Astronomical clock of Besançon, Astronomical clock in Besançon Cathedral, France
The astronomical clock of Besançon Cathedral is a mechanical work featuring 70 dials with 122 indicators displaying multiple forms of information. It shows local time across 17 global locations and tidal information for French ports.
Auguste-Lucien Vérité designed and built this mechanical work between 1858 and 1863, replacing an earlier version created by clockmaker Bernardin. This creation marked a turning point in 19th-century clockmaking.
Automated figures perform the Resurrection of Christ at noon and the burial at 3 pm each day, bringing theological narratives to life within the cathedral space. These daily scenes hold special meaning for visitors observing the spiritual calendar through mechanical movement.
The cathedral is open daily except Tuesdays, with extended hours from April through September and additional Wednesday closures from October through March. It is wise to check specific times before visiting, as holidays and special events may affect accessibility.
A sophisticated system of universal joints extends roughly 100 meters, connecting the internal clock mechanism to four external tower dials. This technical solution demonstrates 19th-century engineering ingenuity in synchronizing multiple display devices.
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