How Do You Tell Time on the Prague Astronomical Clock?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a visit to Prague and wondering how to tell time on the famous Astronomical Clock? Look no further, as we’ll guide you through the steps of reading this iconic timepiece.

The History of the Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Prague Orloj, was first installed in 1410. It is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world that is still operating. The clock has undergone several restorations and modifications over the years, but its original mechanism is still in use today.

The Components of the Astronomical Clock

The clock face is divided into four main parts:

  • The Outer Dial – This displays Babylonian time, Old Bohemian time, German time, and Central European time.
  • The Inner Dial – This shows the position of the sun and moon in relation to each other and their respective zodiac signs.
  • The Apostles – These are figures that appear on two small windows above the main clock face. Each hour, one apostle appears to bless the crowd below.
  • The Calendar – This is located at the bottom of the clock face and displays different months and seasons.

How to Tell Time on The Astronomical Clock

Now that we know about its history and components let’s take a look at how you can tell time on this clock:

Step 1: Identify which dial you want to use – whether it’s Babylonian time (24-hour), Old Bohemian time (hour-after-sunset), German time (12-hour), or Central European Time (standard 24-hour).

Step 2: Once you’ve identified your preferred dial, locate it on the outer edge of the clock face.

Step 3: Look for the golden hand that points to the numbers on the outer dial. This is the current hour in your preferred time zone.

Step 4: To figure out the minutes, look for the small black hand that rotates around the inner circle. The position of this hand in relation to the sun and moon will give you an approximate time in minutes.

Step 5: Finally, keep an eye on the apostle windows above the main clock face. Every hour, one of them will appear and bless the crowd below.

The Bottom Line

The Prague Astronomical Clock is not only a fascinating piece of history but also a functional timepiece. With its multiple dials and intricate design, it might take some practice to read it correctly. But once you get it, you’ll be able to tell time like a local and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!