In my opinion, fascination of humanity with clock towers does stem not really architecture of these beautiful buildings, but rather the time itself.

Back in the day, when the vast majority of people had watches, clock of the City Tower served primarily a functional role and clock towers most were equipped with bells to post upcoming events in the community. If we could further back in time, we would soon realize that the man became fascinated with the time, when he realized that there are ‘right time’ for the growth of crops and the harvest.

As time passed by and Patek Phillippe has invented the first wristwatch - which was later improved by Louis Cartier - the need for faithful clock towers became obsolete. Nowadays when everyone can easily learn the time checking their watch or a smartphone, the attractiveness of tower clock remains just more powerful than in the past.

Here is the list of the most famous clock towers in the world, all the beautiful buildings, you should check if you never plan your holidays in these regions.

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), London, England

Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia, United States of America

Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The Prague astronomical clock , Prague, Czech Republic

Rathaus-Glockenspiel, Municipal, Germany

The Saviour Tower (Tower Spasskaya), Moscow, Russia

The Zytglogge Tower, Berne, Switzerland

The peace Tower , Ottawa, Canada

Old Joe, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Rajabai clock tower, Mumbai, India

1. Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), London, England

Officially called Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben is the nickname for the great Bell of the Palace of Westminster clock tower. Completed in 1858, the Tower holds the largest clock chiming in the four faces of the world and is the third - most high freestanding clock tower. This is by far the most famous monument in London and England, and one of the most famous monuments in Europe.

2. Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia, United States of America

Philadelphia City Hall held the title of tallest building in the world from 1901 until 1908, with a height of 548 ft (167 m). The famous Tower has four clocks - one on each of its sides. Each of the clocks is 8 metres (26 feet) in diameter.

3. Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

At a height of 601 metres (1 972 ft), this Government owned complex is one of the highest buildings in the world. It is also the highest clock tower in the world and the largest clock in the world face. Each of the four clocks (on all four sides) is 43 × 43 m (141 × 141 ft)!

4. The Prague astronomical clock , Prague, Czech Republic

The astronomical clock is the main feature of the famous old town square in Prague. Many tourists arrive at the place and wait around hour just to watch the famous characters of the beautiful clock movement. The medieval clock was installed all first year 1410, making it one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world and the oldest still in use.

5. Rathaus-Glockenspiel, Municipal, Germany

This famous tourist attraction was built in 1908 as part of the new town hall. Every day at 11:00 sharp during the summer to 12:00 and 17:00, it animates and re - enacts two histories of the 16th century. The area in front of the building will be then packed with visitors to come and enjoy the show. With 43 bells and 32 life-size figures, this show for 12 to 15 minutes is a real show.

6. The Saviour Tower (Tower Spasskaya), Moscow, Russia

The Saviour Tower is located on the famous red square, near St. Basil’s Cathedral and belongs to the Kremlin walls. The great clock tower was designed in 1491 and first installed in 1625. With the Kremlin, red square and the famous cathedral, this small area holds the best sights of Moscow.

7. The Zytglogge Tower, Berne, Switzerland

This beautiful medieval tower was built in the 13th century and since has been a guard tower, prison, a clock tower and a Memorial. The clock that we see today is an astronomical clock from the 15th century. This cultural heritage is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Berne.

8. The peace Tower , Ottawa, Canada

Formerly the Tower of victory and peace, this impressive clock tower is located in the middle of the building of the Centre – the structure of the main building of the complex Canadian Parliament in Ottawa. This tower of 92.2 (302 m) has replaced the Victoria 55 m (180 ft) tower that burned in 1916.

9. Old Joe, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Old Joe, or name full Joseph Chamberlain Memorial clock tower, is the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world, 100 meters (328 ft). It was built to commemorate Joseph Chamberlain, the first Chancellor of the University and its construction was completed in 1908.

10. Rajabai clock tower, Mumbai, India

This clock height 85 meters (280 feet) tower is located on the campus of the University of Mumbai. It was designed by the English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1878.

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