From Big Ben To Makkah: 10 Iconic Clock Towers You Must See Around the World

Clock towers are more than just timekeepers—they are storytellers etched in stone and steel. They strike the hours of empires, witness revolutions, and stand as symbols of identity for the cities they crown. From Europe’s medieval squares to Asia’s modern skylines, these towering monuments blend artistry, history, and engineering brilliance. Whether you’re a heritage lover, an architecture enthusiast, or a wanderer chasing iconic landmarks, these clock towers deserve a place on your travel map.

1. Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) – London, UK
Arguably the world’s most famous clock tower, Big Ben—or more accurately, Elizabeth Tower—soars above the Houses of Parliament. Its Gothic Revival design and resonant chimes embody British culture. A trip to London feels incomplete without standing before this symbol of resilience and grandeur.

2. Prague Astronomical Clock – Prague, Czech Republic
Built in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is not just a timepiece but a medieval masterpiece of science and artistry. Perched in Old Town Square, it delights visitors with an hourly parade of moving figures. Few landmarks blend engineering, astronomy, and myth as gracefully as this Czech treasure.

3. Philadelphia City Hall Tower – Philadelphia, USA
Dominating the city’s skyline, Philadelphia’s City Hall boasts one of the world’s largest clock faces. At its pinnacle stands a statue of William Penn, watching over the city he founded. The tower’s Second Empire architecture makes it as much a work of art as a civic centerpiece.

4. Peace Tower – Ottawa, Canada
Rising above Canada’s Parliament Hill, the Peace Tower is both a monument and a memorial. Its soaring Gothic design, carillon of 53 bells, and commanding presence reflect Canada’s spirit of unity. It is one of Ottawa’s most photographed landmarks and a must for history buffs.

5. Spasskaya Tower – Moscow, Russia
Guarding the Kremlin’s red-brick walls, the Spasskaya Tower is inseparable from Russian history. Known as the Kremlin Clock, its gilded star and iconic face overlook Red Square, chiming during state ceremonies and national celebrations. It is as much a political symbol as it is a cultural one.

6. Rajabai Clock Tower – Mumbai, India
Rising within the University of Mumbai, the Rajabai Clock Tower fuses Venetian and Gothic design. Completed in 1878, it was inspired by Big Ben but carries a distinctly Indian character with stained-glass windows and intricate detailing. For Mumbai’s heritage seekers, this tower is a jewel of colonial architecture.

7. Zytglogge – Bern, Switzerland
A UNESCO World Heritage landmark, the Zytglogge has kept time since the 13th century. Both a clock tower and astronomical calendar, it enchants travelers with its medieval figures and mechanical displays. Bern’s old-world charm shines brightest around this iconic tower.

8. Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower – Birmingham, UK
Fondly called “Old Joe,” this tower is the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world at 100 meters. Located at the University of Birmingham, it has become a symbol of the campus and city. Its towering presence is a striking blend of function and academic pride.

9. Allen-Bradley Clock Tower – Milwaukee, USA
Nicknamed the “Polish Moon,” this colossal industrial landmark once held the record for the largest four-faced clock in the world. Bigger than Big Ben, it looms over Milwaukee’s skyline as a reminder of the city’s manufacturing heritage. It’s less ornate, but no less commanding.

10. Makkah Royal Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower redefines grandeur. Part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, it is the tallest clock tower on Earth and the second tallest building in the world. Illuminated by millions of LED lights, its clock face is visible from over 25 kilometers away—an awe-inspiring sight for pilgrims and travelers alike.