In the heart of the Czech capital, at the Old Town Hall, is one of Prague’s most fascinating landmarks: the Astronomical Clock. This technical and artistic masterpiece, which has been telling the time for over 600 years, fascinates thousands of visitors every day.
History and legend
The Astronomical Clock dates back to 1410 and is one of the oldest working clocks of its kind in the world.
There is a fascinating legend surrounding its creation: The master clockmaker Hanus is said to have had his eyes gouged out after completing his work, so that he could not build a similar clock in any other city. In revenge, Hanus is said to have stuck his hand into the movement, causing the clock to stop and not be repaired for years.
Design and function
The Astronomical Clock is made up of several complex parts, each providing different information. The upper dial displays the astronomical data, while the lower dial acts as a calendar.
The astronomical dial
The heart of the watch is the dial. It shows not only the current time, but also the position of the sun and moon and the phases of the moon. The different rings on the dial represent different time systems, such as Old Czech Time, Babylonian Time and Sidereal Time.
The calendar
The lower dial serves as a perpetual calendar. It shows the current date, month and sign of the zodiac. It also lists the feast days of saints who play an important role in Czech culture.
The figures of the apostles and the hourly display
A special highlight of the Astronomical Clock is the hourly appearance of the twelve apostles. Every hour on the hour, between 9am and 9pm, two small windows open above the clockwork and the figures of the Apostles pass by.
This brief but impressive spectacle regularly attracts large crowds.
Technical masterpiece and restorations
The clock’s interior is as impressive as its exterior. The complex clockwork, which has been restored and modernised over the centuries, is a masterpiece of engineering. On a tour of the interior, you can even discover small LEDs on the axles that signal the correct functioning of the mechanism – a fascinating contrast between medieval mechanics and modern technology.
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is more than just a tourist attraction or a historical monument. Rather, it is a symbol of the tireless human spirit that strives to decipher and understand the mysteries of the universe.
In an age when digital watches and smartphones tell us the time down to the second, the Astronomical Clock is a reminder that time is more than just a number on a display. Find more Prague sights here!
