Apponale Tower Clock Dials Reconstructed, Restoration Awaits New Craftsmanship

The two old dials of the Apponale tower clock, disassembled years ago and considered lost, have reappeared at the municipal yard, though they are now reduced to scrap or little more. A few days ago, workers and technicians brought in the pile of scraps, mostly corroded iron and bent, with some copper, into an emptied room large enough to attempt reconstruction.

Then, piece by piece, they tried to put the scraps back in place: on the floor grew, little by little, a giant puzzle four meters by four, eventually reconstructing the dial almost completely as it originally appeared — with Roman numerals and Arabic figures, a particular feature that is absolutely not to be lost.

Reconstruction and Agreements with Trento

According to witnesses, including Assessore Matteotti, the remnants were enough to replicate, in size and details, the original. The operation was made possible by the finally reached agreement between the municipal administration and the Cultural Heritage department of the province: the type, size, shape, and materials of the dials must be coordinated with Trento.

Now, the only step left is to pass the design to a craftsman responsible for crafting brand-new dials to be installed outside those azure-colored rings where the rays now fade away.

Current State of the Clock and the Tower Situation

Furthermore, the damage, for now, does not seem to be very severe: the clock does not appear to be functioning, despite the commotion around its restoration. Also, a silence envelops the entire tower: three springs ago, the administration (then under Mayor Molinari) announced the imminent opening of the tower and the opportunity for tourists to enjoy an incredible view of the city and the lake.

Since then, nothing has changed; the tower remains closed and sealed, and the clock silent.