| Completed in 1499, the Clock Tower, overlooking St Mark's Square, is of the Renaissance period and is considered to be one of the most incredible accomplishments of mechanical precision. It indicates time, moon phases and the reigning Zodiac sign. The tower was commissioned by the Doge Agostino Barbarigo in 1493 and constructed by Giampaolo Rainieri and his son. Upon its completion, on 1 February 1499, the two master mechanics became its custodians, beginning a tradition, whereby the custodians lived with their families inside the tower itself. It is considered to be the official timekeeper of Venice. It stands over one of the main entrances to Piazza San Marco. The facade contains the three symbols of powers that govern Venice, namely the civic authority, symbolised by the Lion of San Marco, the Christian faith, symbolised by the Three Wise Men paying homage to Jesus and the knowledge of science and mechanics, symbolised by the complex machinery of the clock itself.
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