Horloge astrologique de l'immeuble-cathédrale, Medieval clock tower in 3rd arrondissement, France
The Horloge astrologique de l'immeuble-cathédrale crowns a neo-Gothic building at 61-63 rue Réaumur with a large mechanical timepiece surrounded by zodiac symbols. The mechanism includes an integrated barometer that displays weather information for passersby.
The structure was built in 1898 by architects Philippe Jouannin and Edouard Singery during a period when Paris relaxed its strict architectural regulations. This moment allowed designers to depart from traditional Haussmann rules and create more experimental structures.
The clock displays the twelve zodiac signs and mythological figures representing seasons as decorative elements. Visitors notice Flora, Pomona, Boreas, and Ceres sculpted around the dial, connecting timekeeping to nature's cycles.
The building sits on a main street in the third arrondissement and is easy to spot and access. Visitors can best view the clock and its details from street level.
The facade blends cathedral-style elements with industrial architecture in an unexpected way. This created a structure that looked quite different from typical Parisian commercial buildings of that era.
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