The famous bird clock refers to the elaborate astronomical clock located in the St. Nicholas Church in Stralsund, Germany. This intricate mechanical clock dates back to the 14th century and features automated figures of apostles, a calendar dial, and moving mechanical birds that announce the time. The elaborate craftsmanship and automated features of the Stralsund bird clock have made it a famous and iconic timepiece over the centuries. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and legacy of the Stralsund bird clock.
When and why was the Stralsund bird clock built?
The Stralsund bird clock was built between the years 1394 and 1404. The mayor of Stralsund at the time, Heinrich von Stralen, commissioned the construction of the clock to showcase the city’s wealth and technological abilities. In the Middle Ages, elaborate town clocks served as important symbols of civic pride and prosperity. The Stralsund bird clock was intended to be the crowning jewel of the city’s churches and public buildings. With its complex mechanics and soaring design, this clock announced Stralsund as an influential Hanseatic port city and commercial hub.
Who built the famous bird clock?
The Stralsund bird clock was designed and built by Nicholas Lilienfeld, a distinguished astronomer and clockmaker from Saxony. Very few records about Lilienfeld’s life and career survive, but it is known that he studied astronomy, mathematics, and clockmaking as a young man. Lilienfeld moved to Stralsund in the late 14th century to work on the commissioned town clock for the St. Nicholas Church. Constructing and installing such an intricate mechanism took about ten years. Once completed in 1404, the Stralsund bird clock was Lilienfeld’s crowning achievement, demonstrating his mechanical genius and astronomical precision.
Design and Features
The Stralsund bird clock stands over 15 meters tall and features a host of elaborate mechanical details and automated figures. The main body of the clock consists of multiple stacked components.
Astronomical clock dial
At the center of the clock is a large astrolabe-style dial that depicts the positions of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. The rotating concentric rings allow the clock to accurately tell time according to the apparent solar time as well as the sidereal time based on the fixed stars. Additional rings show the phases of the moon and the temporal hours in a day. With this detailed astronomical dial, the Stralsund bird clock provided cutting-edge timekeeping in the medieval period.
Calendar dial
Below the astronomical dial is a rotating calendar plate indicating the Gregorian date, the day of the week, the month, the year, and the saint’s day. Along the outer edge of the calendar dial are engraved depictions of the 12 signs of the zodiac. This meticulous calendar panel ensured the clock kept accurate track of dates for civic and religious needs in the Middle Ages.
Apostle figures
At the top of the clock sits a rotating ring of automated wooden sculptures representing the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Every hour, on the hour, the figures parade past two open archways where they bow before a sculpture of Jesus to receive his blessing. The parade of apostles provides an hourly performance for onlookers below.
Apostle Figure | Description |
---|---|
St. Peter | Shown holding a key, as he is traditionally the gatekeeper to Heaven |
St. John | Shown holding a chalice with a snake, referring to the poisoned communion cup |
St. Matthew | Depicted holding a money bag, as he was a tax collector |
St. James the Great | Shown in pilgrim’s robes and hat, holding a staff |
St. Philip | Holds a basket of bread loaves, referring to the Feeding of the Five Thousand |
St. James the Less | Depicted in simple robes with a scroll, no special attributes |
St. Thomas | Shown with a carpenter’s square, reflecting his skepticism |
St. Jude Thaddeus | Seen holding an axe, referring to his martyrdom |
St. Simon | Depicted carrying a saw, the instrument of his martyrdom |
St. Matthias | Added after Judas, holds a book of the Gospel |
St. Paul | Seen with sword and book, iconography as the Apostle to the Gentiles |
St. Andrew | Holds a saltire cross, as he was crucified on an X-shaped cross |
Time-announcing birds
Below the rotating apostle ring sits a semicircle of carved wooden birds and other creatures. On each hour, as the apostle figures parade by, these carved animals move and spring to life to announce the hour. According to the hour, different birds dip their heads, flap their wings, open their beaks, and cry out. At noon and midnight, all the figures perform together. This choreographed animatronic display provided an entertaining visual and audial effect for townspeople and visitors.
Moon phase display
High on the exterior wall of the clock, an elaborate rotating silver ball depicts the phases of the moon in 29-day lunation cycles. The engraved silver hemisphere rotates to show the exact moon phase, from waxing and waning crescents to new and full moons. This detail highlights the astronomical precision of the clock.
Legacy and Impact
Over six centuries after its unveiling, the Stralsund bird clock still commands admiration for its complexity, beauty, and ingenuity.
Technical significance
At the time of its construction in the early 15th century, the Stralsund bird clock represented the height of astronomical science and mechanical technology. The intricacy of its timekeeping abilities, automata displays, and calendar calculations were unprecedented for the medieval period. The mechanical clock itself was still a relatively new invention when the bird clock was built. As such, it stands out as a tremendous feat of design, craftsmanship, and engineering.
Artistic value
In addition to its technical merits, the Stralsund bird clock is a sublime work of art. The hand-carved wooden figures, finely painted details, and elaborate moving parts make this timepiece as exquisite as the highest medieval cathedral sculptures. While its motifs carry Christian meaning, the clock also incorporates ancient zodiac symbols and pagan designs. The clock stands as a true demonstration of master Gothic artistry.
Cultural importance
Beyond its immediate usefulness and beauty, the Stralsund bird clock took on great cultural meaning in its hometown. As a source of local pride and identity, the clock connected the townspeople through shared history and values. It also strengthened Stralsund’s reputation as a prosperous Hanseatic port city able to command great artistry and technology. Furthermore, the clock came to represent German ingenuity and craft mastery. In times of upheaval, the familiar clock provided citizens with constancy and comfort.
Modern preservation
Thankfully, the Stralsund bird clock has survived tumultuous events such as fires, wars, and political unrest over the centuries. In more recent decades, the mechanism underwent careful restoration and maintenance. The clock is now preserved as an iconic historic treasure of northern Germany. The city celebrates the Stralsund bird clock with festivals, pageantry, and special exhibitions about its history and inner workings. This beautiful medieval timepiece continues to turn heads and inspire awe in the 21st century.
Conclusion
The elaborate astronomical clock in St. Nicholas Church remains one of the most famous timepieces in history centuries after its completion. With its procession of apostles, dancing mechanical songbirds, astronomical dials, and calendar rings, the Stralsund bird clock exemplified both the science and artistry of its medieval era. Beyond just telling time, this remarkable clock served as a proud emblem of civic wealth, a cultural touchstone, and an engineering landmark ahead of its time. After over 600 years, the beauty, ingenuity, and legacy of the Stralsund bird clock still ring true.