The Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre: An Iconic Berkley Amphitheater
Sather Tower: UC Berkeley's Iconic Campanile
Visit the Campanile at UC Berkeley for breathtaking views and a glimpse into history from the second-tallest bell and clock tower in the world.
The Campanile, also known as Sather Tower, is a UC Berkeley landmark and the second-tallest free-standing bell and clock tower in the world. Standing at 307 feet, it offers panoramic views of the Bay Area from its observation deck.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to The Campanile
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-4 pm
Tuesday
10 am-4 pm
Wednesday
10 am-4 pm
Thursday
10 am-4 pm
Friday
10 am-4 pm
Saturday
10 am-5 pm
Sunday
10 am-1 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From Sproul Plaza, walk north towards the center of campus. Follow the path leading uphill towards the tower. The Campanile is located on the east side of campus. The walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport
From Downtown Berkeley BART station, walk east on Center Street towards campus. Continue onto Crescent Lawn, then take a slight right onto Grinnell Pathway. Turn left onto Campanile Way and take the stairs. Turn left onto South Hall Rd, then turn right, left, right, and left again to reach the Campanile Esplanade. AC Transit buses also serve the campus area. A short trip on AC Transit costs $2.50.
Parking
The Campanile does not have on-site parking. The closest parking options include the Lower Hearst Structure and the Stadium Parking Garage. Parking fees vary, with hourly rates typically ranging from $3-6. Parking at the Maxwell Family Field Berkeley Garage (2175 Gayley Rd) costs approximately $18 for 2 hours. Street parking is limited and metered.
Local tips
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Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
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Check the carillon schedule to enjoy a live performance.
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Backpacks and large bags are not allowed on the observation platform; use the bag check inside the lobby.
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The observation platform is not wheelchair accessible due to the 38 steps from the elevator.
Discover more about The Campanile
Sather Tower, more commonly known as the Campanile, is an iconic symbol of the University of California, Berkeley. Completed in 1915, the 307-foot tower was designed by John Galen Howard and is modeled after the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. It stands as the second-tallest free-standing bell and clock tower globally.
Visitors can take an elevator 200 feet up to the observation deck for stunning views of the UC Berkeley campus, the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding hills. The tower houses a 61-bell carillon, which is played daily during the Fall and Spring semesters and intermittently throughout the year. The carillon's bells chime on the hour between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m..
The Campanile also serves as a repository for paleontological specimens, including fossils from the La Brea Tar Pits. The tower's steel frame was built with significantly more steel than needed for a modern skyscraper of similar size to provide earthquake flexibility.
A brief summary to The Campanile
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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