Astronomical Clock

Astronomical Clock - it is a clock with a history line. It has many astronomical features and entertains every tourist who comes to visit Prague. You can see the Apostles‚ playing their roles‘ at the chime of every hour.

The Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj (Czech: Pražský orloj) is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague. The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square and is a popular tourist attraction.

The Town Hall got its first tower clock in the 15th century. The clockwork was transformed by clock master Hanus in 1490 - the legends say the clock was so beautiful that the senators of the town made the eyes of the master put out with the goal making him not to be able to make such a masterpiece for others.

The Orloj stopped working many times in the centuries after 1552, and was repaired many times. In the 17th century moving statues were added, and figures of the Apostles were added after major repair in 1865-1866.

The Orloj suffered heavy damage on May 7 and especially May 8, 1945, during the Prague Uprising. The machinery was repaired, the wooden Apostles restored and the Orloj started working again in 1948, but only after significant effort.

The Orloj is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. The Clock Tower is also decorated with exquisite coats of arms and different royal symbols. There is also a rooster that crows after the Apostles have finished their blessing.

Topmost is the puppet play which is considered the peak of the spectacle, attracting crowds of spectators when at every round o'clock a bell rings.