Why Is the Prague Clock Cursed?

By Robert Palmer

Why Is the Prague Clock Cursed?

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Among its many famous landmarks, the Prague Astronomical Clock stands out as a fascinating piece of medieval engineering. However, behind its beauty lies a dark legend that has intrigued locals and visitors alike for centuries.

The Legend

The story goes that the clockmaker who created the Prague Astronomical Clock in the 15th century was a genius craftsman named Hanuš. Legend has it that Hanuš was approached by city officials to construct a remarkable timepiece that would not only tell the time but also display astronomical information.

The Curse Begins

As Hanuš worked tirelessly on his masterpiece, envy and jealousy grew among his peers. They feared that his creation would forever outshine their own work and decided to take drastic measures to ensure their craft remained supreme.

The Sabotage

Intrigued by their plot, one of Hanuš’s apprentices betrayed him and revealed the details of his design to the jealous craftsmen. In an act of sabotage, they blinded Hanuš so that he could never recreate such a masterpiece again.

The Revenge

Despite being blinded, Hanuš sought revenge. He managed to climb up to the clock tower under cover of darkness and tampered with its inner workings. His curse would forever haunt those who tried to repair or alter his creation without permission.

The Curse Unleashed

Over the centuries, many have attempted to repair or modify the Prague Astronomical Clock without seeking permission from Hanuš. However, they soon discovered the curse’s wrath.

The Unfortunate Fate

Those who dared to meddle with the clock met with unfortunate fates. Some fell from the tower and perished, while others suffered from mysterious illnesses or accidents. The curse seemed to spare no one who disregarded Hanuš’s warning.

Maintaining the Clock

To this day, the clock is meticulously maintained and repaired by a select group of experts who understand the significance of seeking permission from Hanuš before making any changes. They follow strict procedures and rituals to ensure their safety and protect the clock from further curses.

A Marvelous Attraction

The Prague Astronomical Clock continues to captivate tourists from around the world. Its cursed history adds an air of mystery and intrigue, making it not just a remarkable engineering marvel but also a testament to the power of ancient legends that still hold sway over modern times.

Visitors are advised to admire its beauty from a distance, respecting both its historical significance and the legend that surrounds it.