Dating back to 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is the world's oldest astronomical clock still in operation. Its survival through centuries of war, repairs, and changes makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Prague, especially the history buffs.
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Prague Castle
Prague Astronomical Clock Tower
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Astronomical Clock Tower
Dating back to 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is the world's oldest astronomical clock still in operation. Its survival through centuries of war, repairs, and changes makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Prague, especially the history buffs.
Best for: A quick, hassle-free access to the Astronomical Clock Tower
Duration: Flexible; spend as much or as little time as you like.
Recommended ticket:
Best for: Historical and cultural insights from expert guides.
Duration: 1.5-3 hours, depending on the tour option chosen.
Recommended tickets:
Best for: Maximizing your Prague experience by covering multiple attractions in a day.
Duration: 4-6 hours, depending on the combo.
Recommended tickets:
The astronomical dial is the heart of the clock, showcasing how art and science can work in perfect harmony. It tracks Central European, Babylonian, and Old Bohemian times while also displaying the movement of the sun, moon, and zodiac constellations. This medieval dial was a functional tool for tracking celestial events and agricultural cycles, making it a rare example of 15th-century ingenuity.
Created in 1866 by Czech artist Josef Mánes, the calendar plate sits below the astronomical dial. It features richly detailed medallions representing the months of the year through rural scenes, zodiac signs, and saintly feast days. The plate is a fascinating combination of practical use and artistic expression of medieval Bohemia.
Climb the clock tower to enjoy sweeping views of Prague's Old Town. From the top, you'll see the city's famous red rooftops, towering Gothic spires, and the vibrant Old Town Square below. It's a great vantage point to appreciate the city's architectural beauty, particularly at sunset or during the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
Step inside Old Town Hall to explore its medieval interiors, which include historic halls, a Gothic chapel, and access to the underground chambers that were used as prisons in medieval Prague. These spaces tell the story of Prague's political and cultural history, offering a deeper understanding of the city beyond the clock.
The Old Town Hall features interactive exhibits that explain the clock's history, engineering, and cultural significance. Learn about its creators, including Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, and the restoration efforts that have kept this medieval wonder operational for over 600 years.
General opening hours:
January - March: Monday: 11am - 7pm | Tuesday- Sunday: 10am - 7pm
April - December: Monday: 11am - 8pm | Tuesday- Sunday: 11am - 8pm
Best time to visit:
Address: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia
Getting there:
No, you can view the clock and its hourly show from Old Town Square for free. However, tickets are required to visit the clock tower inside the Old Town Hall to explore the clock's interior and climb the tower for panoramic views.
Tickets to the Old Town Hall, which includes access to the clock's interior and tower, start from .
If you're just viewing the hourly show, 15-30 minutes is sufficient. For a full experience, including the Old Town Hall interiors and tower climb, allocate 1-2 hours.
Yes, the Old Town Hall's Gothic chapel offers a behind-the-scenes view of the Apostles as they pass during the hourly show. This is accessible with a clock tower ticket.
Yes, it's best to buy Prague Astronomical Clock Tower tickets 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist season in Prague (June, July, and August) or holidays, to avoid long queues and secure your preferred time slot for tower access.
The area around the clock and some sections of the Old Town Hall are wheelchair accessible. However, the tower climb requires climbing stairs, and accessibility is limited for this part.
Prague Clock Tower tickets are often timed, especially during peak seasons, to manage visitor flow. Make sure to arrive at your scheduled time to avoid missing your entry. Open-entry tickets may be available during off-peak periods. There's no strict time limit so most visitors spend 1-2 hours on a Prague clock tower tour, exploring its interiors and clock mechanisms. Guided tours may have specific durations.
Astronomical Clock Tower guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, and French. Please check availability when booking.