Look up to admire the Daniels & Fisher Tower, one of Denver’s most iconic silhouettes. With its clock, soaring spire, and classical columns, it almost looks like something from Venice, and that’s no accident. Built in 1910, the tower was inspired by the famous campanile in St. Mark’s Square, with an American twist. It was commissioned by the Daniels & Fisher department store, back when big retailers were building bold, attention-grabbing landmarks to draw in shoppers and show off their power. It’s safe to say it worked. At 325 feet, the tower was the tallest building in the American West for decades. Inside, it housed company offices, a grand reception hall, an auditorium, and an observation deck at the top. You can still go up there today during guided tours, the view is as breathtaking as ever. But this icon nearly vanished. In the 1970s, the department store was demolished, and the tower was nearly torn down too, seen as outdated and out of place. Thankfully, community action saved it, and it was officially listed as a historic landmark. Today, it’s home to offices and a theater, a perfect example of how heritage can evolve and stay relevant in a changing city. If you’re curious to explore, you’re in luck, the tower regularly opens for guided tours and free visits, often on weekdays and Sundays, including access to the 20th-floor observatory. If you want to experience the inside in a different way, head to the Clocktower Cabaret at the base. This intimate venue hosts everything from live jazz to burlesque to comedy nights. The Daniels & Fisher Tower might not be the tallest on the skyline anymore, but it still stands tall in Denver’s heart.