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Sather Tower: The Campanile

UC Berkeley's iconic bell tower, offering panoramic views and housing a world-class carillon. A symbol of learning and a must-see landmark.

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Sather Tower, more commonly known as The Campanile, is a 307-foot bell and clock tower on the UC Berkeley campus. Modeled after the Campanile di San Marco in Venice, it's a recognizable symbol of the university and offers stunning views of the Bay Area from its observation deck.

A brief summary to The Campanile

  • 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

Local tips

  • Check the Campanile's website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours, as they can vary.
  • Listen for the carillon concerts that take place three times a day during the academic year.
  • Note that backpacks, large bags, food, and drinks are not permitted in the elevator or on the observation platform.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere on the UC Berkeley campus, the Campanile is easily accessible on foot. It is located near the center of campus, just southwest of Doe Library. Follow the main paths and signs directing you towards the tower. Note that there are 38 stairs from the elevator to the observation platform.

  • Public Transport

    The Downtown Berkeley BART station is located one block west of the UC Berkeley campus. From the station, walk east towards the campus and follow signs to the Campanile. AC Transit buses also serve the campus. Check AC Transit schedules for routes and stops near the Campanile.

  • Driving

    There is no public parking on the central UC Berkeley campus during normal business hours. Limited street parking may be available around the campus. Public parking is available in nearby lots, such as the MLK Student Union Garage and the Lower Hearst Structure. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $10-$20 for a few hours. After 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends, most campus parking lots are open to the public for a fee.

Unlock the Best of The Campanile

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Discover more about The Campanile

Sather Tower, or The Campanile, stands as a proud symbol of the University of California, Berkeley. Completed in 1915 and opened to the public in 1916, this 307-foot tower is the second-tallest freestanding bell and clock tower in the world. Designed by John Galen Howard, it was intended to be a focal point of the campus, drawing inspiration from the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. Visitors can take an elevator 200 feet up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the campus, San Francisco, 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 for special occasions. The carillon's bells chime at 7:50 a.m., noon, and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, with varying schedules on Saturdays and Sundays. Inside, the tower's cool, dry environment provides storage for many fossils from the Department of Integrative Biology, including those from the La Brea Tar Pits. The Campanile is constructed with 2,800 blocks of granite, over 500 tons of structural steel, and Alaskan marble. It is built to withstand earthquakes, with a design that allows for flexibility. Philanthropist Jane K. Sather provided the funds for the tower and its original 12 bells, in memory of her husband, Peder Sather. The tower has become an integral part of the Berkeley community, hosting events and ceremonies and appearing on university logos.

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