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The two Moors striking the bell atop the Renaissance clock tower are one of the most characteristic Venetian scenes. The clock under the winged lion (which represents St Mark) not only tells the time, but it also matches the signs of the zodiac with the position of the sun. The Moors originally represented two European shepherds, but after they were reproduced in bronze, they've grown darker with the passing of time, so they came to be called the Moors by the Venetians. The base of the tower is a favorite meeting point & is the entrance to the ancient Mercerie, the souk-like retail street of both high-end boutiques & trinket shops that zigzags its way to the Rialto Bridge.
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Western Europe
