Poznań Goats, Metal sculpture at Old Town Hall in Poznań, Poland
The Poznań Goats are two mechanical figures made of aluminum sheets mounted on the Renaissance clock tower of the Town Hall, performing their synchronized butting twice daily. This installation stands in the center of the Old Town Square and represents one of Europe's oldest continuously operating theatrical mechanical systems.
The first goat mechanism was installed in 1551 on the Renaissance clock tower and stands as one of Europe's oldest continuously operating theatrical devices. The figures visible today were reconstructed in 1993 to replace worn earlier versions that had survived wars and centuries of use.
The daily performance stems from a local legend about a cook whose goats climbed the Renaissance tower. The city has chosen to remember this story by making the animals part of its central square ritual.
The performance happens twice daily at noon and 3 PM on the Town Hall clock, and can be watched from the Old Town Square below. The best viewing spot is directly underneath the clock, where crowds gather especially around midday.
The mechanism operates with electronic sensors and a sealed gearbox that controls the precise speed and rhythm of the goats' movements. This modern technology keeps the figures performing reliably through all weather conditions and seasons.
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