Torre dell'Orologio di Parolise

The Clock Tower of Parolise, also known as the “Bell Tower”, stands in Piazza Chiesa, in the historic centre of this Irpinian town.

The Clock Tower was built in the 17th century from rockfill, which adds thickness to the structure. Although only fragments of its history are known, the tower was clearly built as a lookout post. 

The original structure, restored several times during the 19th century, has gradually been swallowed up by other buildings. On one side it closes the square below and blends in perfectly with the mediaeval configuration of this small Irpinian village.  
After being seriously damaged in the earthquake of 23 November 1980, the building was later restored, although the intermediate floors and the wooden internal stairway – which had entirely collapsed – were replaced by a metal structure.

Today, the Clocktower of Parolise has a square plan and stands 19.5 m high. The structure comprises three levels: the first has “merged” into the surrounding buildings, while the second and third are delimited by two stone wall bands and have rectangular apertures surmounted by round arches. Between the second wall band and the roof is a mechanical clock with a semicircular aperture. At the top is the pyramidal steeple with a square base made from Neapolitan tiles.

Visible from almost every corner of this small village, the Clock Tower of Parolise is one of the historic symbols of the local community.