Astronomical Clock, Prague

Tower in Prague

Astronomical Clock Prague
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Davis Staedtler.

Since the 15th century, the Astronomical Clock on Prague’s Old Town Square has remained one of the city’s most beloved attractions. From 9 am to 9 pm, every hour on the hour, crowds gather to watch its enchanting mechanical display. The clock’s captivating performance and stunning craftsmanship—featuring a blend of astronomical, calendar, and symbolic dials—showcase the extraordinary ingenuity of its medieval creators.

The main dial represents the Earth at the center, surrounded by the heavens. One half signifies daylight, the other night, while an outer ring displays time in old Bohemian hours. The astronomical dial tracks the movement of the Sun and planets around the Earth, and another ring traces the zodiac signs with the positions of the Sun and Moon. A pointer on the calendar dial marks the current date, day of the week, and saint’s day—an important detail for people in the Middle Ages.

What truly draws visitors is the clock’s hourly show: tiny wooden figures, including Christ and the Twelve Apostles, appear in procession through small doors above the dial. Towering above them, four allegorical statues represent the medieval fears of Death, Greed, Vanity, and the “infidel” Turk. Below, stoic carvings of Philosophy, Religion, Astronomy, and History look on. As the display ends, a golden rooster flaps its wings and crows, followed by the chime of the hour.

Tip: For sweeping views over the city and Old Town Square, climb the clock tower or take the lift to the observation deck.

The Astronomical Clock, Prague appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!

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Visiting Astronomical Clock, Prague

Hours:

Winter (October —March) Daily: 9:00—19:00

Summer (April—September) Daily: 9:00—20:00

Price:

380.00 Kč

Address: Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia
Official Website
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