Astronomical clock

This astronomical clock was built in 1472 by Hans Düringer and is the only one of its kind still in working condition with its original clockworks. It is placed in St. Mary’s church (Marienkirche), the biggest of three town churches found in the Hanseatic city of Rostock. This historic timepiece stands behind the altar. This top half features a procession of the Apostles. They circle the figure of Christ everyday at noon. Just below it are hands displaying the time, zodiac, phases of the moon and sun. According to legend, after Düringer created a similar clock in Gdańsk, Germany, the authorities were going to blind him so he could never duplicate it. Instead, he escaped to Rostock and was given sanctuary in exchange for building this clock. The inner clockworks are original.