Did you know that one of the largest sundials in the world is in Paris? As you might have guessed from the cover of the article, it is the Obelisk of Luxor! We explain to you…
Shaped during the reign of Ramses II, 32 centuries ago, the obelisk has encountered many adventures. Whether the viceroy of Egypt Mehemet Ali offered the obelisk to France as a sign of friendship, the transfer of the 230 ton block was not easy…
It took two years for the ship towing it to arrive safely, but that’s a whole other story… Since October 25, 1836, the obelisk has stood on Place de la Concorde! In addition to being the oldest monument in Paris, he is also one of the largest sundials in the world… It’s starting to set a lot of records for one and the same obelisk!
In 1913, an idea germinated in the mind of astronomer Camille Flammarion: turning the Luxor obelisk into a giant sundial! Because of the world wars, the project only saw the light of day on June 21, 1999, long following the death of the astronomer.
It is finally the president of the commission of the sundials with the SAF, Denis Savoie, who made Camille Flammarion’s dream come true.
Today, the sundial is still marked by lines and Roman numerals inscribed in bronze on the paving stones!
His record was dethroned in 2009 by an exceptional sundial of 13000m2 in the Haut Verdon.
Think regarding it the next time someone asks you the time in Place de la Concorde!
We tell you all regarding the oldest monument in Paris in this article!
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Photo of one: Place de la Concorde © Vichie81
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