One of the world’s oldest working astronomical clocks, complete with animated wooden figures that come alive in a captivating must-see show every hour.
If you pay a visit to the City Hall right in the heart of the Old Town and look up high on the southern wall, you’ll see one of the oldest astronomical clocks still working anywhere in the world. Known as the Pražský Orloj, the Astronomical Clock dates back all the way to 1410. Since then it has understandably had to be repaired time and again and has been saved from destruction so well that to this day it still tells the time and becomes animated with a fascinating show at its top of every hour.
Crowds gather in the Old Town Square throughout the day to witness this famous ceremony. Small doors on the clock open as the bells begin, before animated figures appear and sculptures move. A figure of Death holding an hourglass looks forward to the change of the hour, whilst other sculptures representing vanity, greed and pleasure all look on. The 12 wooden figures parading through the doors symbolise the apostles. When the hour finally chimes it is heralded by the moving wings of a golden cockerel.
The oldest part of the clock itself is the astronomical dial, beneath which you’ll spot the calendar dial. The clock signifies the positions of the sun and moon, as well as the month which is symbolised by a detailed medallion below. The zodiacal ring also shows you the current star sign.
You can even climb up to the top of the clock tower to be rewarded with a stunning view over the rest of Prague. You’ll recognise the landscape of the Old Town immediately beneath you, with the Vltava River beyond and the Prague Castle commanding the horizon.
It costs nothing to enjoy the spectacle at the Astronomical Clock, but you will have to pay a small charge to climb the tower. Visiting early in the day is recommended as large crowds gather here all through the day. There are also cafés around the square offering great spots to watch the ceremony while you enjoy a drink.
Located in the Old Town Square, you can reach the Astronomical Clock easily both by tram and metro.
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