We stopped over in Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France when we visited the Bodensee over Easter. It was perfect to break up the journey. While we were there we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. Quite by accident, we stumbled on the Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg Cathedral. We struggled to find much information about it and decided to wait to see it in action. If you are thinking of doing the same then this blog post will help answer your questions.
What is an Astronomical Clock?
An astronomical clock not only shows the time but also offers astronomical details like the locations of the sun, moon, and stars. These extraordinary clocks frequently include diverse astronomical elements, such as a dial that indicates the position of the sun and moon in the sky, along with other celestial occurrences.
Their roots can be traced back to ancient civilisations. During the medieval period in Europe, astronomical clocks flourished, showcasing their intricate designs and technological advancements. These grand clocks were frequently placed in notable public structures, like cathedrals and town halls, serving as both functional timekeeping instruments and remarkable showcases of technological and artistic excellence.
Astronomical Clock of Strasbourg Cathedral
Located on the right side of the Cathedral it is one of the most famous Astronomical Clocks in Europe. Both the detail and its size make it the main attraction when you visit. However, should you want to see the Strasbourg clock in action then you need to ensure that you purchase an additional ticket. As this is one of the most visited cathedral s in Europe it is worth getting there early to secure your tickets.
The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock has a rich history. The first clock can be traced back to the 14th century when it was first built and installed in the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. Throughout the years, it has undergone several improvements and enhancements to take into account the advances in science, art and technology of each time period.
The current clock, which is effectively the third clock we see today was finished in the 19th century. It not only tells the time but also showcases various astronomical wonders like the positions of celestial bodies, eclipses, and even religious festivities. Some of the key points in the development of the historic astronomical clock are:
Renaissance Masterpiece
In the 16th century, the Strasbourg Cathedral’s Astronomical Clock was a true marvel of technology and a shining example of Renaissance innovation. It boasted a wide range of astronomical features, including the accurate positions of the sun, moon, and planets. Additionally, it incorporated ecclesiastical calculations and even had a mechanical representation of the solar system. All of these elements showcased the fascination of that era with celestial wonders.
Ornate decorations and animated figures, like the Twelve Apostles and Christ, gave life and character to this stunning creation. The astronomical indications were the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. There was also a mechanical representation of the solar system and animated figures.
Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué’s Contribution
Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué was a renowned French horologist and clockmaker known for his exceptional skill and innovation in the field of clockmaking. Born in 1776 in Strasbourg, in 1838, he worked on the most historically significant version of the Strasbourg Astronomical Clock. Preserving the essential features of the Renaissance piece while introducing innovations that reflected the advancements of the nineteenth century clock. Bettering the technical components of the second clock. This included adding a perpetual calendar, which accounts for leap years, a precision lunar cycle, and new mechanisms to display the real-time positions of the planets.
The clock incorporates an orrery, which replicates the solar system’s movements. The celestial bodies, such as Earth and Moon, are set in accurate orbits, providing vital information about their relative positions.
What will you see when you visit the Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg Cathedral
Hand-Painted Statutes
The clock itself is a work of art. Each of the carved statues is hand-painted. These include the Twelve Apostles procession, a figure of Christ bestows his blessings upon the Apostles. Biblical figures like Adam and Eve, and allegorical figures symbolising Knowledge, Justice, and Peace. There is also a display of the signs of the zodiac adorning the orrery.
Planetary Calendar & Dial
The Strasbourg astronomical clock display of the real position of the Sun, Moon, and planets in our solar system. Through a beautifully designed planetary dial, we can witness their movements and see their positions in relation to Earth. This is done in real-time, for example, with the Sun it indicates solar noon and the points of equinoxes. With the moon as well as providing the various phases of the moon, it can also predict solar and lunar eclipses. All help us to get a deeper understanding of our universe and provide a calculation of celestial movements.
Study of Time & Movement
Additionally, to keep track of everyday events and the cycles of time, the clock also features a comprehensive calendar. However, the Strasbourg Astronomical Clock has had a big impact on horology, the study and measurement of time. Due to the level of craftsmanship that has been achieved, the clock has inspired the development of subsequent clocks throughout history. It has influenced the evolution of mechanical clockmaking and even Swiss clockmakers. Becoming a benchmark for subsequent astronomical clocks, such as those found in Prague, Lyon, and Besançon.
The main attraction of the clock is its animated figures which come out to delight the public every day. During this performance, visitors are treated to views of the different ages of life, personified by a child, a teenager, an adult and an old man, who all parade past Death. Higher up, the apostles have their own parade, in front of Jesus. Their journey is accompanied by the beating of wings and the sound of a large cock crowing.
Practical Information about visiting the Strasbourg Clock
It is not possible to book tickets in advance of the day to see the clock show. Instead, you just turn up and hope there are still tickets remaining. We purchased ours from the small gift shop which is opposite the front of the church where you enter.
Tickets cost 4€ for an adult and 2€ for a child with those under the age of 6 visiting for free. The official time of the show is midday, it takes place every day apart from Sundays. And since the Notre-Dame Cathedral is part Roman Catholic Church on feast days (annual religious celebrations) as well. You can enter the viewing area which gets roped off from the rest of the cathedral by queuing outside and entering from the side. There was a sign when we visited albeit not very clear.
In theory you can enter from 11.35 am. However, we found that in reality, it was quite a bit later. Also, a long queue forms so if you want to get to the front then arrive well in advance. As it is a bit of a free-for-all. Our visit was compounded by the fact there were two queues one for people with tickets and one for people who were buying tickets as they entered. Consequently, I am not sure numbers are particularly well managed since the entire area was really packed in. It was quite difficult for the boys to see anything since we ended up right at the back. With people pushing in front of them or moving into their space despite them being short. This did really impact our viewing capability.
I guess that’s what you get when you visit one of the most famous monuments in the city.
Our Experience at the Astronomical Clock Strasbourg Cathedral
As you can probably guess from the above I was not overly impressed with our experience of viewing the Cathedral clock. Since we only really had one day in Strasbourg in hindsight I wouldn’t bother with the clock. Although it did move it wasn’t as spectacular as I had read to believe.
We couldn’t get close enough to see the delicate workmanship. It was also very late in starting. It was closer to 12.30 than 12 and so the boys got bored waiting for something to happen. To accompany the clock there was also a ten-minute video that goes through the clock’s history. There are subtitles in English but this only really works if you can see the video. The screen comes down to the left-hand side of the clock but if you stood in front of this then you would not be able to view the clock movements very well.
After waiting all that time I did hope for something truly spectacular. I think we all left feeling a little deflated as it did not seem to last very long at all.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame is the ultimate symbol of Strasbourg. Whenever you see a picture it is taken from the Rue Merciere looking towards the Cathedral’s facade. It comes as no surprise that this is the most popular street in the city. Which along with the Cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site.
As well as the highlight of the clock, there are a number of other points of interest worth looking at when visiting the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Including the beautiful stained glass windows, gothic details of the interior and learning all about the construction of the spire. Which is 142 metres high! So although you may go to see the clock it is worth making sure you have some extra time to take in all the points of interest. If the weather is kind then you can also potentially climb to the platform for an additional cost where you can see views across the city.
Have you visited the Astronomical Clock of Strasbourg Cathedral? Let me know about your visit in the comments below.
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