The Prague Clock Curse is a mysterious legend that has been circulating for centuries. The story goes that anyone who attempts to repair the famous astronomical clock in the Old Town Square of Prague will suffer a terrible fate.
But what is the truth behind this curse? Let’s dive deeper into this spooky tale.
The Astronomical Clock
First, let’s talk about the clock itself. The Prague astronomical clock, also known as the Orloj, is a medieval masterpiece that was built in 1410. It features an intricate design with various dials and moving parts that display the time, phases of the moon, and positions of celestial bodies.
The Legend
According to legend, the clockmaker who built the Orloj was Hanuš (Jan) Dům. He was said to have been blinded by city councillors so that he could never build another clock as magnificent as the Orloj. In revenge, Hanuš allegedly damaged the clock so badly that no one could repair it for over a century.
Eventually, a young man named Jan Táborský stepped up to restore and repair the Orloj in 1865. But shortly after completing his work on the clock, he fell off a scaffolding and died.
Since then, several other people have attempted to repair or restore the Orloj but have met with misfortune or tragedy including accidents and death. Some even believe that those who have tried to alter or improve upon it are cursed forever.
The Truth
While there may be some truth to these tales of misfortune surrounding those who attempt to fix or modify this medieval timepiece, there isn’t any concrete evidence proving it’s cursed.
It’s possible that these stories were created as a way to discourage people from altering such a beloved historical monument without proper expertise and care.
Conclusion
The Prague Clock Curse is a fascinating legend that has captured the imaginations of people for generations. While there may not be any concrete evidence to support the curse, it’s important to respect and preserve historical monuments and landmarks like the Orloj with proper care and attention.
If you ever find yourself in Prague, be sure to visit the Old Town Square and marvel at the beauty of this magnificent clock, but perhaps leave any repairs or modifications to the experts.