Astronomical Clock

Prague’s Astronomical Clock (Orloj), mounted on the Old Town Hall, is a medieval masterpiece dating to 1410. Each hour, animated figures—most famously the Twelve Apostles—appear, drawing crowds to Old Town Square. Beyond the spectacle, the clock’s dials track Central European time, Old Bohemian time, the position of the sun and moon, and zodiac signs. Recent restorations reveal intricate Gothic details and a richly painted calendar wheel. Expect large crowds at peak times; arrive early or visit late for better views. Ideal for history and engineering enthusiasts, it’s a compact, free-to-view highlight in Prague’s historic center.