
Navigating The Astronomical Clock : Answers to common questions
- Washrooms: Public restrooms are available in the vicinity but may require a small fee.
- Hours of Operation: The clock can be viewed at any time, but the hourly show is a must-see.
- Important Information: Check the clock's schedule if you're interested in seeing the moving figures when the clock strikes the hour.
- Admission Fee: No admission fee to view the clock.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend a few minutes to half an hour watching the clock and exploring the surrounding area.
- Parking: Located in a pedestrian zone, nearby parking is limited; public transportation is recommended.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, the clock's hourly show is a brief but fascinating experience for families.
- Photography: Photography is a popular activity here, with the clock being a significant historical and artistic attraction.
- WIFI: Public WIFI may be available from surrounding businesses.
- Picnic Area: No picnic areas are directly available at the square, but nearby parks offer spots for outdoor eating.
- Handicap Accessible: The area around the clock is accessible, though it can become crowded, especially during show times.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in the public square but may be best kept at a distance during crowded times.
- Guided Tours: No guided tours specifically for the clock, but it's often included in Old Town walking tours.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Numerous dining options surround the area, ranging from quick snacks to fine dining.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops and vendors in the vicinity sell themed souvenirs and local crafts.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
Winding through the cobbled streets of Prague, among the gothic architectures that define the city, one can't help but be drawn to the medieval charm of the Old Town Square. Here stands a marvel that has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries - the Astronomical Clock, or Pražský orloj, as it is known locally. Mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall, this clock is not merely a timekeeper but a masterpiece that encapsulates the brilliance of medieval astronomy, art, and engineering.
Constructed in 1410, the Astronomical Clock is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still operating, making it a monumental testament to the ingenuity of its creators. The clock's face is a mesmerizing assembly of moving components. At its heart, the astronomical dial portrays the position of the sun and the moon in the sky, surrounded by intricately painted zodiac signs, showcasing an ancient view of the universe. The allure of the clock is not just in its functionality but in its capacity to blend science, art, and mythology seamlessly.
Every hour, a small crowd gathers beneath the clock, their necks craned upwards in anticipation of the "Walk of the Apostles," a charming procession of figures that emerge from the small windows above the dial. This spectacle, although a later addition in the 17th century, breathes life into the clock, drawing in both the young and the old with its captivating mechanical performance. The figures of the Apostles, along with representations of Greed, Vanity, Death, and Lust, parade in a circle, symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of human fate.
The Astronomical Clock is not just a stunning artifact; it is a bridge that connects the past to the present. The marvel of its mechanics and the beauty of its artistry continue to fascinate scholars and tourists alike. The clock has survived through centuries of history - wars, occupations, and restorations - each leaving their mark but never diminishing its grandeur. Its resilience and continuity make it a symbol of Prague's rich history and cultural heritage.
Visiting the Astronomical Clock offers more than just an opportunity to witness a historic timepiece. It is an immersive experience that allows one to step back in time and marvel at the medieval understanding of the cosmos. It serves as a reminder of humanity's perpetual quest for knowledge and the enduring beauty of our attempts to make sense of the universe. As the clock continues to tick, echoing through the Old Town Square, it inspires wonder and admiration, cementing its place as a timeless jewel in the heart of Prague.
Did You Know These Facts About The Astronomical Clock ?
The clock displays not just The time, but also The position of The sun and moon, The zodiacal ring, and oTher astronomical details. It's a masterpiece of medieval engineering.
Every hour, hundreds of tourists gaTher in front of The Prague Astronomical Clock to watch The "Walk of The Apostles," a moving sculpture display where figures of The Apostles and oTher characters appear in The two windows above The clock.
The Prague Astronomical Clock, located in The Old Town Square of Prague, is over 600 years old. It was first installed in 1410, making it The third-oldest astronomical clock in The world and The oldest one still operating.
There's a legend associated with The clock that says The city will suffer if The clock is neglected and its operation is allowed to stop. It adds a mystical aura to The clock's historical and astronomical significance.
During World War II, The Prague Astronomical Clock was severely damaged during The Prague Uprising, and it took three years to repair it. The clock has undergone several restorations to preserve its historical and functional integrity.
Currency Exchange Rates for Czech Republic1 CZK = 0.0399 € EUR
1 CZK = 0.0419 $ USD
1 CZK = 0.0594 $ CAD
1 CZK = 0.0333 £ GBP
1 CZK = 6.3795 ¥ JPY
1 CZK = 0.0377 ₣ CHF
1 CZK = 0.3039 元CNY
1 CZK = 0.3255 圓 HKD
1 CZK = 0.066 $ AUD
1 CZK = 0.0733 $ NZD
1 CZK = 0.0419 $ USD
1 CZK = 0.0594 $ CAD
1 CZK = 0.0333 £ GBP
1 CZK = 6.3795 ¥ JPY
1 CZK = 0.0377 ₣ CHF
1 CZK = 0.3039 元CNY
1 CZK = 0.3255 圓 HKD
1 CZK = 0.066 $ AUD
1 CZK = 0.0733 $ NZD
NOTE: Exchange rates are an average currency exchange rate from several sources. These rates are not buy or sell rates which will depend on when and where you buy or sell currency.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Astronomical Clock
Address:
Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czechia
Telephone: +420 224 221 366
Official Website: www.prague.eu/en/object/places/93/astronomical-clock-staromestska-radnice-prazska-historicka-vez
Latitude: 50.0855
Longitude: 14.4192
Map for The Astronomical Clock
Prague Current Weather
Local Temp: -2.8℃ / 27℉
High: -1.9℃ / 28.6℉
Low: -4℃ / 24.8℉
Humidity: 87 %
More Places and Things To Do in Prague Within 25 kilometers/15 miles of The Astronomical Clock
Old Town Square

The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to Old Town Square is 0.3 Kilometers / 0.2 Miles
The Lennon Wall

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The Charles Bridge

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The National Theatre

The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to The National Theatre is 0.7 Kilometers / 0.4 Miles
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The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to Visit the Prague Loreto is 0.9 Kilometers / 0.6 Miles
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The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to St. Vitus Cathedral is 1.5 Kilometers / 0.9 Miles
Discover the Franz Kafka Monument

The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to Discover the Franz Kafka Monument is 1.6 Kilometers / 1 Miles
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The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to The Dancing House is 1.7 Kilometers / 1 Miles
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The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to The Petřín Lookout Tower is 1.7 Kilometers / 1.1 Miles
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The Distance from The Astronomical Clock to The Vyšehrad Castle is 2.4 Kilometers / 1.5 Miles