Astronomical clocks
In French, "L'Horloge Astronomique", this is one of the largest astronomical clocks in Europe. The clock is on four main levels and provides a variety of astronomical information.It's magnificent in itself, but what makes it such a tourist attraction for visitors to Strasbourg is the collection of automata that perform on the various levels. These include a cherub turning an hour glass, another hitting a gong and a figurative representation of the four ages of man. The main "show" takes place an 12:30 daily. On the top level,figures of the twelve apostles parade in front of Christ and bow before him whilst a cock spreads its wings and crows.
History of the Clock
The Strasbourg cathedral clock has a long history.The first clock was built in around 1352. This stayed in place for about 150 years until it finally failed. Work on a replacement began in 1547 but due to the religious turmoil of the time was not completed until some thirty years later.
The current clock dates from 1843.Its main features, besides the automata, are a perpetual calendaran orrery , a display of the real position of the Sun , Moon, solar and lunar eclipses.Legend of the Clock
According to a legend, the local authorities of Strasbourg ordered that the constructor of the Astronomic Clock should be blinded so that he could not try to build something like it ever again. This first clock was equipped with various mechanical details that were very rare in that time, such as calendar and astrolabe, as well as very interesting miniature statues. The main statue of the clock was representing Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms. In front of her, every hour, the three Kings would step out of their chambers and the music announces the time (this automate is now being shown in the Strasbourg museum of Decorative Arts). At this moment, astronomical clock offers you a view of different stages of life, which are personified by a child, a teenager, an adult and an old man, who pass before Death. Above this are the apostles who walk before Christ. Their passage is punctuated by the beatings of wings and the song of a large rooster. In front of the clock is the marvellous Pillar of Angels, which, in a very original manner, represents the Last Judgment.