There are two things I find iconic visiting the UC Berkeley campus. First is the Sather Gate, the gate that greets you when you enter the campus coming from Telegraph Ave. The other being the Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile because John Galen Howard the architect was inspired by the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. He left a huge mark on campus both because he was the supervising architect for the design of the University of California, Berkeley from 1901-1922, and he was the founder and Director of its School of Architecture from 1903-1926.
Built in 1914 with the addition of the clock tower in 1926 it is now, with 307 feet, the second largest clock tower in the world. This makes it easy to orient around it while visiting the campus. Of course it is even better to take in the view from the observation platform. General admission is $5 per person, but there are discounts available and if you are faculty or a Cal student you can enjoy the views for free.
Payment method is only credit card or Apple pay, no cash. They do ask you to check larger bags, and food and drinks. After you pay you will enter the elevator and can chat with the elevator operator. Because it takes 38 steps after you leave the elevator the Campanile is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
I am not a big fan of heights, but I knew already from the time I visited the Hoover Tower in Stanford that I felt secure being that high. The reason might be that the columns start from the ground and end in a kind of windowsill which made me feel enclosed. Also the metal bars, which surely prevent you from ending your life at this location, give you a sense of security.
The view is spectacular! I also enjoyed the Carillon in the middle with its 61 bells. I’m not sure how loud they are if you happen to be there during the concert, but there are three daily carillon concerts at 7:50 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.
The opening hours for the Sather Tower are:
Monday-Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 1 pm and 3 – 5 pm (it is closed for the 2 pm carillon concert)
Please note that they might close on short notice.
Admission is $5, credit card only, discounts available.
Here is a short video from a carillon concert.