Astronomical Clock

(AKA Pražský orloj)

The astronomical clock in Prague, Czech Republic is an extraordinary masterpiece of medieval engineering and a renowned symbol of the city’s rich history. Located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square, the clock is known as the Prague Astronomical Clock or the Orloj.

The clock was first installed in 1410 on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall. It consists of three main components: the astronomical dial, the hourly show, and the calendar dial. The astronomical dial is the central feature and displays various astronomical and astrological information, including the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky, the time, the date, and even the current zodiac sign.

The hourly show is one of the most captivating aspects of the astronomical clock. Every hour, when the clock strikes, a procession of apostles appears from two small windows above the astronomical dial. The figures move, representing the passing of time, and various other sculptures come to life, including a skeleton, a Turk, and a vanity figure.

The history and legends surrounding the Prague Astronomical Clock add to its allure. One legend tells the story of Master Hanuš, the clock’s original creator. According to the legend, the city councilors were so impressed with Hanuš’s masterpiece that they feared he might replicate it elsewhere. To prevent this, they blinded him, ensuring that he would never build a clock as magnificent as the Prague Astronomical Clock again. In revenge, Hanuš allegedly damaged the clock’s mechanism, which remained broken for centuries until it was repaired in the 19th century.

Another legend suggests that if the clock were to ever stop, disaster would befall the city. In 1945, during the Prague Uprising near the end of World War II, the Nazis damaged the clock, causing it to stop for a brief period. According to the legend, the halted clock brought bad luck to the Germans and spelled their defeat.

Visiting the Prague Astronomical Clock is a must for anyone traveling to Prague. It not only offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past but also showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the time. The intricate details and the hourly show are fascinating to observe, and the clock’s rich history and legends add a layer of mystique and wonder. Standing in the Old Town Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture and the lively atmosphere, the astronomical clock is a true marvel that embodies the spirit of Prague.

Visit Notes

Along with the Charles Bridge you are also going to stop here. You just are. It’s probably a law. I happen to love clocks and all things mechanical, so I find the clock fascinating to watch. If you are inside the town hall when the hour strikes you will get to see the figures moving from inside the mechanism.

You will be with a crowd when the clock strikes the hour, so if you don’t like crowds maybe go admire the clock after the crowds disperse.