The Ankeruhr in Vienna is a clock in a gangway between two buildings on the Hoher Markt Square (1. District). It displays every hour a different personality who has played a role in the history of Vienna. [German]
The displayed historical figures
The clock shows 15 historical figures in 12 hours. The amount of 15 is a result of displaying married couples three times. The featured personalities start to run in front of the clock face with the mentioned hour below:
- 01: Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor)
- 02: Charlemagne (Emperor of the Romans)
- 03: Leopold VI (Duke of Austria) and Theodora Angelina
- 04: Walther von der Vogelweide (Minnesänger)
- 05: Rudolf I (King of Germany) and Gertrude of Hohenberg
- 06: Hans Puchsbaum (Gothic architect)
- 07: Maximilian I (“the last knight”)
- 08: Johann Andreas von Liebenberg (Mayor of Vienna)
- 09: Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg (Field marshal)
- 10: Prince Eugene of Savoy (Field marshal)
- 11: Maria Theresa (Holy Roman Empress) and Francis I
- 12: Joseph Haydn (Composer)
Each figure is accompanied by a melody related to its period and historical role. The best time to visit the Ankeruhr is noon. At this time, the clockwork performs a parade of all figures and plays all music pieces accordingly.
Romans and basilisks
An old inscription below the Ankeruhr mentions a Roman praetorium nearby. Actually, the Roman ruins are under your feet. The Roman Museum opposite the Ankeruhr let you step down to the ancient layer of Vienna.
The snake-like figure below the clock’s face symbolizes a Basilisk. You find another depiction of such a creature on the facade of the Basiliskenhaus in a lane named Schönlaterngasse.