The Clock Tower of the Palazzo del Capitanio in Padua.
While walking through the historic centre of Padua, it is hard not to stop and admire the Clock Tower overlooking one side of Piazza dei Signori. Together with the palace beneath it, the tower is one of the most distinctive features of this elegant square, a place that has witnessed centuries of civic life, public gatherings and everyday encounters.
It is the kind of monument that catches your eye even when you are simply crossing the square on your way somewhere else. The palace façade, the tower rising above the surrounding buildings and the large clock face create an architectural ensemble that tells part of the story of the city. This is much more than a device for telling the time: it is a landmark that connects modern Padua with its historical identity.
The tower is part of the Palazzo del Capitanio complex, associated with the city’s political and administrative life during the period of Venetian rule. Padua became part of the territories of the Republic of Venice in 1405, and Venetian influence left a lasting mark on the city’s institutions, public spaces and architecture. Piazza dei Signori became one of the important settings for civic life and the display of political authority.
The most fascinating feature is, of course, the astronomical clock. Its purpose goes beyond simply showing the hours. Monumental clocks of the medieval and Renaissance periods reflected the close relationship between timekeeping, astronomical knowledge, craftsmanship and civic prestige. They were practical instruments, but also impressive public works that demonstrated the skills and ambitions of the communities that built them.
The clock face is also associated with a curious local legend: the zodiac sign of Libra is missing. According to a popular story, which is generally treated as legend rather than established historical fact, the clockmaker deliberately left out Libra because he had been paid less than the amount originally agreed upon. Since Libra is traditionally associated with balance and justice, its absence supposedly became a symbolic protest against the unfair treatment he had received. It is an intriguing tale that gives the clock an extra layer of mystery, even if there is no firm reason to regard it as a proven explanation.
I enjoy photographing monuments like this because their appeal lies not only in their appearance, but also in the stories and small details that can be overlooked during a hurried visit. I took the photograph accompanying this article to capture the tower and its relationship with the square, where Padua’s past continues to meet the rhythm of everyday life.
If you visit Piazza dei Signori, take a moment to look closely at the clock face and see if you can spot the missing zodiac sign. Had you heard the legend of Libra before, or is this the first time you have come across it? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.
Photo taken with a Canon EOS M100 camera and Canon EF-M 11-22 lens.
To see all the photos I took in the city of the Saint, click here:

The rights on images, videos, choruses, text and all other material on the LUCADEA.com website are governed as per Copyright page.









