World time clock on Alexanderplatz: A landmark between history and the present

The Urania world clock at Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte is not only a significant time measurement instrument, but also a protected monument that attracts people from all over the world. This striking tower clock shows the time in 24 main zones of the earth and has developed into a popular place for tourists who often make selfies with the watch.

The world clock consists of a 10 meter high cylinder with 24 pages, with each side of a specific time zone dedicated. Inside the clock, a time ring moves that runs through the main zones. A stylized model of the solar system rotates above the cylinder, which moves about once per minute. In addition to the main clock, four smaller analog watches are attached to the column that show the time for different cities.

Current problems and repairs

The clock is currently being repaired after a fruit truck drove against it in September. Aluminum plates with the names of important cities have already been damaged due to the weather, two of which have been replaced by them. The watch, which was built by the German Democratic Republic in 1969, was designed as part of a comprehensive plan to redesign Alexanderplatz and opened on September 30, 1969.

Since their construction, over 120 engineers and experts have participated in the construction. The clock was recognized as a historical and cultural monument in July 2015 and has also established itself as a meeting point for protests since the 1970s. Demonstrations of opposition groups took place here on October 7, 1989, just 33 days before the fall of the Berlin Wall. On October 17, 2023, the watch was smeared by activists with an orange color, which again drew attention to this public space. The watch remains a symbol of life in the city and a technical miracle that measures and depicts the time for many people, such as nd-aktuell.de reported.

For more information on your history and cultural importance, the detailed description in the Wikipedia