7 World’s Oldest Astronomical Clocks!
Imagine people looking to at the stars not just for wonder but to get guidance in their daily lives. Before smartphones and digital clocks, some of the most intricate clocks in history were built to track time. These aren’t ordinary clocks—they’re astronomical clocks. They showed the Sun’s and Moon’s movements, zodiac signs, lunar phases, and more. The clocks symbolized a belief that Earth was the center of the universe. Let’s have a closer look at the 7 of the world’s oldest astronomical clocks.
1. Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj)
Prague’s Astronomical Clock, known as the Orloj, is the world’s oldest working astronomical clock, installed back in 1410. Situated in the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square, this clock has enchanted people for over 600 years. Its intricate parts include an astronomical dial that displays the Sun, Moon, and zodiac signs, a calendar with monthly zodiac symbols, and the “Walk of the Apostles,” an hourly parade of moving sculptures representing the Twelve Apostles.
Every hour, crowds gather to watch as two doors open, revealing figures that represent vanity and death. Despite having partial damage, especially during the Prague Uprising of 1945, the clock retains much of its original machinery.
In 2022, it underwent a controversial restoration, sparking questions about its historic value. In 2015, the Orloj’s 605th anniversary was honored with a Google Doodle, calling it a “magnificent achievement in medieval engineering.” This piece continues to showcase Prague’s legacy, inviting visitors to experience its intricate, centuries-old display.
2. Torrazzo of Cremona Clock
The Torrazzo, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Cremona in Lombardy, Italy, dates back to 1309 and stands as the world’s oldest bell tower over 100 meters. Rising to 112.54 meters, it’s one of the tallest brick towers globally. It stands older than its Bavarian and Belgian counterparts. The tower includes the marble spire added in 1309.
This clock is an architectural marvel. It has plenty of zodiac symbols and shows planetary movements. The tower’s construction began in 754, although historical records indicate that actual work started in the 1230s. However, ancient legends connect the Torrazzo to Roman structures beneath it. The height of the tower is inscribed at its base, reminding visitors of an ancient measuring system. Today, it remains a proud symbol of Cremona’s history and architectural innovation.
3. Al-Jazari’s Castle Clock
Invented by Al-Jazari, an engineer during the Islamic Golden Age, the Castle Clock was the highlight of his book, The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices. This clock is complex but also quite theatrical. It blends timekeeping with automation. It featured 24 doors, zodiac spheres, and moving figures, creating a captivating display throughout the day.
Al-Jazari’s clock used falcon automata, which symbolized ancient mythology, like the Egyptian deity Horus. Every hour, an upper door would open, revealing a figure, while two falcons would lean forward, dropping a ball into a cymbal with a resounding sound. Above these figures, a zodiac sphere displayed the Sun’s position, moving from sunrise to sunset. Although his motivation for the clock’s design is unknown, Al-Jazari’s Castle Clock remains a unique blend of engineering and artistry, leaving an influential mark on clockmakers of later generations.
4. Padua Astronomical Clock
Padua’s clock was built in 1344 and is perched on the clock tower in Padua’s Piazza dei Signori. Created by Jacopo de’ Dondi, the clock had a 24-hour dial that completed a rotation only once daily, a slower pace compared to most clocks.
Interestingly, the clock lacks the zodiac sign Libra. According to legend, the builder left out Libra, a symbol of justice, because he wasn’t paid as promised. Another version suggests it was missing from the original design as a subtle protest. In reality, this might have been due to an ancient zodiac system that combined Libra with Scorpio. Even today, some say a hidden Libra symbol remains somewhere in Piazza dei Signori.
5. York Minster Astronomical Clock
Tucked away in York Minster’s North Transept, this astronomical clock was built in 1955 as a tribute to RAF airmen who served in WWII. The clock shows the Sun’s and stars’ positions around a map of York, with the Minster highlighted in gold.
Designed by Dr. R. d’E. Atkinson from the Royal Greenwich Observatory, this clock displays sunrise, sunset, and zodiac positions, all precisely aligned with York’s coordinates. Its celestial display served as a practical tool for navigators during WWII. This makes it more of a fitting memorial.
6. Astronomical Clock of Besançon
Located in Besançon Cathedral in France, this clock is one of the most intricate, with 30,000 components and 70 dials. Built in 1860 by clockmaker Auguste-Lucien Vérité, the clock shows French horological expertise with multiple displays, from tide information at French ports to planetary orbits and zodiac signs.
The clock even tracks local time across 17 cities worldwide and has a perpetual calendar to show leap years. It continues to operate today, over 150 years later, honoring Vérité’s craftsmanship. Each of its 70 dials plays a part in depicting the passage of time and space in ways that still captivate visitors.
7. Astronomical Clock at St. Mary’s Church in Lübeck
In Lübeck, Germany, St. Mary’s Church houses a stunning astronomical clock. Originally built in the 16th century, it was later destroyed during WWII and replaced with a simplified version in the 1960s by clockmaker Paul Behrens, who considered it his greatest achievement. This two-story clock showcases the positions of the Sun, Moon, and zodiac signs.
Every day at noon, a small procession of eight figures representing people from around the world passes before a figure of Christ, who blesses them. The original clock’s procession depicted prince-electors from the Holy Roman Empire, connecting the clock to medieval culture. The current version carries on this tradition, with a calendar dial that intriguingly ends in the year 2080, sparking curiosity about what that year might signify.
Conclusion
Astronomical clocks are marvels of engineering, art, and history. They reflect humanity’s enduring curiosity about the cosmos and our desire to understand time through celestial bodies. Each of these clocks captures a unique story, blending ancient beliefs with scientific precision. These clocks not only stand as landmarks in their respective cities but also offer a glimpse into how humans once viewed the universe. Whether in Prague, Cremona, or Besançon, each clock invites visitors to marvel at its blend of art and science.
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