Astronomical Clock, Prague

The Astronomical Clock in Prague, a medieval marvel, is an iconic landmark located in the heart of the Czech Republic's capital. Affixed to the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square, this tower is not just a testament to the advancement of medieval astronomy but also a focal point of civic pride.

Constructed in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, the Prague Astronomical Clock, or Prague Orloj, is one of the oldest clocks of its kind still operating. The clock is renowned for its complex mechanical spectacle and its astrolabe dial, which, apart from telling time, depicts the position of the sun and moon in the sky, and includes a calendar dial to mark the days of the year.

At the top of every hour, a crowd of tourists and locals alike gather to witness "The Walk of the Apostles," an enchanting mechanical performance where figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures, including a skeleton representing Death, parade in procession.

The clock's 70-meter-tall tower also offers an observation deck, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views of Prague's picturesque red rooftops and the spires that give the city its fairy-tale ambiance. The climb up the tower is rewarded not only with the scenic outlook but also with a closer look at the clock's intricate details from an elevated vantage point.

The Prague Astronomical Clock is steeped in history and legend. One such legend suggests that the city will suffer if the clock is neglected, a tale that reflects the clock's significance to Prague's residents throughout the centuries.