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Uncover the legacy of the Astronomical Clock
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Prague Astronomical Clock highlights
The clock dial
The clock's astronomical dial is its most striking feature, displaying the Sun and Moon’s positions, stars, and zodiac signs. The zodiac ring showcases intricate depictions of the twelve signs, while golden spheres represent the Sun and Moon’s movement. Every hour, the clock delights visitors with animated figures, including the Twelve Apostles and Death, in a captivating display of motion and symbolism.
The calendar
At the bottom of the clock face lies the calendar dial, which displays the date, month, and the current phase of the Moon. The dial is adorned with detailed medallions featuring zodiac signs and various saints. It tracks the date around its circumference, marking annual events like each Saint’s Feast Day. Each month is represented by a zodiac sign, elegantly placed within a medallion.
Allegorical figures
The clock showcases allegorical figures symbolizing humanity's virtues and vices. Among them are a skeleton representing Death and an angel symbolizing purity. Other figures depict the vices of vanity, greed, and lust. Additionally, the ‘Walk of the Apostles’ features a procession of twelve apostles who appear in the windows above the astronomical dial every hour. As the clock strikes the hour, the figures move and nod their heads, while the figure of Death marks the time.
The viewpoint
You can choose between winding ramps or a modern elevator inside the tower. The ramps offer a leisurely ascent, allowing you to admire the tower’s interior, while the elevator provides a faster route to the top. Once there, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Prague, with landmarks like the Lady of Tyn church standing out, as the city unfolds before you like a vibrant, living tapestry.
The medieval interiors of Old Town Hall
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.
Exhibits on the clock’s history
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.
Who built the Prague Astronomical Clock?
Its story begins in the 15th century, when the master clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň teamed up with Jan Šindel, a distinguished professor of mathematics and astronomy, to bring this masterpiece to life. The clock’s intricate design merges Gothic and Renaissance elements, reflecting the cultural richness and artistic influences of the era.
In 1490, significant enhancements were made to the clock, with Master Hanuš adding a beautiful calendar plate. This intricate plate shows the day, month, year, and the positions of the Sun and Moon. At midnight, the calendar plate smoothly shifts to mark the beginning of the next day.
Frequently asked questions about the Prague Astronomical Clock
How can I get tickets to the Prague Astronomical Clock?
You can purchase Prague Astronomical Clock tickets online and save both time and money.
How to get to the Prague Astronomical Clock?
By car: The Astronomical Clock is located about 5km from the city center and can be reached in 10 minutes via the Masarykovo route.
By bus: Take a bus to Namesti Republiky station, 800m from the Astronomical Clock, and enjoy a 10-min walk to the activity location.
By train/metro: Take a train to Staromestska station, just 400m from the Astronomical Clock, and enjoy a 5-min walk to the activity location.
Is the Prague Astronomical Clock wheelchair accessible?
The area around the clock and parts of the Old Town Hall are wheelchair accessible, but the tower climb involves stairs, limiting accessibility for that section.
What other attractions can be found near the Prague Astronomical Clock?
Nearby attractions include the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square.
How accurate is the Prague astronomical clock?
The clock is typically accurate within one minute per day, though slight discrepancies occur due to variations in the length of days, months, and occasional leap years.