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Sather Tower: UC Berkeley's Iconic Campanile

Visit the iconic Sather Tower at UC Berkeley for breathtaking views, a melodious carillon, and a glimpse into paleontological history.

Sather Tower, more commonly known as The Campanile, is a 307-foot bell tower on the UC Berkeley campus, serving as a recognizable symbol of the university. Completed in 1915, it offers stunning views of the Bay Area and houses a 61-bell carillon, as well as paleontological fossils.

A brief summary to Sather Tower

  • Berkeley, California, 94720, US
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sather Tower.

  • Check the Campanile's website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours, carillon performance schedules, and any unexpected closures.
  • Admission is free for UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty with a Cal 1 Card.
  • 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 Sproul Plaza, walk north towards the center of campus. Sather Tower will be visible as the tallest structure. Walk past Sather Gate and continue towards the tower, which is located near the Doe Library. The entrance is at the base of the tower.

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Berkeley BART station, walk east on Center Street towards campus. Continue onto Crescent Lawn, then Grinnell Pathway. Turn left onto Campanile Way and take the stairs. Turn left onto South Hall Rd, then follow the signs to Sather Tower. AC Transit buses also serve the campus area. Check AC Transit schedules for the most convenient route to a stop near the university. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.35.

  • Driving

    From the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way, head north on Telegraph Avenue. Turn right onto Durant Avenue, then turn right onto Piedmont Avenue. Limited street parking may be available. Alternatively, park in the Stadium Parking Garage at 2175 Piedmont Avenue (same as 2175 Gayley Road). Parking fees vary. From the garage, walk west towards the center of campus and Sather Tower.

Discover more about Sather Tower

Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, stands as a beloved symbol of the University of California, Berkeley. Visible for miles, this 307-foot tower is the second-tallest freestanding clock and bell tower in the world. Designed by John Galen Howard, the tower was completed in 1915 and opened to the public in 1916. It was modeled after the Campanile di San Marco in Venice, Italy.Inside, an elevator whisks visitors to an observation deck 200 feet above the ground, providing 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 three times daily during the Fall and Spring semesters. The cool, dry interior of Sather Tower also provides storage for many fossils from the Department of Integrative Biology, including those from the La Brea Tar Pits.Jane K. Sather, a philanthropist and benefactor of the university, provided the funds for the tower's construction in memory of her husband, Peder Sather. The tower is constructed with 2,800 blocks of Raymond granite and over 500 tons of structural steel. Sather Tower is a popular destination for tourists and students alike, offering a unique blend of architectural beauty, musical artistry, and scientific preservation.
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