Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the most famous and oldest clocks in the world. Situated in the heart of Prague, it is a masterpiece of medieval engineering and craftsmanship.
The clock has been operational for over 600 years and is still ticking today. It has become a symbol of the city and an iconic landmark for tourists from all over the world.
History
The Prague Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410, making it one of the oldest working clocks in the world. It was built by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel, who added astronomical features to the clock, including a calendar dial that shows the movement of celestial bodies.
Design
The clock consists of three main components: the astronomical dial, which displays time, position of celestial objects, and phases of the moon; “The Walk of The Apostles,” which shows figures representing each apostle moving past two windows; and a calendar dial with medallions representing each month.
Astronomical Dial
The astronomical dial is located on top of the clock and is divided into three parts. The innermost part displays Old Czech Time (a system that divides daylight into 12 hours) with Roman numerals around its edge. The middle part shows Babylonian time (a system based on hours after sunrise or sunset), while outermost part shows Central European Time (CET) with Arabic numerals.
The Walk Of The Apostles
Every hour from 9 am to 9 pm, figures representing each apostle move past two windows above the astronomical dial. When they finish their walk, a skeleton strikes a bell to signify death.
Calendar Dial
The calendar dial has medallions representing each month of the year along with zodiac signs and the phases of the moon. The position of the sun in the zodiac is also displayed, providing an indication of the time of year.
Significance
The Prague Astronomical Clock is not just a clock but also a cultural symbol of Prague. It has witnessed many historical events and has been restored several times over its 600-year history. During World War II, the Germans damaged parts of the clock, but it was later restored by Czech craftsmen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Prague Astronomical Clock is a remarkable piece of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity. It has become an iconic symbol of Prague and attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are ever in Prague, make sure to visit this remarkable clock and witness its beauty for yourself!
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