Gdańsk astronomical clock

Gdańsk Astronomical Clock

The Gdańsk astronomical clock is a fifteenth-century astronomical clock in St. Mary's Church, Gdańsk, Poland.

History and description

The clock was constructed between 1464–1470 by Hans Düringer.^[1][2] Its complex dials show the time and date, phases of the moon, the position of the Moon and Sun in relation to the zodiac signs, and the calendar of saints. Adam and Eve ring the bell on the hour, and at noon a procession appears that features Adam and Eve alongside the Three Kings, the Apostles, and Death.^[3]

Standing 14 metres (46 ft) high, upon completion the clock was the largest in the world,^[4] and it may remain the largest wooden astronomical clock.

During the World War II, in 1944, the clock was dismantled and hidden outside of Gdańsk. The dials and 70% of the housing, sculptures of the lower level, Scorpion’s pliers and the weight survived the war. In 2018, the clock, still with all its original mechanisms, went through a restoration process.^[5]

References

1. Bujak, Adam (2007). Polish Cathedrals. ISBN 9788360292372.
2. The Newcomen Bulletin. Issues 158-169. p 14. Newcomen Society (Great Britain) 1994
3. DK Eyewitness Guide: Eastern and Central Europe. Dorling Kindersley Ltd. 2012. p. 211. ISBN 9781405393515.
4. Bousfield, Jonathan; Salter, Mark (2009). The Rough Guide to Poland. ISBN 9781848360648.
5. Janicek, Karel. "Prague's astronomical clock returns with restored beauty". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-07-13.

54°21′00″N 18°39′12″E