The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a unique and beautiful clock located in the Old Town Square. It was first installed in 1410 and still operates today, showing the time, the position of the sun, and other astronomical features. The clock has become a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Prague.
The Astronomical Clock of Prague is an iconic landmark of the city, and it is a must-see for any visitor.
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The Mysterious Magic of Astronomical Clock Prague
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a unique and historic structure with a fascinating story. Located in the Old Town Square of Prague, it is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world and has been in operation since 1410. At the southern part of the tower a special stone chamber was built for its mechanical part. It is a marvel of engineering, using a complex system of intricate gears and cogs to accurately tell the time of day, the positions of the sun and moon, and the phases of the moon.
The clock is a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering, and its design is an example of the intricate clockwork of the era. It consists of three main parts: an astronomical dial, an astronomical clock, and a calendar dial. The astronomical dial shows the position of the sun and moon, while the astronomical clock shows the time of day. The calendar dial displays various religious holidays, as well as the date, month, and year. The clock also has a large figure of a skeletal figure representing death that strikes the hour with a hammer.
The clock is a symbol of Prague's rich history and culture. Its intricate design and accuracy make it an important piece of Renaissance engineering and a symbol of the city's cultural heritage. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to marvel at its design and craftsmanship.
Its accuracy and complexity have made it a symbol of the city's history and culture, and a popular tourist attraction. Its unique design and intricate details make it a must-see for anyone visiting Prague.
The Astronomical Clock was already running more than 150 years before William Shakespeare was born.
The Functionality of the Magical Chronometer
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a functioning clock. The clock is regularly maintained to ensure that it remains operational. This includes daily windings and annual maintenance by a professional clockmaker. The clock is still functioning and is a testament to its quality and relevance to the city.
When the clock strikes the hour (from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.), the procession of the Twelve Apostles sets in motion.
If you are looking to get a better view of the Apostles' parade, we suggest you purchase a ticket to the Old Town Hall. From there, you can take in the sight of them from the chapel tower in the Old Town Square.
As the apostles' procession passed by, other figures around the clock began to move as well. The skeleton, holding an hourglass in its hands, reminded the Turk that his time on Earth was coming to a close, prompting him to shake his head in dismay. The Vain Man and the Miser reacted in a similar manner.
Solving the Secrets of Prague's Astronomical Clock
The clock features three main components. The lower clock face displays the time in Roman numerals, the middle clock face displays the zodiac signs, and the upper clock face displays the moon phases and the sun’s position in the sky.
The clock has four figures that appear at the top of the hour. The figure of Death strikes the bell, the figure of Vanity looks in a mirror, the figure of Greed holds a money bag, and the figure of the Turk shakes his head. The clock also features a procession of Apostles, who appear in the windows above the clock face.
To read the clock, first look at the lower clock face to read the time. Then, look at the middle clock face to see the current zodiac sign. Finally, look at the upper clock face to see the current moon phases and sun’s position in the sky.
The Figures on the Dial
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a popular tourist attraction, and many people are fascinated by the figures that adorn it. The figures represent important figures from Christian and Bohemian mythology.
The two main figures on the clock are the Twelve Apostles and a skeleton figure known as Death. The Apostles represent the twelve months of the year and are each identified by a banner on top of their heads. The skeleton figure, Death, is located at the very top of the clock and is a reminder of human mortality.
Below the Apostles are four other figures. The first is a Turk, who represents those who do not believe in Christianity. The second is a miser, who represents the evils of greed. The third is a vanity figure, who represents vanity and pride. Finally, the fourth figure is an astronomer, representing the importance of astronomical knowledge in the Middle Ages.
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a fascinating piece of art, and the figures that adorn it are a reminder of the importance of Christian and Bohemian mythology. They provide a glimpse into the past and help us understand the importance of religion and science in the Middle Ages.
Admission Fees and Ticket Prices
The Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square can be viewed for free, however, an admission fee is needed to enter the Old Town Hall and get a closer look at the figures of the apostles.
To visit the mechanical figures and learn more about the clockworks, you can purchase a special tour ticket. This costs 150 CZK per person and includes a guide to explain the history and technical aspects of the clock.
In addition to the admission fees, there are also costs associated with taking photographs or filming the clock. If you want to take photos, you will need to buy a photo ticket which costs 30 CZK. For filming, you will need to purchase a filming ticket for a fee of 500 CZK.
Overall, it is not too expensive to visit the astronomical clock in Prague. Depending on the type of ticket you purchase, the cost of admission can range from 50 to 800 CZK. It is well worth the cost, however, as the clock is a fascinating piece of history and a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.
More information and ticket purchase: Click here
Interesting facts about Astronomical Clock Prague
- The Astronomical Clock in Prague is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world that still remains in its original form.
- The clock is located on the wall of the Old Town City Hall and is comprised of three main parts: the astronomical dial, the Walk of the Apostles, and the calendar dial.
- The Astronomical Clock was built in 1410 and was designed by master clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and clockmaker Jan Šindel.
- Every hour from 8am to 8pm, a procession of 12 Apostles appears on the balcony above the clock.
- The Astronomical Clock was heavily damaged during the Thirty Years' War, but was faithfully restored in the late 17th century.
Site location: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov
GPS coordinates: 50.086922, 14.420791
Google Photos: Click here
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