- Address: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic
- Working hours: daily, from 09:00 to 22:00
Feeling of a fairy tale, majestic architecture and a lot of other interesting and entertaining things promises tourists a visit to the Old Town Square . But its main highlight and landmark , famous not only for the whole of Prague , but also in the Czech Republic as a whole, are the Prague chimes, the ancient astronomical clock.
Brief historical digression
Prague astronomical clock, they are astronomical clock Orloj in Prague, are almost the oldest in its kind operating clock mechanism. The first mention of them was recorded in 1402, but due to improper care in the near future, a replacement was required. The mechanism that has survived to this day was made in 1410 by the watchmaker Mikulash from Kadani on the project of Jan Schindel, a mathematician and astronomer, known at that time.
The external design of the astronomical clock on the Old Town Square in Prague, as history shows, was taken over by the Czech sculptor Peter Parlerzh. Until the 18th century, the clock was diligently provided with proper care, but then came the period when the mechanism came to a critical state. It is difficult to imagine, but the most famous clock in Prague wanted to be removed from the tower and thrown away! This tragedy was avoided, and during the overhaul in 1865 all the defects of the Prague chimes were corrected. Significant damage and the Town Hall with the clock, and the Old Town Square in Prague received during the Second World War, on the wave of anti-Nazi uprising. Nevertheless, in 1948 everything was restored, and today the mechanism of ¾ consists of original details of that time.
The device of Prague Orloj
The astronomical clock in Prague tracks three hourly measurements: the Old Czech, the Middle European and the Star. With their help, you can also learn the zodiacal location of the Sun and the Moon. In addition, the Prague chimes include astronomical and calendar dials. In the period from 8 am to 8 pm every hour there are small performances in the medieval spirit.
Around the astronomical clock in Prague, there are several legends. Their invariable attributes are original amulets. In particular, we are talking about the typical figures for the Czech capital around the astronomical clock. For example, on the sides of the dial there are sculptures of two basilisks, and under the dome is a golden cock. Also in appearance, you can see the statues of the angel and the 12 apostles, designed to protect the astronomical clock in Prague from evil forces. These and other details of the design make the Prague chimes photo truly fabulous.
How to get to the Prague chimes?
If you are wondering where the most famous clock in Prague is, the answer will not take long. Their mechanism is part of the tower of the Old Town Hall, located in the historic part of the city. You can get here both by bus No. 194 and by trams Nos. 2, 17, 18, 93. In addition, there is a metro station along the A line nearby. The stops of all these modes of transport bear the same name - Staroměstská.