Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj)
Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Prague audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Prague Prague guide
About Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj)
A 1410 astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall tower, the oldest still operating; its hourly parade of Apostles and allegorical figures draws crowds onto the square.
The Prague Astronomical Clock, or orloj, is mounted on the south wall of the Old Town Hall tower. Its oldest parts, the mechanical clock and the astronomical dial, date to 1410 and were built by the clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň to a design by Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. It is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation, and the third-oldest in the world.
The dial is a model of the medieval cosmos, tracking the Sun, Moon and zodiac. Four allegorical figures flank it, among them a bell-ringing skeleton representing Death. On each daytime hour the figures of the Twelve Apostles parade past two small windows, though these wooden figures were only added in the 1865 to 1866 renovation, along with Josef Mánes's painted calendar dial. The popular legend that a Master Hanuš built the clock and was then blinded is just that, a legend.
Did you know? The beloved tale that clockmaker Hanuš built the orloj and was blinded so he could never repeat it is pure legend; the real maker was Mikuláš of Kadaň, back in 1410.
How long should you spend at Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj)?
Plan about ~30 min at Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj) worth visiting?
Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj) is one of the 35 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Prague, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Prague
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Hear the story of Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj)
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