Strasbourg Astronomical Clock (Horloge Astronomique)

The basics

The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock’s mechanized performance takes place at 12.30pm each day from Monday to Saturday and requires a ticket. Ahead of the automation, there’s a film that introduces the clock—the commentary is in French with English and German subtitles—before the clock’s routine begins, featuring a series of figures that depict Jesus, the apostles, and some representing the stages of life.

If you’re hoping to see the performance, it’s best to arrive from around 11.30am—there’s no seating and it can become busy if you’d like a space close to the front. It’s unlikely that a city tour or walking tour will bring you inside the Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame, so most visitors arrive independently.

Things to know before you go

• While entrance to the cathedral is free of charge, you pay admission to see the astronomical clock.
• You can’t use the main entrance of the cathedral to reach the astronomical clock, only the south portal on Place du Château.
• Note that the clock performance does not take place on Sundays and some holidays.

How to get there

The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock is located inside the Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame. If you’re already at Grande Île you can walk to the cathedral in under 15 minutes. Otherwise the Langstross Grand'Rue stop, served by the A and E tram lines, and the Broglie stop on the B, C, and F tram lines, are both close to the cathedral.

When to get there

From Monday to Saturday, access to the astronomical clock begins at 11:30am, followed by a film screening at 12pm, and the clock’s Parade of the Apostles automation at 12:30pm. If arriving outside of the performance time, you’re free to see the clock while exploring the cathedral’s interior.

The Parade of the Apostles

During the Strasbourg Astronomical Clock’s Parade of the Apostles mechanical performance there are three parts. First, there’s a section representing the aging of man, as figures move past a skeletal figure of death; above it, the apostles cross in front of a figure of Christ; to end the performance, a mechanical rooster crows three times.