What Does the Prague Astronomical Clock Do?

By Robert Palmer

The Prague Astronomical Clock is an iconic landmark that has been standing tall for over 600 years in the Old Town Square of Prague. This clock is not just a timekeeping device but also has several functions that make it a fascinating piece of history.

The History of the Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410 and was designed by Mikuláš of Kadaň, a Czech clockmaker. Over the centuries, the clock has undergone several renovations, with the most recent one being in 2018. Despite these changes, the clock’s intricate design and functionality have remained largely unchanged.

What Does It Do?

The Prague Astronomical Clock does more than just tell time. It displays four main elements:

The Walk of the Apostles

Every hour, a small trap door opens, and twelve apostles appear from two windows above the astronomical dial. These apostles move around as if they were walking and are accompanied by other figures such as Death (represented by a skeleton) and Vanity (represented by a figure holding a mirror).

The Astronomical Dial

The astronomical dial is one of the most significant parts of the clock. It displays several astronomical details such as the position of the sun and moon in relation to various constellations.

The Calendar Dial

The calendar dial shows various details such as which zodiac sign is dominant during that particular day, which saints’ days are being celebrated, and many other important events happening during that year.

The Gothic Statues

The Gothic statues located on either side of the clock represent different themes such as Vanity or Greed.

  • Vanity: This statue represents vanity or narcissism. The figure holds a mirror and is surrounded by earthly pleasures such as gold and jewelry.
  • Greed: This statue represents greed or avarice.

    The figure holds a bag of coins and is surrounded by other symbols of wealth.

  • Death: This statue represents death or mortality. The figure is represented by a skeleton holding an hourglass with wings on its back.

Conclusion

The Prague Astronomical Clock is not just a timekeeping device but also a magnificent work of art that has stood the test of time. Its intricate design and functionality have fascinated people for centuries, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague. If you ever find yourself in Prague, be sure to visit this iconic piece of history.