Bourges astronomical clock
The Bourges astronomical clock sits in Bourges Cathedral, France. It was designed by Jean Fusoris, built by André Cassart, and painted by Jean Grangier. Installed in November 1424, it was a gift from Charles VII to the people of Bourges for the baptism of his son, the future Louis XI. It is the oldest surviving astronomical clock in France.
Originally placed on the cathedral’s rood screen, it was moved in 1757 and later kept in the crypt; today it is housed in a belfry-shaped case in the cathedral. The upper dial was added in the 19th century and shows the 12-hour time. The lower dial, read with a single arrow, shows the hour on the outer ring (I–XII twice), the lunar day (I–XXIX) with a moon phase aperture, and the Sun’s position in the zodiac.
Bells: one bell chimes the hour on the roof; three side bells mark the quarter hours (A, AD, AGD) and the hour (AGAD) with the Salve Regina tune.
The clock has undergone several restorations in 1782, 1822, 1841, and 1872, when the upper mechanism was simplified. The zodiac calendar was restored in 1973. A fire in 1986 caused serious damage, and in 1994 the clock was reinstated with an exact copy of the 1424 mechanism, while the original mechanism was kept on display. A facsimile of the main dial was added in the 1990s for the town’s tourist office.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 16:17 (CET).