Seven Minutes Fast

In the old German town of Goerlitz, there is a famous clock on the Town Hall Tower. It has been seven minutes fast for many centuries — since the year 1253. The reason for this unusual tradition goes back to a dramatic event in the town's history.

In 1253, a group of men planned a terrible crime. They wanted to kill the members of the Town Council when they left the Town Hall for dinner. However, one of the men changed his mind. He felt sorry and decided to tell the council members about the plan before it was too late.

The members of the Town Council were shocked but very thankful. To protect themselves, they decided to set the Town Hall clock seven minutes ahead. That evening, when the conspirators gathered near the Town Hall, they arrived seven minutes earlier than planned. The police, who were waiting nearby, caught them at once. The members of the Town Council were saved.

After this event, the Town Council decided to keep the clock seven minutes fast forever. They made a special law to remember the day when their lives were saved. Since then, for more than 700 years, the clock of the Goerlitz Town Hall Tower has always been seven minutes ahead — a symbol of quick thinking, good luck, and the importance of being on time.

Even today, visitors who come to Goerlitz can see the famous clock and learn this old story. The people of the town are proud of their history and continue to keep the tradition alive.