Astronomical Clock Prague
World's oldest operating astronomical clock, a medieval marvel showcasing celestial movements and hourly animated shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the brief show
Astronomical Clock Prague
Best Time
Catch the brief show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's oldest operating astronomical clock, a medieval marvel showcasing celestial movements and hourly animated shows.
"The Prague Astronomical Clock is a beautiful medieval wonder, a must-see for its history and intricate design."
🎯 Arrive Early for a Spot
The hourly show is short and popular. Get there a few minutes before the hour to secure a good view.
⏳ The Show is Brief!
Don't expect a long performance; it lasts only a minute or two.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hourly Show
Witness the procession of the Apostles and the animated figures. It's a brief but captivating medieval spectacle.
Intricate Astronomical Dials
Marvel at the detailed dials showing the sun, moon, zodiac, and other celestial movements. A true feat of medieval engineering.
The Apostles' Procession
See the figures of the Twelve Apostles emerge from the clock's windows during the hourly performance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Show
Beyond the Hourly Spectacle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for a Spot
The hourly show is short and popular. Get there a few minutes before the hour to secure a good view.
⏳ The Show is Brief!
Don't expect a long performance; it lasts only a minute or two.
🧐 Look for Hidden Meanings
Explore the clock's symbolism beyond the hourly show. It's rich with history and astronomical knowledge.
📸 Best Photo Angles
Experiment with different angles to capture the clock's grandeur, especially during off-peak hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for a Spot
The hourly show is short and popular. Get there a few minutes before the hour to secure a good view.
⏳ The Show is Brief!
Don't expect a long performance; it lasts only a minute or two.
🧐 Look for Hidden Meanings
Explore the clock's symbolism beyond the hourly show. It's rich with history and astronomical knowledge.
📸 Best Photo Angles
Experiment with different angles to capture the clock's grandeur, especially during off-peak hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Prague Astronomical Clock's historical significance and intricate design, calling it a beautiful medieval wonder. The hourly show, though brief, is a highlight for many. However, some find the show too short and the crowds overwhelming, suggesting that the clock's true value lies in its detailed craftsmanship and historical context rather than just the spectacle. +1
"One of the nicest attractions in the city with its beautiful design and architecture.
The Astronomical Clock is located on the tower of the old National Bank of Georgia building on Europe Square.
Installed in the early 2010s, the design was inspired by historic astronomical clocks in European cities such as Prague and Venice, blending science, art, and engineering."
Abdulrahman Qazzaz
"A great place to visit
Close to the area with a lot of sights and nice atmosphere
Beautiful architecture"
Maria Georgieva
"Astronomical clock tower is located in old Batumi, near Europe Square.
The building was National bank of Georgia, but I'm not sure if it still possess to the bank.
The clock has special devices for showing us not only real time but also position of the planets like sun and moon and zodiac constelations. It also shows the meridian, the horizon, sunrise and sunset according to the sun motion, the age of the moon and the actual motion of the moon around the earth.
Astronomical Clock was created in Germany."
Mariam Meskhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Astronomical Clock is located in the heart of Prague's Old Town Square. You can easily reach it by public transport, with several tram stops nearby (e.g., Staroměstská). Many visitors also walk from other central Prague attractions. +1
Yes, it's very easy to find! It's the centerpiece of the Old Town Square, a major landmark that's hard to miss. Just follow the crowds!
Prague has an excellent public transport system (trams and metro). Walking is also a great way to explore the Old Town and discover hidden gems on your way to the clock.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Astronomical Clock from the outside and watching the hourly show is free. If you wish to climb the Old Town Hall Tower for panoramic views, you will need a ticket.
The clock itself operates 24/7, but the animated show with the procession of the Apostles occurs every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM daily.
The clock itself is a public monument and viewing it from the square is free. Tickets are only required if you want to ascend the Old Town Hall Tower for views.
You can't go inside the clock mechanism itself, but you can climb the adjacent Old Town Hall Tower for incredible views of the clock and the Old Town Square.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Every hour, the clock comes alive with animated figures. The Twelve Apostles parade past the windows, and Death rings a bell. It's a brief, mechanical marvel.
The show is quite short, typically lasting only about a minute or two. It's a quick but memorable experience.
Installed in 1410, it's the world's oldest operating astronomical clock. It's a complex piece of medieval engineering that displays astronomical information.
The clock has three main parts: the astronomical dial showing celestial positions, the 'Walk of the Apostles' with figures of the Apostles, and a calendar dial.
Yes, it's one of Prague's most popular attractions, so expect crowds, especially during the hourly show. Arriving a few minutes early helps.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late evenings offer fewer crowds and softer light. Golden hour before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting.
No, you can freely take photos and videos of the clock from the Old Town Square.
Try shooting from slightly off-center in the square to capture the clock and some of the surrounding architecture. Consider a wide-angle lens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the show is brief, it's a memorable part of visiting Old Town Square. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as the square can get busy, and it's a good idea to arrive a bit early to find a comfortable spot for everyone. Beyond the clock itself, Old Town Square offers plenty of space for kids to move around, street performers, and beautiful architecture to admire. Climbing the Old Town Hall Tower (with a ticket) can also be an adventure for older children, offering fantastic views of the city.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different focal lengths. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire clock face and its context within the square, while a telephoto lens can help isolate details like the moving figures or the astronomical dials.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of Medieval Engineering
Its complexity is astounding, featuring multiple dials that track not only the time but also the position of the sun and moon, zodiacal constellations, and even the phases of the moon. The clock's intricate mechanisms were designed to reflect the geocentric model of the universe, a prevailing view at the time. Beyond its astronomical functions, the clock is famous for its hourly spectacle. Every hour, from 9 AM to 11 PM, the figures of the Twelve Apostles parade past the windows, accompanied by the ringing of a bell by a figure representing Death.
This hourly performance has captivated onlookers for centuries, making it a must-see attraction. Some theories even suggest hidden meanings and ancient knowledge embedded within its design, hinting at a deeper understanding of the cosmos by its creators. While the clock has undergone numerous repairs and restorations over its 600-year history, its core functionality and historical significance remain intact.
It's a living piece of history that continues to fascinate visitors from around the globe, offering a glimpse into the scientific and artistic achievements of the late Middle Ages. Understanding the Astronomical Dials
This part of the clock is a sophisticated representation of the celestial sphere as understood in the 15th century. Look closely, and you'll also see the calendar dial, added later, which depicts the months of the year with allegorical scenes.
Some interpretations suggest that the clock's design, particularly its celestial maps, may hold deeper, esoteric meanings or even reflect ancient cosmologies that differ from modern understanding.
These theories add an extra layer of intrigue to an already remarkable historical artifact.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit