Meißen's tower clock: Manual time change before winter time!

Meißen's tower clock: Manual time change before winter time!

In Meißen the time change is still carried out in the traditional way. While most clocks now use automatic changeover, the tower clock of the Frauenkirche remains an exception. Here, manual changeover is an integral part of the preparations for the winter period. Dietrich Frank, as the volunteer caretaker of the St. Afra parish, takes on this task every year. At 11:30 p.m. on the night of October 28, 2025, he makes his way to the tower clock to change it to winter time. He always has his work clothes and a headlamp with him, even if the good lighting actually makes the lamp unnecessary. A new traffic light on the way to the tower clock provides additional safety.

The traffic light is turned green by Frank to cut off the power to the bells, as the ringing can potentially cause hearing damage. In the worst case scenario, one of the bells, which weighs over two tons, could fall from its anchorage - an incident that fortunately has never happened. This is a very carefully planned and carried out tradition that underlines the historical value of the tower clock.

The tower clock of the Frauenkirche

The tower clock is not just a simple timepiece, but an important piece of history. These large clocks, often placed in church towers, were the first mechanical clocks and began their journey towards the end of the Middle Ages. They served both liturgical purposes and to divide the working day by announcing the hours by ringing bells. The earliest evidence of chiming clocks can be found in cities such as Padua and Genoa, where they informed the public and residents.

In a public building like the Frauenkirche, the tower clock symbolizes time for the entire community. What used to require manual work, these clockworks are now mostly electrified. However, historical tower clocks rely on mechanical technology, which makes them real technical monuments.

Special features of the tower move

From May 1, 2024 there will also be the opportunity to climb the tower of the Frauenkirche. After extensive renovation work, new safety regulations are now in force. Only ten people per guided group are allowed to attempt the climb. Personal visits are no longer permitted due to fire protection and safety requirements. The tours not only offer breathtaking views of the city of Meißen, but also interesting insights into how the tower clock works and the renovated porcelain carillon.

A new porcelain organ, which is considered a novelty, will be heard on Whitsunday, and the admission prices are more than fair at five euros for adults and three euros for children and young people. The first tours start at 2 p.m., and more information can be found on a display in front of the church from May.

For anyone who would like to take a look at the history of the watchmaking tradition and the cultural and historical facets of Meißen, the services around the Frauenkirche offer a fantastic incentive to visit this special place.