Brno Astronomical Clock
A unique, bullet-shaped monument commemorating a historic victory, famous for its daily marble release.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Marble release & apostle show
Brno Astronomical Clock
Best Time
Marble release & apostle show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique, bullet-shaped monument commemorating a historic victory, famous for its daily marble release.
"Quirky and controversial, it’s a unique twist on a classic tradition."
🎯 Arrive Early for the Marble
Be there before 11 AM to get a good spot for the marble release. :tickets:
📸 Photo Ops: Be Patient
Some visitors find it hard to get clear photos due to crowds. Patience is key! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Daily Marble Release
Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square)
Witness the daily spectacle at 11 AM as a glass marble is released. Catching it is a sought-after souvenir!
The 'Walk of the Apostles'
Clock face window
At the top of the hour, 12 apostles make a brief appearance, a nod to traditional astronomical clocks.
Unique Modern Sculpture
Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square)
Admire the controversial, bullet-shaped monument that commemorates Brno's victory against the Swedes.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Marble Drop
Understand the 'Clock's' Unique Design
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for the Marble
Be there before 11 AM to get a good spot for the marble release. :tickets:
📸 Photo Ops: Be Patient
Some visitors find it hard to get clear photos due to crowds. Patience is key! :camerawithflash:
🧐 Understand the History
Research its history to appreciate the unique design and commemoration.
⬆️ Consider Tower Views
Climb a nearby tower for spectacular panoramic views of Brno. :cityscape:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for the Marble
Be there before 11 AM to get a good spot for the marble release. :tickets:
📸 Photo Ops: Be Patient
Some visitors find it hard to get clear photos due to crowds. Patience is key! :camerawithflash:
🧐 Understand the History
Research its history to appreciate the unique design and commemoration.
⬆️ Consider Tower Views
Climb a nearby tower for spectacular panoramic views of Brno. :cityscape:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Brno Astronomical Clock to be a unique and quirky landmark, particularly enjoying the daily 11 AM marble release. While its abstract timekeeping and controversial design are noted, many appreciate it as a memorable piece of Brno's modern identity and a fun spectacle. Some find it challenging to photograph due to crowds.
"Interesting to see.resear hing it indicates ir is a sculpture commemoration 30 year war so it doesn't really tell time. It looks like the top part rotates every minute."
Peter K
"You really need a lot of imagination to figure out the time. 😆 But it's attractive and interesting. Read the signboards. At 11am. Every day a glass ball appears."
Тони Кк
"Some of the best things in life are free if you can wait. There is a little show in the hour. The 12 apostles rotate near the window. If you stand directly in front of of it you’ll get the best view. Try to go up the tower if you are there the views are spectacular."
Moses Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The clock is centrally located in Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), easily accessible by public transport or a short walk from most city center accommodations. Trams and buses frequently stop nearby.
Parking in the city center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated garages outside the immediate vicinity of the square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the clock and its daily marble release is free of charge.
The clock is a permanent outdoor monument and can be viewed at any time. The special events (marble release and apostle procession) occur daily at 11 AM and on the hour, respectively.
There is no admission fee to see the Brno Astronomical Clock. It's a public monument in the main square.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's more of a sculpture than a traditional clock. It commemorates a historical event, and its timekeeping is abstract. You might need to read the information boards to understand it. +1
On the hour, a small procession of 12 apostles appears through a window on the clock face, a feature reminiscent of older astronomical clocks.
The marble is released daily at 11 AM. Spectators can try to catch it from one of the four openings. It's a popular activity, so be prepared for a crowd. +1
It commemorates Brno's successful resistance against the Swedish siege during the Thirty Years' War in 1645.
Yes, its unique, phallus-like shape has earned it nicknames and sparked debate among locals and visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Náměstí Svobody and the surrounding streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, and pubs offering various cuisines.
Look for traditional Czech dishes like goulash, svíčková, or trdelník, and of course, enjoy some local Czech beer.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light. Be aware that crowds can make it difficult to get unobstructed shots, especially around 11 AM.
While the square itself is the main viewpoint, consider higher ground from nearby buildings or the Old Town Hall tower for a broader perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the clock's design might spark curiosity and questions, it's a great opportunity to discuss history and art in a playful way. The central location in Náměstí Svobody means plenty of space for kids to move around, and nearby cafes offer convenient breaks.
📸 Photographers
Capturing the marble release at 11 AM can be challenging due to crowds, but the energy of the moment can make for dynamic shots. Consider incorporating the surrounding architecture of Náměstí Svobody into your frame for a more comprehensive view of the square.
🧐 History Buffs
+1Understanding this historical context enriches the appreciation of the monument's design and its significance to the city. Researching the Thirty Years' War and Brno's role will provide deeper insights into why this unique 'clock' stands in the city's main square.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the 'Orloj'
+3Despite its name, the clock's timekeeping is abstract. It features a mechanism where a glass marble is released daily at 11 AM, a tradition that visitors eagerly anticipate. This 'marble drop' has become a signature event, with many hoping to catch a marble as a unique souvenir. Additionally, on the hour, a small procession of 12 apostles appears through a window, a nod to the historical astronomical clocks found in other European cities.
Its unconventional design has led to it being nicknamed the 'penis of Brno' by some locals, highlighting its polarizing nature. However, for many, it represents a quirky and memorable aspect of Brno's identity, blending history with contemporary art.
+1 Understanding its historical context and unique daily rituals enhances the visitor experience beyond just observing its unusual form. Experiencing the Daily Marble Drop
To increase your chances of catching a marble, arrive well before 11 AM to secure a good vantage point. The marble is released from one of the clock's openings, and the competition can be friendly but enthusiastic. Even if you don't catch one, witnessing the collective anticipation and the brief spectacle is an experience in itself.
Many visitors find the marble release to be a highlight of their visit to Brno, adding a playful and memorable element to exploring the city. It's a testament to how a simple, unique event can become a significant attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit