 Construction of the tower started in 1496, and by December 1497 the great bell had been completed by Simone Camponato and installed on the top, with the two bronze figures of shepherds, each 2.5m high, who hit the bell with hammers.These figures are referred to as Moors because of the dark colour of the bronze patina.Paolo died in 1498 and his son Gian Carlo completed the work.