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All France Besançon Astronomical Clock of Besançon

Astronomical Clock of Besançon

One of the world's most complex timepieces.

Besançon, France

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One of the exterior clock faces   Karel K/Wikimedia
Birthhouse of Victor Hugo (140, Grande Rue)   annesels / Atlas Obscura User
Canal Tunnel under the Besançon Citadel   annesels / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located in the old French watchmaking capital of Besançon, the astronomical clock of Besançon Cathedral is one of the most complicated horological devices in the world.

Installed in 1860, the clock features 30,000 pieces, 70 dials, 122 indicators, the local time in 17 places around the world, the time and height of the tides in eight French ports, a perpetual calendar with leap year cycles, times of sunrise and sunset, an orrery, and 21 automata. Zodiac signs adorn the towering and elaborate exterior. It was constructed by clockmaker Auguste-Lucien Vérité, and over a century and a half later it still is in working order. 

Five dials separate from the clock are also controlled by the mechanisms, including one on the outside of the church showing the moon's phases and a planet for each weekday, and four up on the bell tower.

Related Tags

Astounding Timepieces Retro Tech Astronomical Clocks Clocks Inventions

Know Before You Go

In the market at the bottom of the Cathedral hill at 140 Grande Rue is Victor Hugo's Birth House. There is an interesting late 19th-century canal tunnel (a shortcut for the loop of the River Doubs) that goes under the citadel. It serves canal boats and along one side is a pathway for cyclists and pedestrians. The cathedral is closed on Tuesdays from April 1 to September 1 and every Tuesday and Wednesday from October 1 to march 31. It’s also closed during January, on May 1, on November 1 and 11, and on December 25.

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Added By

mrobscurity

Edited By

annesels, NicolasJJP, Allison

  • annesels
  • NicolasJJP
  • Allison

Published

November 10, 2009

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  • http://www.horloge-astronomique-besancon.fr/Preparer-sa-visite/Informations-pratiques
Astronomical Clock of Besançon
10, Rue de la Convention
Besançon, 25000
France
47.233945, 6.03067
Visit Website
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