Anker Clock

The Ankeruhr was built between 1911 and 1914 by Franz von Matsch for the Anker insurance company, spanning the gap between two of its buildings over the Hoher Markt as a bridge with a clock in it. Twelve figures from Vienna's history move across the opening on a track, one taking each hour and named on a plaque below - Marcus Aurelius, who died at Vindobona, Charlemagne, Duke Rudolf IV, Maximilian I, Prince Eugene, Maria Theresa, Joseph Haydn and others - accompanied by music appropriate to the period. At noon all twelve process in sequence over about fifteen minutes, which is when the square fills. Below the clock, the Roman remains of Vindobona are excavated and displayed in a small museum, since this was the centre of the legionary camp.

What you actually see

• A clock bridging two buildings - Matsch's 1914 Jugendstil span over the square.
• Twelve historical figures - one crossing each hour, named below.
• The noon parade - all twelve in sequence over about fifteen minutes, with music.
• Roman Vindobona below - excavated legionary remains in the square museum.

When to go

All year; noon for the full parade. Half an hour.

Honest expectations

Outside noon you see one figure passing slowly, which underwhelms people who came for the parade. The square is packed just before twelve. The Roman museum is small and charges separately.

Nearby

The Ruprechtskirche, Stephansdom and the Bermuda Triangle bars are close.