Ján Uko created a unique work in Trenčianske Bohuslavice.

There are places that visitors to the region should not miss. There are several of them in Trenčianske Bohuslavice. We stopped at a relatively new attraction, which is the "small astronomical clock" in the bell tower. You will find it in the middle of the village between the chapel and the municipal office. We talked directly with its author, Ján Uko, who was helped by his son and other residents of this and neighboring villages.

How did the idea of making an astronomical clock on the bell tower come about?

- It's a long history - it starts with the addition of the bell tower, continues with the donation of bells and ends with the idea to make an astronomical clock in one window. I measured the window, the parish priest agreed and selected the motifs of the paintings, which were created as wooden reliefs by the Neo-Bošac master Štefan Matejík. I built three images into the prepared structure - scenes from the Bible. The magistrate took care of the landscaping and this is the result.

Why an astronomical clock?

- I couldn't find anything else here. When I looked at the belfry and the empty windows, the only thing that fit was the clock. I also have an astronomical clock in my garden at home. Next to it is a nativity scene and also a "fairy tale clock" in which Snow White and the seven dwarfs take place. I built the original clock as a replacement for the sundial we originally wanted in the garden.

When can visitors to Bohuslavice see the astronomical clock "in action"?

- The clock starts three times a day when the bells ring – at six in the morning, at noon at noon and at nine in the evening. Images of the Nativity of Christ, the Turning of water into wine and the Crucifixion of Christ will be shown one after the other. There are two coats of arms on the sides – the Erdödy coat of arms with the year 1208, which was the first mention of the village, and the Bohuslav coat of arms with the year 2020, when the astronomical clock was ceremonially introduced. However, if you would like to see the clock at a different time, no problem. You can also serve yourself.

How is that possible?

- There is a cabinet on the doorframe. When you notice that the light is on, it is working. You insert a two-euro coin, press start, and the astronomical clock is shown to you. However, the bells do not ring then, so as not to confuse the residents. You will have music playing.

The bell tower is interesting because of the astronomical clock, but it hides a few more interesting things. Can tourists also learn about them?

- There is a box on the railing with the inscription "Flyers". Anyone can offer and choose prospectuses. One is about the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and one is about the bell tower "Maly Orloj". Visitors will learn interesting things from history to the present.

What else makes the bell tower special?

- It has up to six bells in total. Four of them are electrically driven, each has its own name and together they can play a chime. Opposite the restored door is painted a panorama of the surrounding nature, as perceived by two Trenčínskobohuslavicians – Zuzana Škrovánková Magová and Marek Juriga Jr. I also added a model of the chapel and bell tower. It even accommodates a moving nativity scene that you can turn on during the Christmas season. Instead of the astrological clock, a nativity scene will also play with Christmas music.

What else are you going to add to the bell tower?

- The time capsule is ready. It is forged from sheet metal. There are photos, files, money and a bottle of brandy. We are waiting for one more letter and then we will place it in the belfry for future generations.