The 'Moors' of Venice

Walking Tours of Venice

The Two 'Moors', Torre dell' Orologio

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For more than five hundred years, the two 'Moors', the name given (in the 18th century) to the pair of bronze bell-jacks in the Torre dell’ Orologio, (Clock Tower, Piazza San Marco) have been dutifully striking the passing hours.

The bell-jacks were originally nicknamed li doi ziganti (the two giants), on account of their size (2.6 metres). Sporting nothing more than short woollen tunics, the bell-jacks are, in fact, two shepherds, one old and bearded, the other young and clean-shaven. It is thought that the figures, who symbolise the passing of time, were cast by Sigismondo I Alberghetti in 1497/8. 

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Torre dell' Orologio