Astronomical Clock

Introduction

The Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is mounted on the Gothic wall of the Old Town Hall on the south side of Old Town Square, built in 1410 and among the world's oldest astronomical clocks still running. Its faces divide into an astronomical dial (showing the zodiac, sun and moon phases), an upper 'Walk of the Apostles' puppet theatre, and a lower calendar dial painted with Bohemian scenes and constellations. On the hour, Death rings a bell, the twelve apostles appear at two windows in turn and a cockerel crows, drawing awed crowds on the square. It is both a medieval marvel of mechanics and astronomy and, for centuries, Prague's symbol of time and civic identity.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info