Clock Tower, Zug, Switzerland

From a distance, the dome of the Zug clock tower appears blue-white but as you get closer to it, you can see the time on it. But not just the time, it also shows the month, the phase of the moon, the day of the week and whether it is a leap year or not. The tower was actually built as a way through the oldest city walls and later part of it was used as a prison as well as housing a room to keep warm by an open fire. Today the 52-metre-high tower is open to everyone, an opportunity not to be missed. After all, where else other than Zug can you get the key yourself to a city landmark.

The tower was originally built in the 13th century and heightened in 1478-1480. The current appearance dates from 1557.

References:

Zug Tourism

Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

User Reviews

ドンシクルカ (14 months ago)
There’s a secret on how to get into this historical tower. Figure it out yourself.

Y.H. (2 years ago)
The ancient clock tower of Zug that is called in Swiss-German "Zytturm", is a remarkable architectural pearl. It was built in the medieval era to protect the old town from fire. The tower is located at the heart of the old town of Zug and from the top you have a 360° view of the town and the lake. In order to climb to the top, you should ask for the key from the souvenir shop at the ground level (by depositing your passport or ID). On the way to the top, you can see the impressive mechanism of the clock and the old prison. Below the tower there is a nice gate to the old town, don't miss a visit there!!

Gillian Revell (3 years ago)
Such a beautiful landmark tower in the old town of Zug. With the Christmas lighting around it and the old cobbled streets within its precincts it offers a nostalgic walk to the lakeside with plenty of restaurants around.

Subba Nayak (3 years ago)
Absolutely fabulous view from the clock tower - you can collect the key from the kind & helpful lady at the Zug Tourism kiosk ( next door) - leave a ID card in exchange for the key. The stairs up the clock tower is narrow and steep - but at every level , if someone needs a breather they can do so- though it can easily be done in less than 5 minutes

Mugi Yamamoto (3 years ago)
Really beautiful old clock tower. If the doors are locked you can get the keys in the small tourist shop next door and open the door. If you climb to the top you will get a really beautiful view over the old town of Zug and because there are not many tourists in Zug you will most likely a very peaceful time up there.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Clock Tower

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral