It might come as a surprise to some people that there are many clocks from around the world that are considered famous. Some of them just for existing for so long, some for their size, and others from the way they were constructed. It might also come as a surprise that people travel to these remote locations just to see these clocks.
Big Ben
Well, not really. "Big Ben," located in London, England is actually the name of the bell of the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The clock is officially named the Great Westminster Clock. Previously called the 'Clock Tower,' it is now known as the Elizabeth Tower after Queen Elizabeth II, and it is the third largest free standing clock tower in the world. The actual clock is the world's largest four-faced clock, and it combined with the whole tower have become a prominent London symbol.
Strasbourg Astronomical Clock
This is third clock to stand in Cathedrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. It was completed in 1842 and is one of the most complicated mechanical clocks ever made. The features on the clock include automata, a perpetual calendar, display of the real position of the sun and moon, and solar and lunar eclipses. However, the main attraction the real attraction of the clock is what happens every day at half past noon. Eighteen inch high Christ and the Apostles figures appear and move while a cock crows three times.
Grand Central Terminal Clock
Located inside Grand Central Station at New York City this clock recently celebrated its 100th birthday. The Grand Central Terminal Clock could be a movie star in its own right as it has appeared in countless movies. The four opal faces surrounded by brass are illuminated to make it a consistent meeting place for travelers in the city.
Prague Astronomical Clock
Also known as Prague Orloj this is the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still operating. Located in Prague, Czech Republic it was built in 1410 along the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall. The astronomical dial of the clock represents the position of the sun and the moon in the sky,and it also contains a calendar dial with medallions that represent each month. There are also figures such as The Apostles and what is believed to be Death striking the time that move each hour.
Shepard Gate Clock
Mounted on the wall outside the Royal Greenwich Observatory, the Shepard Gate Clock is probably one of the most important clocks in the world. It is an electric clock controlled by the pulses of master clock inside the building, which is the home to the Greenwich Meridian Line where the Prime Meridian starts at 0. It was probably the first clock to show the Greenwich Mean Time.
