Dating back to the 15th century, the Prague Astronomical Clock is a popular time piece and a tourist attraction in Prague, Czech Republic. This is an old clock dating back to the 15th century and is known for its intricate craftsmanship. The clock comes with an hourly show where the clock chimes every hour. This attraction continues to amaze tourists as an icon of the city, thanks to the historical and artistic brilliance invested to create this clock. The clock’s design features a design with the 12 apostles of Christianity The clock was placed in 1410 and comes with a calendar and astronomical desk which are worth looking at when in Prague. The clock is also locally known as Orloj and displays time in the 24 hours format. It also takes pride in being one of the oldest functioning clocks in the world, so when in Prague, do not miss out on this attraction.
Discover the allure of the Prague Astronomical Clock, an ancient marvel in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic. Dating back to the 15th century, this iconic timepiece stands as a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance.
Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and celestial movements as the clock's animated figures come to life, including the Twelve Apostles. Witness the hourly show that captivates visitors with its precision and historical significance.
A visit to the Prague Astronomical Clock offers a journey through time, where art, science, and history unite to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring Prague's historical gems or seeking the city's authentic charm, the Astronomical Clock is a must-see attraction that embodies the essence of Prague's captivating allure.
Highlights
• Watch the hourly presentation of the clock, especially for the figurines that come outside the tower every one hour.
• Opt for a guided tour to know more about the history of the clock and its artworks.
• Visit the Old Town and immerse yourself in the old world charm by checking out the structures in the old town.
• Visit the Strahov Library and marvel and the architecture and the number of books in the two halls.
• Stroll on the Charles Bridge and learn about its cultural significance.
How To Reach
- By Car: The Astronomical Clock is almost 5 kms from the city centre, it will take 10 min via the Masarykovo route.
- By Bus: Take a bus to Namaste Republiky station which is 800 metres away from the Astronomical clock. You can reach the activity location from the bus station with a 10-minute walk
- By Train/ metro: Take a train to Staromestska station which is 400 metres away from the astronomical clock. You can reach the activity location from the train station with a 5-minute walk.
Best Time To Visit
The astronomical clock is a year round attraction, so you can plan a visit to the clock at any time of the year.
- Spring is the best season to plan your visit to the Astronomical clock as this is the time when days are longer and there are less tourists.
- Weekdays are the best days to plan your visit as there will be less crowds in the city at that time.
- Plan your visit to the Astronomical Clock in the morning as you can not only check out the clock, but also the nearby attractions.
Other Essential Information
Visitor tips
- You might have to walk a lot when exploring the astronomical tower and its premises, so choose your footwear accordingly.
- Prague has an excellent public transportation system, so you can buy the ticket either at the visitor centre or at the machines at the terminals.
- Get a Prague City Pass to get discounts on popular attractions in the city and it is definitely worth the investment.
- Learn the local language, particularly basic phrases, even if the locals in the city are well versed in English.
- Be aware of the exchange rates as many money exchangers offer deals with hidden costs.
Watch the Walk of Apostles
Every one hour from 9 AM to 9 PM, the clock opens 2 doors to reveal the Walk of Apostles. The windows open to show 12 apostles moving, along with setting the surrounding sculptures of the clock in motion. When looked closely, you will notice that the figures carry a sand clock and it signifies death, followed by another figurine holding a mirror showcasing vanity. In the Walk of Apostles, don’t forget to notice the figurines like astronomer, philosopher and chronicler. If you are opting for a guided tour, you will know more about how the original figures were damaged by the Germans when the Second World WAr broke out.
Visit the Charles Bridge
This is a bridge that connects the old town and the small town. This bridge also takes pride in being the oldest stone bridge in the city and also takes pride in being a part of the World Heritage List. The Charles Bridge is a Gothic stone bridge and is 516 metres long. While visiting the bridge, you can check out the different types of sculptures, including that of St John. The locals believe that he is the local guardian of the bridge and was thrown into the river when he offended the King.
Visit the Strahov Library
This is the largest library in the Czech Republic and has a collection of over 20000 books. It was built in the late 179s and comes with a lot of murals on the dome. This library is a part of the Strahov Monastery and comes with a lot of frescoes worth looking at. The library is divided into Philosophy Room and the Theological Room, so once you enter the library, you will notice paintings from the 18th century that are not only visually appealing but also delicate, showcasing the strong artistic fervour of the city.
Visit Old Town Square
Known to be over 900 years old, the Old Town Square is located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. It is in the heart of the city and comes with different styles of buildings, ranging from Gothic to Baroque. Prominent structures in the Old Town include the Tien Church and the St Nicholas Church. The astronomical clock is located on the outer wall of the city which you can visit after a short walk.
