Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj): Facts, Legends, Location & Video

If you visit Prague, the magnificent ancient city in the heart of Europe, there are many places you simply must not miss during your sightseeing. The famous Astronomical Clock (in Czech called “Orloj”) in Old Town Square is definitely at the top of the “must see” list.

1. The Legend Of Prague’s Old Town Astronomical Clock

This historical technical miracle was created in the 15th century, and its origin is surrounded by legends. According to the legend, it was built by Master Hanuš in 1410 and the city councilors in an effort to maintain the uniqueness of this wondrous machine, had him blinded so that he could not create anything similar ever again. Master Hanuš then allegedly broke the mechanism in revenge and it took a long time to make it work again.

Prague Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square
Prague Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square

Whether the legend is true or not doesn’t change anything about the significance of the Old Town Astronomical Clock and its unquestionable beauty. For over six centuries, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world have visited the Clock every year and patiently waited at the Old Town Square for the show to start.

Recommended Guided Tours for Astronomical Clock

2. The Ultimate Show Every Hour

Every hour during the day the Astronomical Clock goes into action. Two windows open up to reveal twelve “traveling” apostles. On the sides of the clock, a skeleton is ringing a bell, a Turk is shaking his head, and a miser is offering his purse full of money to Death in a bid to pay his way out of dying. The show ends with a golden rooster crowing and the huge bell at the top of the magnificent tower ringing.

Detail of the Prague Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square
Detail of the Prague Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square

The Astronomical Clock, richly decorated by the best artists of the 15th century and working flawlessly for centuries, not only shows the date and time (Central European, Babylonian and Sidereal), but also tracks the position of the Sun and the Moon in the sky and displays various astronomical details.

We can try to describe the Prague´s Old Town Astronomical Clock as much we can, but we will never be able to capture all its charms with words. You need to experience this unforgettable spectacle to get the real grasp of the echo of history it offers…

3. Location, Map, Opening Hours, Tickets & Entrance Fee

You can visit the Astronomical Clock anytime at the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) 1, Prague 1. It is near Staroměstská metro station. There is no entrance fee to pay.

4. Virtual Tour, Video and Live Stream (Webcam) of Prague Astronomical Clock

You can take a virtual tour of the Prague Astronomical Clock at http://www.360globe.net/prague/old-town/prague-astronomical-clock/view-from-above.html. But even more interesting could be the virtual tour of the inside of the clock mechanism at http://www.360globe.net/prague/old-town/prague-astronomical-clock/main-machine.html.

Virtual Tour of Prague Astronomical Clock Mechanism
Virtual Tour of Prague Astronomical Clock Mechanism

In the video below you can see the ultimate mapping show for the 600th anniversary

There is also an online live stream of the clock at http://www.earthcam.com/czechrepublic/prague/?cam=grandhotel_str. Unfortunately, the quality is quite low but at least you can gain an idea about the atmosphere of the place.

Honest Tips For Your Prague Stay

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