Prague

Discovering the Prague Astronomical Clock

If you are in Prague and go to the Old Town Square, you will not be able to stop admiring the most famous medieval clock in the world, the Astronomical Clock that is located on the facade of the Prague City Hall.

It is undoubtedly one of the great attractions of the city of Prague and dates from the year 1490.

The show takes place every hour on the hour and hundreds of tourists gather there to admire this prodigious clock.

Description of the Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague - Old Town Square - Astronomical ClockThe Prague Astronomical Clock was built by Hanus.

Legend has it that the councilors of Prague left Hanus blind so that he could not repeat this work, although of course it is something not verified.

The wonderful clock that he built is made up of three parts.

In the upper part of the clock we can find two small windows that open every hour on the hour so that the 12 wooden apostles parade before the curious who gather in the square.

In the center is a rooster that sings at the end of the parade. In addition to these 12 animated figures we can find another 4 that represent Greed, Vanity, the Turk and Death, the latter in the form of a skeleton.

Prague - Astronomical Clock - DialIn the central part of the clock we find the astronomical quadrant, the oldest part of it.

This quadrant is the one that tells us not only 24 hours a day but also the positions of the moon and the sun in the sky.

It also offers other astronomical information but understanding it is quite complicated for those who do not understand.

As a curiosity, note that the Earth is in the center and the Sun revolves around it as was believed at that time.

In the lower part we have the calendar representing each month of the year and indicating the current day, the religious festival celebrated on that day and the sign of the zodiac. Next to it are four allegorical figures representing an angel, a philosopher, an orator and an astronomer.

Visit the Prague Astronomical Clock and climb the tower

Prague - Old Town Square - Tyn ChurchAdmiring the clock from the street at every hour will leave you speechless

But much more if you go up to the ins and outs of it to learn how it works. You can even do it when the apostles parade.

But the best thing about climbing the tower is reaching the top and admiring the views of Old Town Square and the rest of Prague from above.

Without a doubt, an essential visit and in which you will not want to go back down. The ascent is done by elevator except for a few last stairs so you will not have any problem to get there.

Practical Information of the Astronomical Clock

  • How to get
    • Metro, Staromestska (Line A).
    • Tram, Krizovnicke namesti (lines 17 and 18).
  • Hours Clock
    • Every hour sharp between 9am and 11pm.
  • Tower Hours
    • Monday, 11am-10pm.
    • Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-10pm.
  • Tower Price
    • General, 250 CZK.
    • Under 16 years, students and over 65 years, 150 CZK.
    • Children under 6 years old, disabled and over 75 years old, 50 CZK.
    • Children under 3 years, free.
  • You can find more information on the official page.

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