Paolo Uccello’s clock in Florence Cathedral offers a different way to read the day. Painted in 1443, its face uses twenty-four hours and a hand that moves counterclockwise.
Where to look for the clock
The clock is on the cathedral’s inner entrance wall, known as the counter-façade. Once inside Santa Maria del Fiore, look back towards the main entrance rather than towards the altar. The painted dial is part of the cathedral interior, not an object displayed in another museum.
Why does it count towards sunset?
It follows Italian time, in which the twenty-fourth hour corresponds to sunset rather than midnight. Because sunset changes through the year, the clock requires adjustment. The Opera del Duomo’s explanation places its counterclockwise movement in an older timekeeping tradition. It is misleading to describe the direction simply as an unexplained artistic mystery.
Include the cathedral in a Florence walk
Check current cathedral access arrangements on the Opera del Duomo’s website before visiting. Entry to individual monuments and a guided city walk are separate arrangements.
Find a free walking tour with Best Free Tour that matches your language and interests. Confirm the route, departure point and tipping policy with the provider when booking.