Navigating time in Rome can be perplexing, especially with unreliable public clocks around Largo di Torre Argentina and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. While some clocks are stuck or malfunctioning, punctuality remains essential for locals. Despite the city’s management of advertising columns, maintenance of clocks isn’t prioritized. Modern Romans, however, are growing less tolerant of delays, highlighting a cultural shift in attitudes towards timekeeping, evidenced by frustrations over train schedules and political accountability regarding punctuality.
The Time Dilemma in Rome
Is it really 7:50? Or could it be 9:15? Perhaps the digital clock above the pharmacy entrance is correct with its display of 7:39? For those without a Swiss watch or a smartwatch, and with their phones tucked away in backpacks, navigating time in Rome can feel like a challenge.
In the bustling area around Largo di Torre Argentina and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a collection of public clocks stands mounted on ornate cast-iron columns. These clocks double as advertising spaces for local pizzerias and retailers, drawing attention to their delicious offerings and products.
Clock Confusion in the City Center
These public clocks, with their classic design, give the impression of reliability. However, the reality is quite different. While some clock hands twitch sporadically, many others remain motionless, seemingly defeated by the urban chaos surrounding them.
“Tempus fugit,” the Latin phrase that translates to “time flies,” might take on a new meaning for modern Romans. If Virgil were to wander through Corso Vittorio Emanuele today, he might observe that time here doesn’t follow a straight path but instead takes erratic turns, leaving many wondering if it’s 7:50, 9:15, or 7:39.
At this urban crossroads, accurate timekeeping is crucial for various individuals: students heading to Liceo Classico Visconti, lawyers with pressing appointments, and commuters racing to catch their buses.
So, who is accountable for these faulty clocks? The city administration clarifies that Rome only manages the advertising columns and isn’t obligated to maintain the clock mechanisms. Interestingly, the city owns seventy public clocks that are well-maintained, thanks to two dedicated municipal clockmakers.
Punctuality does exist in Rome, as evidenced by the reliable water clock on Pincio Hill, which has been functioning since 1873, and the daily cannon shot that echoes from Gianicolo Hill precisely at noon.
Additionally, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e Martiri houses an 18th-century meridian, which was used for astronomical observations and to calculate the date of Easter.
Despite the presence of expertise, the everyday reality seems different. Aside from a few concerned individuals, such as a Swiss expatriate, locals appear unfazed by the time discrepancies. “That’s just how it is,” remarks a kiosk owner with a casual shrug.
Living in the Eternal City, surrounded by structures that have stood for over two millennia, it’s easy to see why a few minutes might not seem significant.
However, as the world evolves, so do expectations. The Roman saying, “Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis,” reflects this shift. Modern Italians are increasingly less tolerant of tardiness. When Italy’s high-speed train, the “Frecciarossa,” runs behind schedule, it ignites furious opinions in newspapers and intense debates in Parliament, particularly against Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.
In response, he often cites complicated issues such as sabotage or previous governmental negligence as reasons for the delays. Politics, too, has its own rhythm. When Mario Draghi took office, one of his first actions was to ensure the clocks in Palazzo Chigi were accurate, underscoring the importance of timeliness in his role.
As for Giorgia Meloni, the current Prime Minister, her approach to clock management remains unclear. However, she likely envisions a longer tenure than her predecessors, which may influence her perspective on punctuality.
As for the clocks at Corso Vittorio Emanuele, it seems no one, including Meloni, feels responsible. For those without their own timepiece or a phone in hand, navigating time in this lively intersection remains a perplexing endeavor.