The Astronomical Clock

On the northern part of Town Hall is the Astronomical Clock. This clock has been the most significant piece of the town Hall since 15 century. This type of clock not only shows the time but also astronomical data.This data shows the position and voyage of the Sun, the Moon and the sky in general, according to the general opinions about the arrangement of the universe at that time. The construction of such clocks was a very difficult task at that time, so the watchmakers had to co-operate with mathematicians and astronomers.

astronomical clock in 1926

astronomical clock in 1898

This astronomical clock was built in the style of one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Strassburg,France. Its most distinctive features are the arrangement of the clock-face into 3 levels and its construction into 3 stages. These 3 stages of construction were: From its creation to its first repair in 1570-1575 not much is known about the appearence of the clock. From 1575 to 1898 the orginal astronomical dial was replaced with a new one, from which some parts are still preserved. This stage also includes repairs in 1661-1662, 1746 and 1810-1811. In 1895-1898 a major renovation was undertaken. The most important change was the installation of a new clock mechanism and a new astronomical dial. In spite of large changes, the orginal conception of the clock was preserved, as well as all proportions. This stage also includes a paint adjustment in 1926 and renovation in 1947-1955.

In Bohemia , Oloumouc's astronomical clock can be compared to the onee in Prague that dates back to 1410. There is still no accurate answer to a question about the date of its creation. According to an old legend the clock was built by a Saxon watch-maker Antonin Pohl in 1419-1422. He was said to be blinded by the town council,so that he would not be able to build similar works in other towns. However, there are similar legends about other clocks in Europe. Their aim is obvious - to point out a singularity of it. Historians agree that there were supposions for construction already at the beginning of 15 century. However, there's no exact proof and we have no records from the 15 century, that would either confirm or reject these thoughts. However, the first real record of its existence is by a poet Taurinus in 1519.

In 1570-1575 a large Renaissance adaptation was undertaken. The two main authors of this period were watch-maker Hans Pohl and astronomer Pavel Fabricius. The chime is also supposed to come from this period. In 1578-1599 the clock was maintained by Pohl follower Daniel Sandberger. The next reconstruction was necessary after 30-years war had finished. It was undertaken by a watch-maker Frantisek Jahn nad a astronomer Antonin Gerhard. In 1746-1747 the old clock mechanism had to be repaired. Olso the repair of the chime was undertaken.Some new moving fuigures were added at that time. The last renovation of the second stage was in 1810-1811. But already in 1823 the clock was out of order again. Its destiny stayed uncertain for decades. Several lay-outs for its reconstruction were presented from 20s of the last century, but none of them was carried out.

astronomical clock in 1420-1898

astronomical clock in 1898

In 1885 an Association for a Clock Rebuilding was set up, that got money due to gatherings. In 1894 work was started and the whole work was completed on 22nd May 1898. The most important change was the installation of a new clock mechanism and a new astronomicaal dial. In 1926-1927 another paint adaptation was undertaken.

Until 1945 the clock was in blast with the appearance from the end of 19 century. During the last days of World War II retreating Germans damaged the tower by granades, and the clock suffered large damages. Then the last large reconstruction was carried out, including the repair of clock mechanism, the astronomical part and the chime.

   

This is the history of the clock in a nutshell. Its long history is documented in Museum of Clocks in Stenberk. There we can find all the preserved remains of the clock from 15 to 20 century.