THE ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
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An absolute historical gem in the heart of the cathedral, the astronomical clock in Strasbourg
The astronomical clock in the cathedral is a historical gem. In 1354, the clock of the three kings, about twelve metres high, was placed opposite the present clock. As early as 1547, a second clock was built on the present site thanks to the collaboration of clockmakers, mathematicians, painters and sculptors. Shortly before the French Revolution, it stopped working. The renovation of the mechanism of the current clock dates from 1842. The city entrusted the restoration of the clock to Jean Baptiste Schwilgué, a self-taught engineer from Strasbourg (his portrait is behind the city's coat of arms next to a lion). He undertook a real reconstruction, keeping only the Renaissance-style case. More than just the time, this clock indicates the day, month, year, moon phase and the position of the planets. What attracts the most are the automatons that animate it on several levels with notably the four ages of life that strike the quarters in front of Death, which strikes the hours. The days of the week are represented by deities sitting on their chariots. The clock is wound every Monday by a clockmaker. Every day at 12:30 pm, all the automatons are put into operation. A magical moment to discover and rediscover, alone, with family or friends! To attend a guided presentation of the astronomical clock, go to the cathedral ticket office from 11:20 a.m.: the guided tour starts at 12:00 noon sharp!
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