Like many historic European cities, Vienna, Austria, can claim a noteworthy (and highly decorative) animated mechanical clock. Standing more than 24 feet in height and 32 feet in width in a space that was once a Roman army camp, the Anker Clock (Ankeruhr) was the creation of Austrian artist and sculptor Franz von Matsch. Built between 1911 and 1914, the clock is in Hoher Markt Square, bridging the two buildings of the Anker Insurance Co.

On the hour, a single copper figure or pair of copper figures — including Joseph Haydn; King Rudolf of Habsburg and his wife, Anna von Hohenberg; Emperor Maximilian I; Empress Maria Theresa and Franz Stephan of Lorraine; Prince Eugene of Savoy; medieval lyricist Walther von der Vogelweide; and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius — cross sedately over the clock’s face while classical music appropriate to the figure’s individual era plays along. The best time for viewing is at high noon, when crowds gather to watch as the entire entourage appears in a stately parade. The clock takes on a festive air throughout the holiday season, when traditional carols are played daily at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.