Why Is the Prague Clock Curse?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever heard of the Prague Clock, also known as the Prague Orloj? It’s a stunning astronomical clock located in the heart of Prague that has been attracting tourists for centuries. However, there is a dark legend surrounding this beautiful clock that has been passed down through generations.

Legend has it that the clockmaker who created the Prague Clock was blinded by the city council so that he could never duplicate his masterpiece. The clockmaker, angry and vengeful, cursed the clock to bring misfortune and death upon anyone who tried to repair or alter it.

Whether you believe in curses or not, there have been several instances where tragedies have occurred while attempting to fix the Prague Clock. In 1945, during World War II, a bomb hit the Old Town Square where the clock was located and destroyed most of its components.

When reconstruction began in 1948, one of the restorers fell from the scaffolding and died instantly. Another restorer died shortly after from a heart attack.

Even more recently, in 2018, a group of workers were performing routine maintenance on the clock when part of it collapsed. Miraculously, no one was injured or killed in this incident.

The curse of the Prague Clock is not just limited to those who work on it. Legend says that if anyone speaks ill or disrespectfully about the clock, they will suffer misfortune soon after. Some locals even refuse to walk by it at night for fear of angering its cursed spirit.

Despite all these stories and superstitions surrounding it, visitors still flock to see this magnificent piece of history in person. The Prague Clock remains an impressive feat of engineering and artistry that continues to fascinate people from all over the world.

So next time you’re in Prague and happen upon this ancient timepiece, be sure to show it some respect and maybe even give it a nod for good luck – just in case that curse is real.