Gianello della Torre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juanelo Turriano
|
|
|---|---|
Bust of Juanelo Turriano
|
|
| Born |
Giovanni Torriani
1500 |
| Died | 1585 (aged 85) |
| Resting place | Toledo, Spain |
Juanelo Turriano (born around 1500, died 1585) was a brilliant clockmaker, engineer, and mathematician. He was born in Cremona, Italy. Many people in Spain knew him as Juanelo Turriano, but his birth name was Giovanni Torriani. He was known for his amazing inventions and machines.
Contents
Early Life and Royal Service
Juanelo Turriano's skills were noticed by powerful people. In 1529, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, invited him to Spain. Charles V was a very important ruler at that time. Turriano became the Court Clock Master for the emperor.
The Cristalino Clock
As the Court Clock Master, Turriano built a special clock called the Cristalino. This was an amazing astronomical clock. It showed the movements of the stars and planets. The Cristalino made Juanelo Turriano very famous during his lifetime.
Working for Philip II
Later, Philip II of Spain, who was Charles V's son, also recognized Turriano's talent. King Philip II gave him the title of Matemático Mayor. This meant he was the "Chief Mathematician" for the king. Turriano lived and worked in the city of Toledo.
The Artificio de Juanelo
One of Turriano's most famous inventions in Toledo was the Artificio de Juanelo. This was a huge machine designed to solve a big problem for the city. Toledo is built on a hill, and getting water up to the city was very difficult.
How the Water Engine Worked
The Artificio de Juanelo was an incredible engine. It used the power of the Tagus River itself. The machine lifted water from the river to a height of almost 100 meters (about 328 feet). This water then supplied the entire city of Toledo and its castle, the Alcázar. It was a truly advanced piece of engineering for its time.
Amazing Automatons
Juanelo Turriano was also known for creating automatons. These were like early robots or mechanical figures that could move on their own.
The Monk Automaton
One famous automaton linked to Turriano is the "Clockwork Prayer." This was a mechanical monk created in the 1560s. King Philip II of Spain reportedly asked for it to be made. It was said to be a thank you for his son, Don Carlos, getting better after an illness. The monk automaton could perform several actions. A similar automaton is now in the Smithsonian Institution in the United States.
The Lute Player
Another automaton connected to Turriano is a figure of a lady. This figure could play a lute, which is a musical instrument. This amazing creation is now kept in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
Later Life and Legacy
Juanelo Turriano died in Toledo in 1585. He left behind a legacy as a brilliant inventor and engineer. His work on clocks, water-lifting machines, and automatons showed how advanced his thinking was for the 16th century.
See also
In Spanish: Juanelo Turriano para niños
