The History and Function of Strasbourg Astronomical Clock

The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It was built in 1582 by the German master clockmaker Erhart Hensel.

The clock's original purpose was to display astronomical information, including the position of the sun, moon, and planets. It was also used to show the time in a unique way, with a rotating calendar and a display of the zodiac.

The clock's intricate mechanisms and carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. It features a series of automatons that depict various scenes, including the months of the year and the signs of the zodiac.

The clock's location in Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds to its historical significance.

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The Astronomical Clock is a masterpiece that has been fascinating people for centuries. It was first built in the Cathedrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg sometime between 1352 and 1354.

The clock's centerpiece is a mechanical gilded rooster, believed to be the oldest example of automata in the world. This remarkable bird was made of iron, copper, and wood and was used to crow at noon, flapping its wings and spreading out its feathers.

At the base of the clock, a painted figure of a zodiacal man was displayed, showing the relationship between the signs of the zodiac and parts of the human body. This unique feature is still visible today.

The first clock had an astrolabe dial and a calendar dial, making it a highly advanced time-telling device for its time. It stood on the wall opposite the current clock, with a staircase leading to its various levels.

The entire structure was dismantled in 1572-4 when the second and even more ambitious clock was mounted on the opposite wall of the south transept. This second clock was completed by a foreign master craftsman who promised he could finish the work.

The second clock was a masterpiece, far surpassing all hope for it, and it included moving figures of Death, the apostles, and the two lions that held the city's coat of arms. The bells tolled and the clock was a joyous sight to behold.

But the clock's history is not without tragedy. The master craftsman who completed the second clock had his eyes blotted out by the city council, fearing he would create a similar masterpiece elsewhere.

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The Strasbourg astronomical clock is a masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship. It was built in 1574 and is considered one of the most complex clocks in the world.

The clock features an astrolabe dial and a calendar dial, which were common features of clocks during that time period. It also shows the day of the week, the phases of the moon, and even the zodiac.

The clock has a number of intricate mechanisms, including an orrery, which is a mechanical model of the solar system. The clock's accuracy is impressive, and it has been restored and maintained over the centuries to ensure that it continues to function properly.

The clock's creator is unknown, but it is believed to have been built by a foreign master craftsman who was brought to Strasbourg to complete the project. Unfortunately, the craftsman was punished by having his eyes blotted out by the city council, which led to the clock's accuracy suffering as well.

Here are some key features of the Strasbourg astronomical clock:

The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock is a must-see attraction, and I'm happy to guide you on how to see it in all its glory.

The clock is situated at the far right-end of the Cathedral and close to the High Altar, making it easily accessible to visitors.

You can visit the cathedral for free, apart from around midday when you need to purchase a ticket to see the clock show, which costs around €3 or is included with the Strasbourg City Pass.

The entrance to the cathedral is on the right-hand side, and it's closed to those who haven't paid to enjoy the clock show between 11:20 AM and 12:35 PM from Monday to Saturday.

There are no shows on Sundays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Visitors who opt to buy a ticket can expect to enjoy a spectacle of the automatons moving, including an angel sounding the chime, the twelve apostles passing in front of Jesus, as well as figures representing the stages of life passing in front of a figure of Death.

To get the best view, arrive early and line up for the front row standing space, as space is limited and the event is only once per day.

If you can't get a front row spot, you can still see the clock in action, but be aware that the show is standing only.

The first clock was built in the Cathedrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg sometime between 1352 and 1354, the maker's name is unknown.

This mechanical gilded rooster was the centerpiece and is believed to be the oldest example of automata in the world. It was used as part of the second clock before being put on display at the Strasbourg Museum for Decorative Arts in the Palais du Rohan.

The rooster was made of iron, copper, and wood, and at noon it flapped its wings and spread out its feathers. It also opened its beak, put out its tongue, and crowed by means of a bellows and a reed.

The clock had an astrolabe dial and a calendar dial, and it stood on the wall opposite the current clock, with a staircase leading to its various levels.

The clock's height was about 18 m (59') and its width at the base was about 7.70 m (25'). Supports for former balconies can still be seen today, suggesting the clock's original height.

A painted figure of a zodiacal man showed the relationship between the signs of the zodiac and parts of the human body at the base of the clock.

The entire structure was dismantled in 1572–4 to make way for the second and even more ambitious clock.

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The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock is a masterpiece of medieval engineering. It features an orrery, which is a mechanical model of the solar system.

The clock's 24-hour dial is a notable feature, allowing users to tell time in a more complex format. This dial is a great example of the clock's attention to detail.

The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock has a side view that showcases its intricate mechanisms. It's a great way to see how the clock's inner workings are designed.

One of the clock's more decorative features is the 12-hour clock and cherub. This adds a touch of elegance to the clock's overall design.

The clock's computus work is a testament to its advanced astronomical capabilities. It's a rare example of a clock that can calculate the date of Easter.

Here are some of the clock's notable features:

The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Strasbourg is an impressive structure and the city's number one landmark. It's the tallest building in the city and its gothic architecture is typical of churches from that era.

The high ceilings inside the cathedral give an impression of its massive size. The statues and tapestries around the cathedral add to its unique character.

The astronomical clock located on one end of the transept is a marvel of engineering. It shows the time, day of the week, phases of the moon, and even the zodiac.

You can easily spot the clock because people gather around it. It's impressive to see the figures that move around the clock as time passes.

The clock is more accurate than something that runs every 24 hours. I've seen another astronomical clock in Lyon, and it's just as amazing.

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Notre Dame, Strasbourg is a truly impressive cathedral. It's the tallest structure in the city and its number one landmark. The inside of the cathedral is typical of gothic churches, with high ceilings that give an impression of size.

The cathedral is home to an incredible astronomical clock that's a marvel of engineering. It shows the time, day of the week, phases of the moon, and even the zodiac. The clock is so accurate that it's hard to imagine how it was built without modern technology.

Visitors can easily find the astronomical clock in the transept of the church, as it's often surrounded by people gathering to admire it. The clock is even more impressive when you consider that it's not just a simple time-telling device. It's a complex mechanism that's been crafted with precision and care.

I've seen other astronomical clocks in cities like Lyon, but this one in Strasbourg is just as amazing.