Slovak Astronomical Clock

In the heart of the village of Stará Bystrica there is an extraordinary work of art - the first astronomical clock in Slovakia and one of the youngest in the world. It was completed in 2009 and since then it has attracted attention not only for its precise workmanship, but also for its symbolism. It takes the form of the seated Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows, the patron saint of Slovakia, making it the largest wooden statue in the country. In the niches of the astronomical clock, bronze statues of important personalities of Slovak history are placed - from Prince Pribina, through King Svätopluk, to Bernolák, Štúr, Štefánik and Hlinka. Every hour, wooden figures of seven saints associated with Slovakia appear. At the heart of the astronomical clock is an astrolabe - an astronomical dial that displays not only the time, but also the movement of the sun and moon, the phases of the day and the signs of the zodiac. The whole mechanism was made in the Czech Republic and is controlled by a computer with high precision. In the clock building you will also find an information centre and an insight into the engine room.