What Is the Name of the Famous Clock in Prague?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a visit to Prague? You might have heard about the famous clock in the city.

But do you know its name? Let’s dive into the history and details of this stunning landmark.

The Astronomical Clock in Prague

The famous clock in Prague is called the Astronomical Clock, also known as Orloj. It is located in the Old Town Square and is one of the oldest and most beautiful astronomical clocks in the world.

The clock was first installed in 1410, making it more than 600 years old! It has been renovated several times over the centuries to keep it functioning correctly.

The Design of the Astronomical Clock

The clock has two main parts – an astronomical dial and a calendar dial. The astronomical dial shows the position of the sun and moon, as well as other celestial information such as zodiac signs. The calendar dial shows various saints’ days, seasons, and other important dates.

The design of the clock includes several elements that are worth mentioning. For example, there are four figures on each side of the clock that represent four things that were despised at that time – vanity, greed, death, and pleasure. These figures start moving when the clock strikes every hour.

The Performance of Astronomical Clock

Apart from its stunning design, what makes this clock so unique is its performance that takes place every hour on the hour between 9 am and 11 pm. During this time, various figures on both sides of the clock come to life and start moving.

One of these figures is a skeleton that rings a bell while holding an hourglass representing death’s presence. Another figure represents vanity by admiring itself in a small mirror. Others include representations of greed and pleasure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you ever find yourself in Prague, make sure to visit the Old Town Square and witness the fascinating performance of the Astronomical Clock. It is a beautiful example of human creativity and engineering that has stood the test of time for more than 600 years.