The Time wheel or as it is known in Hungarian the “Időkerék” is one of the world’s largest hourglasses and is truly a unique work of art; made out of steel, granite and glass the structure weighs a whopping sixty tons. The enduring materials that were used to make the Time wheel ensure that it will continue to function for many years to come.
The Time wheel is situated in the heart of Hungary’s capital, Budapest, and is found behind the Palace of Art next to the City Park and historic Heroes’ Square. Glass granules flow from the upper chamber of the Time wheel to the lower chamber throughout the entire year. The flow of the sand is controlled by a computer aided mechanism. Every year on new year’s eve the glass granules or “sand” runs out and the Time wheel is then turned one hundred and eighty degrees in order for the hourglass to start all over again. The turning of the Time wheel is done manually by four people using steel cables and taking approximately forty-five minutes to complete the half turn. Machines are not used during this process in order to symbolize human strength and to remind us of of the thousands of years past when machinery was not around and moving large objects was done completely through human ingenuity and man power.
The Time wheel has a historic meaning as it was unveiled on the 1st of May 2004 in order to commemorate the addition of Hungary to the European Union along with nine other nations. It serves as a spectacular monument encompassing both modern technology and ancient measuring methods. The Time wheel was designed by architect Istvan Janaky while the idea and the building of the Time wheel was marked by Janos Herner. It is open year round and is a very popular tourist destination.
Tours on which you can see the Time Wheel?
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Half Day Sightseeing Tour
- Budapest City Walking Tour
- Budapest Bike Tour
- Budapest Segway Tour
Other sights around the Time Wheel
- Heroes’ Square
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Museum of Agriculture
- Budapest Zoo
- Budapest Circus
- Budapest Amusement park
- City Park (Városliget)
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Andrássy út
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Palace of Art
Where in Budapest is the Time Wheel
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