 5pm) crowds flock to the clock to watch two stories from the 16th century. This 12 to 15 minute show is a real spectacle, complete with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.
Located in the famous Red Square, this huge clock tower was designed in 1491 and installed in 1625. It lies close to Saint Basil's Cathedral and forms part of the Kremlin's walls, making it one of Moscow's best attractions.
This medieval tower was built in the 13th century and has since served as a guard tower, a prison, a clock tower and was used as a memorial. The clock seen today is an astronomical clock that dates back to the 15th century.
The Tower of Victory and Peace (as it is formally known) is an impressive clock tower that stands in the middle of the Center Block in Ottawa (the main Canadian Parliament complex). Standing at 302 feet tall, the Peace Tower replaced the Victoria Tower (180 feet) which burned down in 1916.
The Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower is the tallest clock in the world, standing at 328 feet. Having been completed in 1908, this clock was built to commemorate Joseph Chamberlain, the first Chancellor of the University.
Standing at 280 feet tall, this clock tower is located within the campus of the University of Mumbai. The clock was designed by English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and was completed in 1878.
Related Articles:
The 10 Greenest Buildings in the World
The Most Beautiful Churches From Around the World
St. Petersburg is One of Europe's Prettiest Cities!
St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city after Moscow, is one of the most historical and beautiful cities in the world. Take a tour of this wonderful city!
Step Inside Some of the World's Most Stunning Mosques
Mosques are a place of worship. They are places in which class, wealth, status and ethnicity disappear. Take a look at 10 of the world's most beautiful mosques.
These Creatively Designed Items Add So Much Joy To a Home
From a bear-shaped door hinge to the cutest bunk bed we’ve ever seen, these creative and brilliantly designed items bring joy to any home!
These Ingenious Designs Made Us Say ‘Wow!’
Some product designers, architects, advertisers, and graphic designers are just brilliant at their job! Take a look at these brilliant and creative design ideas.
What Were They Thinking When They Put Up These Buildings!?
There are always buildings that people wish were never constructed, and the 50 you're about to see in this post are no exception. Here they are!
Sit Back and Admire the Incredibly Stunning Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders for a reason. Admire it's incredible beauty here.
Earth is a Gorgeous Place, and These 18 Photos Prove It
From the national parks in the United States, through the enchanting sights of the frozen north - these are the amazing gifts nature has to offer us.
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
5 Gorgeous 18th Century Cabinets and the Secrets They Hold
These 18th century creations of furniture and mechanism take utility and art and mix them together to create something amazing.
Simply Majestic! 14 Vivid and Vital Wild Animal Photos
Capturing the personality of wild animals on film is a challenging task, but these 14 photos prove that it's possible and worth it!
Milestones in History: the 12 First Photographs Ever Taken
The history of photography reaches back centuries, and its evolution is made apparent if we look at some of the most iconic photos in history
10 Show-Stopping Photos of the Sunbirds of South Africa
Admire the magnificent, regal beauty of South African sunbirds in 10 stunning photos in this article
23 Incredible Photographs Taken at Just the Right Moment
These scarcely believable pictures have NOT been doctored. They were just taken at the perfect time.
21st Century Architecture is Really Stunning to Behold...
While modern architecture can be divisive, there's no denying it makes you sit up and take notice. Here are 14 stunning examples of 21st Century architecture.
Would You Pay $15 Million for This Grand House?
This mansion has it all, but is it worth the money?
Goldsmithing Expert Turns a Metal Blob into Pure Gold!
An amazing process of chemisty and gold-working turns this blob into pure 24 carat gold.
Welcome to the Most Beautiful Library in the World
I would give a lot to be able to spend a few hours in this amazing place.
Between Dream and Reality: Nocturnal Nature Photography
This Chicago-based photographer inserts artificial light into natural environments to create mystifying, ethereal photographs.
The 2023 German Society for Nature Photography Competition
A remarkable collection of 15 photographs unveiled during the 2023 German Society for Nature Photography competition.
Some Mishaps Are More Expensive Than Others...
These photos bring you the most expensive mishaps you ever saw.
18 Pictures That’ll Give You A Glimpse of The Past Century
Thanks to historical photographic records we get a glimpse of the way of life that was in the past years around the world...
5 Quirky & Imaginative Homes Built On a Shoestring Budget
These homes are proof that something incredible can be created on a shoestring budget while being kind to the environment at the same time. Take a look.
15 Creative Design Ideas That Will Make Our Lives Simpler
In this collection of pictures, you will see some simple yet innovative designs that are made to make our life simpler.
10 Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your Photos
Do you want to know how to take better travel and vacation shots than anyone you know? Read these 10 tips and never look back.
27 Wintry Log Cabins to Escape to During the Holidays
If you've already got your dream home, chances are you haven't imagined your dream log cabin yet. Have a gawp at these 27 winter wonders.
Fascinating Doors of London! The Beauty is Remarkable
This photographer has a curious eye for the remarkable doors of London.
These Vintage Photos Shed Light on Life in the Early 1900s
Get a glimpse of life back in the early 1900s.
These Vintage Celebrity Photos From the Past Are a Delight
Time for some nostalgia! Check out these rarely seen photos of old school celebrities.
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
Behold the Majestically Built Castles of Old France!
The beautiful castles of old France take me back to a different time...
21 Photos from The World's Most Beautiful Historical Sites
For professional photographers, historical sites are among the most picturesque places in the world, proof of which you can see in these photos...
The CRAZIEST Images Caught on Google Street View
Google Earth sometimes digs up the strangest things.
These Old Photos Reveal a Good Deal About the 19th Century
Witness the history of the 19th Century as you never have before, with this powerful collection of early photographs.
These Photos Show the Hustle and Bustle of a WWII Shipyard
Old photos from the war remind us of the effort undertaken by our forefathers to secure our future. Take a look at the hustle and bustle of a wartime shipyard.
14 Before & After Cleaning Pics That'll Satisfy Your Eyes
Here is a look at some before and after cleaning photos of everyday things that will make you go on a cleaning spree.
An Amethyst Gemstone Comes to Life in Real-Time
Take an in-depth look at how a hyper-realistic creation is made, from start to finish.
These Photos Well Deserve to Be Called "Best of the Year"
The National Geographic has been sharing brilliant photography with the world for years, and 2016 has certainly been no exception. Take a look at some here!
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
A Different Look at the Moments that Changed the World
Incredible photos of historical events, shot from a different angl, showing a different view of the events.
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
Amsterdam 100 Years Ago: Incredible Old Photos!
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
This Artist Wanted to See What's in Your Fridge...
This fascinating photography project reveals what's in the fridges of different people around the world and what can we can learn from them about their owners.
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
Now That's What I Call Perfect Timing!
Each of these photos was taken with perfect - almost supernatural - timing!
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!