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PALACE OF TIME
In the 18th century – the Age of Enlightenment – a wine merchant established himself in Jerez. Obsessed with controlling time, he started a collection of French, English, Austrian and Italian clocks to decorate each of the rooms in his palace. The love for his clocks led him to become the eternal guardian of this magnificent collection and now we are invited to appreciate it. During an hour, we will have the opportunity to discover one of the most extensive clock collections in the world, alongside a myriad of “supernatural” experiences. The Palace of Time exhibits more than 300 clocks – from the 17th to the 19th centuries – all in a perfect working order, which makes this collection so exceptional. We will enter a magic atmosphere where an explosion of light, colour and sounds will continue to amaze us. The elegant Neoclassic Victorian mansion from the 19th century is surrounded by gardens and sculptures creating a romantic atmosphere. This mansion was restored to house this unique museum. We will glimpse through a gyroscope to view the fountain presiding over the La Atalaya gardens, in constant and rhythmic movement. We will be welcomed by the patio of the Palace, where we will gaze at an impressive Bohemian glass lamp created in Prague. Underneath, we will find the first timepiece: the Losada clock, named after the prestigious Spanish chronometer clockmaker who created it. This is a piece highly appreciated by worldwide collectors and clockmaking experts. We will be transported through history to see how Man has measured the passage of time based on the observation of Nature: phases of the moon, bird migrations, tides, stars… a mixture of science and superstition. Afterwards, we will learn about the Babylonian calendars, the Egyptian clepsydras (water clocks), obelisks, Aztec and Mayan calendars, solar quadrants, up to the first church bell towers and artifacts with large and heavy moving cog wheels. Portraits of Galileo, Newton and Huygens, and studies on the clock cogwheel pieces... The precision required for overseas navigation and commerce prompted a level of improvement and the wide diffusion of the clock, thanks to the patronage of monarchs. Parallels, meridians, different time zones around the world and illustrations of treatises on clockmaking were created. We will enter the Louis XV Room, where a clock with brass-in-tortoiseshell marquetry with bronze mounts stands prominently at the end of room. This new design was named after Boulle, the French inventor. We will have the opportunity to see similar pieces. The winged god of time, Chronos, appears on the crown of the clock, taking us into a world of mythology. Surrounded by the ticking and sounds of clocks, someone comes to meet us and invites us to discover the rest of his collection and his home. For more information contact Fundación Andrés de Ribera at Phone