Astronomical clock of Besançon, Astronomical clock in Besançon Cathedral, France
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Besançon).
Besançon displays 2000 years of architectural history. The city is dominated by the Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that overlooks the old town. In the center stand important buildings such as Saint-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock, Granvelle Palace with the Museum of Time,...
Besançon Cathedral
18 m
Birthhouse of Victor Hugo
181 m
Porte Noire
75 m
Square Castan
139 m
Maison natale des frères Lumière
203 m
Ecclesiastical Province of Besançon
18 m
Palais archiépiscopal de Besançon
106 m
Château d'eau de la source d'Arcier
121 m
Hôtel Boistouset
64 m
Hôtel Mareschal
230 m
Hôtel Alviset
172 m
Hôtel Bonvalot
158 m
Fontaine Saint-Quentin
147 m
Hôtel de Sorans
149 m
Vestiges archéologiques
100 m
Orant du cardinal Louis François Auguste de Rohan-Chabot
14 m
Maison, 135 Grande Rue
209 m
Maison, 133 Grande Rue
223 m
Maison, 4 rue de la Convention
142 m
Maison, 26 rue Rivotte
177 m
Immeuble, 20 rue Ernest-Renan
169 m
Maison, 8 rue des Martelots
218 m
Maison, 12 rue de la Vieille-Monnaie
236 m
Maison, 142 Grande Rue
172 m
Maison, 28 rue Rivotte
190 m
Maison, 30 rue Rivotte
193 m
Statue du cardinal Mathieu dans la cathédrale de Besançon
18 m
Maison, 36 rue Ernest-Renan
226 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes