The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock located in the Old Town Square of Prague, Czech Republic. It is one of the oldest and most famous astronomical clocks in the world.
History of the Prague Astronomical Clock
The exact origins of the Prague Astronomical Clock are shrouded in mystery, and there is some debate about who invented it. The clock was first installed on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in 1410, making it over 600 years old.
Possible Inventors
While there is no concrete evidence about who exactly invented the clock, it is widely believed that it was designed by two main individuals: Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel.
- Mikuláš of Kadaň: Mikuláš was a renowned clockmaker from Kadaň, a town in present-day Czech Republic. He was known for his expertise in creating complex mechanical devices.
Some historical records suggest that he designed and constructed the Orloj.
- Jan Šindel: Jan Šindel was an astronomer and professor at Charles University in Prague. He had a deep interest in astronomy and horology. Some sources credit him with designing the astronomical dial on the clock face.
The Master Clockmaker
Another key figure associated with the construction of the Prague Astronomical Clock is Master Hanuš. According to legend, he was a brilliant clockmaker who built this masterpiece with extraordinary precision.
The Legend:
It is said that Master Hanuš was commissioned to build the clock by the Prague City Council. However, fearing that Hanuš might create another masterpiece elsewhere, they blinded him to prevent him from replicating his work. In revenge, Hanuš damaged the clock, and its mechanism was lost for many years until it was restored in the 19th century.
The Functionality of the Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock is a marvel of medieval engineering and astronomy. It consists of three main components:
- Astronomical Dial: This dial represents various astronomical phenomena, such as the position of the sun and moon in the sky, zodiac signs, and other celestial events.
- The Walk of the Apostles: Every hour between 9 am and 9 pm, a procession of figurines representing the Twelve Apostles appears through two small windows located above the astronomical dial.
Below the astronomical dial is a calendar with medallions representing each month. The calendar also displays important Christian holidays.
Conclusion
While the true inventor of the Prague Astronomical Clock remains a mystery, it continues to captivate visitors with its intricate design and functionality. Whether it was Mikuláš of Kadaň or Jan Šindel or both who created this masterpiece, their contributions have left an indelible mark on human ingenuity and artistic expression.