The Evolution of Clock Towers Through History: The Case of Ukrainian Town Halls

Abstract

Clock towers became widespread across Europe in the early IV century. Initially designed to help citizens track time when personal timepieces were unavailable to ordinary people, these structures rapidly evolved into emblems of civic identity and pride. Beyond merely representing their cities, clock towers embodied historical development, engineering excellence, and cultural legacy. Consequently, they became integral elements of urban landscapes, with residents forming strong emotional connections to them. Due to their impressive height, clock towers were typically visible from considerable distances throughout their respective cities.