Global Time: A World Clock Quiz

Answer: United Kingdom

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. The clock began keeping time in 1859 and quickly became one of the most recognisable symbols of London. Its deep chimes are broadcast around the world and mark major national moments.

The tower stands beside the River Thames and is part of the UK Parliament. The clock is known for its accuracy and its huge four clock faces, each more than six metres across. It's one of the most photographed landmarks in Britain.

Answer: Czech Republic

The Prague Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410, making it one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. It shows the time, the movement of the sun and moon, and the positions of zodiac signs. Every hour, small figures move in a short show that draws large crowds.

The clock is mounted on the Old Town Hall in Prague's historic square. Its colourful dials and medieval design make it a major tourist attraction. People often gather to watch the 'Walk of the Apostles', a brief mechanical performance.

Answer: Switzerland

The Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower in the centre of Bern. It was built in the 13th century and once functioned as a guard tower and city gate. Today it's famous for its astronomical clock, which was added in the 1400s and still works with its original mechanisms.

Every hour, the clock puts on a small show with moving figures, including a crowing rooster and dancing bears. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important landmarks in Switzerland's capital.

Answer: Germany

Munich's Glockenspiel is part of the New Town Hall in Marienplatz. It was installed in 1908 and features 32 life-size figures that reenact stories from Bavarian history. The show lasts about 12 minutes and plays twice or three times a day, depending on the season.

The clock's colourful characters and cheerful music attract visitors from all over the world. It's one of Munich's most popular traditions and a highlight for anyone visiting the city centre.

Answer: Saudi Arabia

The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and features the largest clock face. The clock sits high above the Grand Mosque, making it visible from great distances. Its faces are illuminated and decorated with Arabic calligraphy.

The tower is part of a large complex that includes hotels and prayer spaces for pilgrims. It functions as a modern landmark for millions of visitors who travel to Mecca each year.

Answer: Canada

The Peace Tower stands at the centre of Canada's Parliament buildings. Completed in 1927, it was built to honour Canadians who died in World War I. The clock and its bells ring out over downtown Ottawa and are used during national ceremonies.

The tower also contains a memorial chamber and an observation deck. Its clock faces are designed in a classic Westminster style, connecting it to other famous parliamentary clocks around the world.

Answer: India

The Rajabai Clock Tower was completed in 1878 and stands on the campus of the University of Mumbai. Its design mixes Venetian and Gothic styles, with a striking appearance. The tower was inspired partly by Big Ben.

For many years, the clock played different tunes throughout the day. The tower remains one of Mumbai's most recognisable historic buildings and a reminder of the city's colonial-era architecture.

Answer: Japan

The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 as part of an early agricultural college. The clock mechanism was imported from the United States, and it still keeps time today. The building's simple wooden design makes it stand out among modern city structures.

The tower is now a museum that explains the history of Sapporo's development. It is one of the city's most famous sights and a popular stop for visitors exploring Hokkaido.

Answer: USA

Boston's Custom House Tower was completed in 1915 and became one of the city's most distinctive skyline features. Its large clock faces look out over downtown Boston and the harbour, making it a well-known landmark tied to the city's maritime and commercial history.

Today, the building is still an important part of the Boston skyline, though it is no longer used as a customs office. The clock remains one of its best-known features and is often photographed by visitors to the area.

Answer: Russia

The Spasskaya Tower is one of the main towers of the Kremlin. Its clock has been used for many decades to mark official events and celebrations. The chimes are especially famous during New Year's Eve broadcasts across Russia.

The tower overlooks Red Square and is decorated with red brick, arches, and a star at the top. The clock is a national symbol and features prominently in state ceremonies.