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
at

24 comments:

  1. LouiseOctober 30, 2011 at 4:24 AM

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

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  2. martinealisonOctober 30, 2011 at 4:59 AM

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

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  3. MalyssOctober 30, 2011 at 6:26 AM

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

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  4. Louis la VacheOctober 30, 2011 at 7:42 AM

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

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  5. Louis la VacheOctober 30, 2011 at 7:47 AM

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

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  6. CindyOctober 30, 2011 at 8:38 AM

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

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  7. MOctober 30, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    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!

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  8. VirginiaOctober 30, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    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

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  9. NatOctober 30, 2011 at 11:55 AM

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

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  10. Sylvia KOctober 30, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    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

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  11. Paris PaulOctober 30, 2011 at 12:46 PM

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

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  12. AnonymousOctober 30, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    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

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  13. PerthDailyPhotoOctober 30, 2011 at 1:23 PM

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

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  14. RandyOctober 30, 2011 at 1:58 PM

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

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  15. Angelsdoor * PennyOctober 30, 2011 at 2:42 PM

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

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  16. StarmanOctober 30, 2011 at 3:06 PM

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

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  17. MariaOctober 30, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I love the cathedral of Chartres

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

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  18. MariaOctober 30, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Something went wrong....again:

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

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  19. Grammy GoodwillOctober 30, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    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.

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  20. AlexaOctober 30, 2011 at 6:36 PM

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

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  21. Victoria/SwedenOctober 30, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Very nice photo!

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  22. Angelsdoor * PennyOctober 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    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

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  23. Genie -- Paris and BeyondOctober 31, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    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

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  24. jjOctober 31, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    love this site , merci bien

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Merci for your comments!