If you’re in the city on Epiphany (Wednesday, January 6th) be sure to pass through the Piazza San Marco to view the Procession of the Magi at the Torre dell’Orologio. Every hour on the hour, the archangel Gabriele will appear triumphantly at the left door on the half circle above the clock and below the lion. Followed by three adoring Magi, he’ll proceed along the mechanized track in front of the Madonna, then reenter the clocktower on the opposite side.
The procession of the Magi occurs only on Epiphany and Ascension Day (which in 2010 will fall on May 13th).
You may also tour of the Torre dell’Orologio’s fascinating interior, €12 per person. To reserve, stop by the Museo Correr, call 041 520 9070 from Monday to Friday between 9 and 6 p.m., or for complete info see museiciviciveneziani.it.
I did the clock tower tour in 2007 (LOVED it!!). It was exciting to see the archangel and Magi inside the tower. I tried to imagine just how they would look during the two days they appear each year. Your photo and description brought back the memories of my tour and helped me to visualize the procession. I hope to be able to see this clock tower procession in person someday. Thank you for posting this 🙂