Sunday, October 30, 2011

Cathedral of our Lady of Chartres - astrological clock


The chancel screen of Chartres Cathedral displays an impressive astrological clock dating from the 16th century. It told not only the time but the day of the week, the month of the year, the time of sunrise and sunset, the phase of the moon and the current sign of the zodiac. Its inner works were partially destroyed in 1793.

With the thousands of stained glass windows one could almost miss this treasure

bon dimanche

24 comments:

Louise said...

Oh that's very beautiful. I haven't been to Chartres-yet. Something more to look forward to.

martinealison said...

Un autre chef d'oeuvre ...
Une belle photo en ce jour de changement d'heure...
gros bisous

Malyss said...

In those times, artists knew how to make lace from stone..Perfect shot for today, we are changing hour here.

Louis la Vache said...

This clock is indeed a treasure. There is so much to be seen at Chartres. What a jewel this amazing church is!

Louis la Vache said...

«Louis» loves this photo of Chartres, like a vast ocean liner, sailing across the wheat fields outside of the city.
(Scroll down)

Cindy said...

A beautiful and amazing clock! I did miss this treasure when I was there. Thanks for sharing.

M said...

Genie, you captured it so well ... The stone work is gorgeous and the detail of the clock is amazing! Chartres was certainly a treasure trove. Bon dimanche!

Virginia said...

But...........can you get your email on that thing? HA
Seriously, that is quite a treasure. I'd love to visit Chartres on day.
V

Nat said...

Beautiful clock! I'd love to visit that cathedral....

Sylvia K said...

What an amazing clock! And a superb capture as always! I do love the information/history you include, Genie! Makes the photos even more beautiful and interesting! Hope you've had a great weekend, mon amie!

Hugs
Sylvia

Paris Paul said...

Wow! Almost makes me want to visit the Cathedral in Chartres.

Anonymous said...

This is truly beautiful...what a work of art. You're right, you could almost miss this fragment of history.

Hope you are well!

Kris

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Gorgeous Genie, also the stonework and sculpture beside and above. We're so lucky that you look for the details!

Randy said...

That is just so beautiful. I love all of the details.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

I am in awe... This is truly a work of art.. Breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing
Blessings,
Penny

Starman said...

Almost as good as the Astronomical Clock i Prague.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Praga_0003.JPG

Maria said...

I love the cathedral of Chartres

Whyen I was there two years ago, I couldn't stop looking, sa

Maria said...

Something went wrong....again:

When I was there two years ago, I couldn't stop looking, so many details...
Bises
maria

Grammy Goodwill said...

That clock is quite a treasure. I'm sure I would get a stiff neck from staring up at it. I would gladly chance that, given the chance to see it.

Alexa said...

As if that weren't enough, I'm speechless over the gorgeous lacy stonework. Merci, Genie!

Victoria/Sweden said...

Very nice photo!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Genie
I just cannot get over the beauty of this Cathedral... Thank you for your most welcome visit and encouraging words. I am so happy you enjoyed viewing my wee mouse.
Blessings,
Penny

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Virginia, I can barely get my email (and post my blog) on the devices I have - hah! Good thing that I have 4 ways to get around the problem

Starman, the clock inPrague just about takes the prize for most amazing!

Thank you all for your kind comments today. I am getting ready for my trip later this week and am looking for my tire bouchon (just kidding). I am gathering my Paris portraits to carry with me and checking my list of essentials, all of which will fit in a small carry-on and a rollerboard. I will be taking a train to Beaune and must travel light, carrying it all for the three days in Beaune and Dijon.

Bises,
Genie

jj said...

love this site , merci bien