Prague's Astronomical Clock

History of Prague Orloj

The oldest part of the Orloj, the mechanical clock and astronomical dial, dates back to 1410 when it was made by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, the latter a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. Later, presumably around 1490, the calendar dial was added and clock facade decorated with gothic sculptures. In 1552 it was repaired by Jan Táborský, clock-master of Orloj, who also wrote a report on the clock where he mentioned Hanuš as maker of the clock. The Orloj stopped working many times in the centuries after 1552, and was repaired many times. In the 17th century moving statues were added, and figures of the Apostles were added after major repair in 1865-1866. More...

Prague Orloj in detail

The Orloj is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. More...

Prague Orloj is not the only one...

Photo: Miloš Turek Prague Orloj is not the only one astronomical clock in the Czech Republic but it certainly is the oldest and the best known. More...