Gros-Horloge

The clock mechanism was manufactured in 1389, making it one of the oldest surviving clock mechanisms in France and approximately twice the size of the famous Wells Cathedral clock in England. This remarkable piece of medieval engineering functioned mechanically for over 500 years until the 1920s, when it was electrified while preserving the original mechanism in perfect working condition.

The Gros-Horloge served as direct inspiration for London's iconic Big Ben. Architect Augustus Pugin visited Rouen just two years before designing the British landmark, and the influence of the French astronomical clock's ornate Gothic styling is clearly visible in his famous creation.

After the Harelle revolt of 1382, Rouen citizens were forbidden from building a new belfry as punishment. They cleverly circumvented this royal ban by constructing a 'clock tower' instead in 1398, which functionally served as their municipal belfry - a remarkable example of medieval civil disobedience through architectural semantics.

The elaborate Renaissance dial features a unique astronomical display: seven Roman gods appear on triumphal chariots at noon, each representing a day of the week - Luna for Monday, Mars for Tuesday, Mercury for Wednesday, Jupiter for Thursday, Venus for Friday, Saturn for Saturday, and Apollo (the Sun) for Sunday. A 30cm sphere shows moon phases, completing a full rotation every 29 days.