The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the most famous and oldest astronomical clocks in the world. It is located in the Old Town Square of Prague, Czech Republic, and has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries. The clock itself is a masterpiece of engineering and design that has fascinated people for generations.
History of the Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410, but it wasn’t until 1490 that it was fully functional. The clock was designed by Mikulas of Kadan, a famous clockmaker, and Charles University professor Jan Sindel. Over the years, many modifications and enhancements have been made to the clock to make it the work of art that it is today.
The Design of the Prague Astronomical Clock
The clock consists of three main components: the astronomical dial, the calendar dial, and “The Walk of the Apostles.” The astronomical dial displays various astronomical information such as the position of the sun and moon in relation to each other and to the zodiac signs.
The calendar dial displays information about various holidays and saints’ days throughout the year. “The Walk of the Apostles” is a mechanical display that shows figures representing the twelve apostles moving across a balcony above the astronomical dial.
The Astronomical Dial
The astronomical dial is perhaps one of the most impressive features of the clock. It contains many different components that work together to display various types of information.
At its center is a golden disk representing Earth with depictions of various zodiac signs around it. Above this disk is a blue circle representing our sky with golden stars on it arranged according to their position in space.
Around this circle are two rings representing time: an outer ring with Roman numerals for standard timekeeping and an inner ring with Arabic numerals for Old Czech Time (a system used in the Czech Republic until the 19th century).
The Calendar Dial
The calendar dial is located below the astronomical dial. It displays various information about holidays and saints’ days throughout the year. The calendar dial is divided into two parts: an outer ring with depictions of various saints and an inner ring with the twelve zodiac signs.
The Walk of the Apostles
“The Walk of the Apostles” is a mechanical display that takes place every hour on a balcony located above the astronomical dial. Twelve apostle figures move across the balcony as a skeleton representing Death rings a bell. At the end of this display, a golden rooster crows.
How Does It Work?
The Prague Astronomical Clock is primarily powered by weights and gears. The weights provide power to move various components of the clock, while gears help to keep everything moving in sync.
The clock is also equipped with many different types of mechanisms such as escapements and foliots that help to regulate its movements and keep it accurate over time.
Conclusion
The Prague Astronomical Clock is a truly remarkable piece of engineering and design that has stood the test of time. Its intricate workings and beautiful designs have captivated people for centuries, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague. Whether you’re interested in astronomy, history, or just appreciate beautiful artistry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this amazing clock.