World Famous Clocks Part 2

 

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Following our World Famous Clocks Part 1 blog, we have our second installment - highlighting all the famous landmarks that do more than merely tell the time. Offering a rich and interesting history, these structures attract flocks of tourists to admire their beauty.

Grand Central Terminal’s 42nd Street Clock - New York, USA

Located above Grand Central’s 42nd Street entrance, you’ll find the world’s largest Tiffany clock, measuring 14 feet long. The piece that would have costed the terminal hundreds of thousands of dollars was actually given gratis. In exchange - the terminal was to give half of Vanderbilt Hall to Tiffany’s for an exhibit. Mounted above the clock are figures of Roman gods Mercury, Minerva, and Hercules, said to represent the railroad via their godly claims to speed, strength, and intellect.

Tower of Winds - Athens, Greece

Made almost entirely of Pentelic marble (the same used for the Parthenon and a rare find in structures that aren’t temples), the Tower of the Winds was constructed sometime in the first or second century B.C. in Athens, Greece. At nearly 14 meters (46 feet) tall, the tower features eight sun dials, water clock, and wind vane. And, for the first time in more than 200 years - it has been restored and re-opened to the public.

Rathaus-Glockenspiel - Munich, Germany

Part of the second construction phase of the New Town Hall in 1908, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel is a major tourist attraction located in Marienplatz Munich. Every day at 11am (and at 12pm and 5pm during the summer months), the clock chimes and 32 life sized figures come to life to re-enacts two stories from 16th century Munich. The top half tells the story of the marriage of local Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine. The bottom half features Schäfflertanz - or the “Coopers’ Dance.” According to myth, coppers are said to have danced through the streets to "bring fresh vitality to fearful dispositions” during the time of plague. The shows lasts about 15 minutes and a golden rooster appears at the top of the Glockenspiel, chirps quietly three times, to signify the end of the spectacle.

The Prague Astronomical Clock - Prague, Czech Republic

First installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj is the world’s oldest in working condition. Mounted on the Old Town Hall in Old Town Square, the clock has three main components: the astronomical dial, representing positions of the sun and moon and other various astronomical details; an hourly show of the Apostles, and other moving sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions repressing the months.

What famous clocks have you visited over the years? Let us know on our Facebook page and we’ll prepare a Part 3 to our World Famous Clock series!

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