PRAGUE ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, Old Town Square, Prague, (Czech Republic)

The Prague Astronomical Clock, or Pražský orloj in Czech, is one of the most iconic medieval timepieces in the world, located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square. Installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation. KEY HISTORICAL & TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS: CREATORS: The original mechanism was designed by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel. Later additions and restorations involved several prominent craftsmen. STRUCTURE: The clock consists of three main components: The ASTRONOMICAL DIAL – Displays the position of the Sun and Moon, Central European time, Old Bohemian time, and sidereal time. It reflects the medieval view of the universe. The CALENDAR DIAL– Added in the 1490s, it shows the months of the year with medallions representing the zodiac signs and rural life. The APOSTLES' PARADE – On the hour between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., figures of the 12 apostles appear in procession above the dial. ANIMATED FIGURES: Alongside the apostles, symbolic figures like Death (a skeleton), Vanity, Greed, and a Turk also move, adding to the theatrical experience. CULTURAL & TOURIST SIGNIFICANCE: The clock is not just a timekeeping device—it’s a masterpiece of Gothic and early Renaissance engineering, drawing millions of tourists annually. According to legend, the city would suffer great misfortune if the clock were ever neglected and stopped working. It has undergone several restorations, most recently in 2018, when the facade and mechanics were returned to their historical appearance. The Prague Astronomical Clock remains a symbol of Prague’s rich history and technical ingenuity, captivating visitors with its hourly show and intricate design.