Prague Astronomical Clock | Prague

Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) – Detailed Overview

The Prague Astronomical Clock, known locally as the Prague Orloj, is one of the most iconic and famous timepieces in the world. It is located on the Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice) in the heart of Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). The clock is renowned for its intricate design, historical significance, and its mechanical figures that perform at the top of every hour. The Prague Orloj has been attracting visitors for centuries and remains a must-see attraction in Prague.

Historical Background

The Prague Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation. Its creation is tied to Czech engineering and astronomy, as well as to the cultural and political importance of the Old Town Hall.

Origins: The clock was designed by Mikuláš of Kadan (the clockmaker) and Jan Šindel (the astronomer and mathematician). The project was commissioned by the City of Prague, likely to emphasize the city’s cultural and intellectual status.

Initial Construction: The clock mechanism was installed in 1410 by Mikuláš of Kadan. It was part of the Old Town Hall, which had been a seat of local power for centuries. The clock was initially created to display the time, the phases of the moon, and the position of the sun and the planets in the zodiac.

Repairs and Modifications: Over the centuries, the clock has undergone numerous repairs, modifications, and improvements. It was modernized and updated in the 16th century, and later again in the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite these changes, much of the original mechanism has been preserved, and it continues to function with its original, medieval charm.

Design and Functionality

The Prague Astronomical Clock is a remarkable mechanical marvel that combines several different functions into one sophisticated device. Here are the main components:

1. Astronomical Dial

The central feature of the clock is its astronomical dial, which represents the movement of the sun and moon and the positions of the zodiac signs.

Time Indicators: The outer ring of the dial shows the time in Roman numerals, using the 24-hour format. The time is based on the solar day, not the standard 12-hour cycle.

Zodiacal Symbols: The clock features 12 zodiac signs, and the movement of the sun and the moon through the signs is represented in the center of the dial.

Golden Sun and Moon: The golden sun on the dial represents the position of the sun, and a silver moon represents the moon’s phase and its position relative to the zodiac.

2. The Walk of the Apostles

At the top of each hour, the clock’s mechanism produces a show, called the Walk of the Apostles, which attracts large crowds of spectators.

Apostles Figures: 12 figures representing the Apostles move along a small platform. Each figure appears in the windows at the top of the clock tower as the clock strikes the hour.

Mechanical Animation: As the clock strikes the hour, figures of the Apostles move, accompanied by a bell ringing. The mechanical figurines depict the Apostles parading across the windows, while a skeleton representing Death rings a bell to signal the hour.

3. Calendar Dial

The calendrical dial located just below the astronomical dial shows the current date and the names of the days of the year, according to the Czech calendar.

Golden Calendar: The calendar displays a golden circle that moves, indicating the current day of the year. The days of the week, saints’ names, and significant dates are marked.

Symbolism: Each of the 365 days in the year corresponds to a particular saint or event in Christian tradition. The calendar serves as a visual reminder of important dates and religious observances.

4. The Figures and Mechanical Characters

In addition to the Apostles, the Prague Astronomical Clock features several other symbolic figures that represent various aspects of humanity and society.

Death: Represented by a skeleton (often seen as a figure of a grim reaper), Death rings a bell as the clock strikes the hour. The character is a reminder of the passage of time and mortality.

Vanity: The figure of Vanity is shown with a turban, often depicted looking into a mirror. This is a symbol of self-absorption and the fleeting nature of beauty.

Greed: A figure of a moneybag symbolizes greed and materialism, another reminder of the passing of time and the futility of wealth in the face of death.

Turkish Man: The figure of a Turkish man (representing the exotic, the "other") shakes his head in disapproval, symbolizing disdain for the human condition.

Mechanical Operation

The mechanical workings of the Prague Astronomical Clock are intricate and represent a remarkable feat of medieval engineering.

Wheel Mechanism: The movement of the figures is driven by an old, complex wheel system and gears that power the movement of the Apostles and other figures.

Hour Strike Mechanism: The clock's striking mechanism is powered by a set of gears that trigger the ringing of bells. Each hour, the bell is struck to mark the time, while the Apostles move and the other figures animate.

Restoration: The clock mechanism has been restored and maintained over the years, with significant updates in the 19th and 20th centuries, but the original medieval system remains largely intact.

The Prague Orloj's Show

The clock's most famous feature is its show, which takes place every hour. When the clock strikes the hour, visitors can see the mechanical movement of the Apostles and other figures, accompanied by the sound of bells and the ringing of the skeleton. The performance draws large crowds, as it has for centuries.

• Hourly Performance: At the top of the hour, a crowd gathers to witness the show, which includes:
  • The Apostles appearing in the windows.
  • The skeleton ringing a bell.
  • The other symbolic figures such as Vanity and Greed.
  • Chiming of the Bells.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The Prague Astronomical Clock is much more than a timepiece; it holds cultural, historical, and symbolic significance for the city of Prague.

Medieval Science: The clock is a testament to the astronomical knowledge and mechanical expertise of medieval Prague. It represents the intersection of science, religion, and art, as it reflects both the movement of heavenly bodies and the Christian notion of time.

Symbol of Prague: The Prague Orloj has become a symbol of the city’s rich history, and it draws people from all over the world. It is seen not just as a mechanical wonder, but also as a reflection of Prague’s historical significance in the Middle Ages.

Cultural Tradition: The hourly performance of the clock has become an important tourist attraction and is also a source of local pride. It remains an essential part of Prague’s cultural heritage.

Visitor Experience

Visitors can admire the Prague Astronomical Clock from the Old Town Hall platform, and the clock is visible from several angles around Old Town Square.

Clock Tower View: For the best view of the Apostles’ procession, visitors can climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower, where they can see the entire square and the clock in action.

Guided Tours: Many guided tours offer information about the history, significance, and operation of the clock, providing an in-depth understanding of its cultural and mechanical importance.

Conclusion

The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the world’s most remarkable timepieces, blending astronomy, art, engineering, and history into a single, mesmerizing show. With its unique combination of mechanical animation and astronomical functions, it is a testament to medieval craftsmanship and remains one of Prague’s most enduring landmarks.