Prague Astronomical Clock

Tourist attraction · Stare Mesto

Prague Astronomical Clock

Tourist attraction · Stare Mesto

Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

Highlights

Prague’s Astronomical Clock, a medieval marvel, captivates crowds with its dazzling hourly display of the Twelve Apostles amidst stunning city views.

Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia Get directions

prague.eu

@cntraveler

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@afar

"World's Oldest Working Astronomical Clock Prague's Astronomical Clock is the world's oldest working one of its kind. Installed in 1410, it is located on the Old Town City Hall in Prague 's Old Town Square. The medieval clock features an astronomical dial; "The Walk of the Apostles", an hourly show of moving sculptures; and a monthly calendar dial with the 12 signs of the zodiac. The clock is the center of Prague and the city's most popular sight. On the top of every hour, huge crowds gather to watch the movement of the Twelve Apostles. Two doors on either side of the clock open and the statues become animated with twelve moving disciples. Animated statues representing greed, vanity and death also add to the performance, which during the Middle Ages was one of the man-made marvels of the world. For centuries it has been displaying the time and date, the position of the sun, the phase of the moon and astronomical cycles. Even in the age of smart phones, that is pretty impressive! It's easy to spend a whole afternoon, if not a whole day, here. You can visit the Town Hall, climb to the top of the tower for one of the best views in Prague, watch an Astronomical Clock performance, then enjoy a Czech meal in one of the local restaurants."

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Dondré

Google

This attraction is definitely a cool one to check off the bucket list. It's absolutely beautiful, and seeing it up close is truly amazing – the vibrant colors really pop against the medieval architecture. Its connection to the Old Town Hall adds an extra layer of historical significance, and if you happen to be there on the hour, you'll be treated to the charming chime. It's a wonderful experience that I would recommend.

Ahmed Yehia

Google

Prague’s Astronomical Clock was another highlight of my visit! Located in the Old Town Square, it’s an absolute masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. I made sure to be there well in advance to catch the famous show when the clock struck 2:00 PM. The anticipation built as the crowd gathered, and when the clock finally came to life, it was mesmerizing. The intricate movements of the figurines, especially the Twelve Apostles, were fascinating to watch, and the details on the clock itself are truly awe-inspiring. The blend of artistry and engineering is remarkable, and it’s amazing to think that this clock has been captivating people for centuries. The whole experience was magical, and waiting for it to work was well worth it. It’s definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Prague!

Hanna G

Google

The Prague Astronomical Clock is a stunning medieval masterpiece in Old Town Square. The hourly show, featuring moving figures and apostles, is historically fascinating but brief. The Old Town Hall Tower offers spectacular panoramic views of Prague, making the climb (or elevator ride) worthwhile. However, the crowds are extremely dense, especially around the clock show, so arrive early for a good spot. Despite the congestion, it’s a must-visit landmark for its history and views.

Danalice Chin

Google

The Prague Astronomical Clock is an absolute must-see when visiting the city. Located in the heart of the Old Town Square, this medieval marvel is not only a work of art but also a testament to Prague's rich history and craftsmanship. Be sure to catch the hourly show, where the clock comes to life with a procession of the Apostles and other fascinating mechanical figures. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as it tends to draw a crowd. The intricate details of the clock face, combined with the surrounding Gothic architecture, make this an unforgettable highlight of Prague!

R J

Google

The actual area where the clock is, is simply fabulous, with cobbled streets, bars restaurants, museums and plenty to see. When the clock chimes on the hour it gets VERY busy by it with lots of people taking videos. Do keep your belongings safe at this point. It's a very unusual clock with quite a complex set of workings. Visually it's unique to look at ! Definitely worth a visit.

Trang Phan Grace

Google

This astronomical clock is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague and it looks truly magnificent. But it is extremely crowded. If you wanna have a good picture with no other people getting in, you can get here early in the morning, like around 8am. Not so many tourists are here at that time.

acasserole

Google

Prague’s Astronomical Clock is cool and has a lot of history around it. I’d recommend visiting the building just to the left of the clock for a tour and to see the Apostles in the chapel behind the clock. We did the circuit A tour of the Old Town Hall and underground. Would highly recommend doing a tour to see a lot more of the building than the standard tower ticket. We came at 9:50 for the 10am tour and there was a few spaces left but would advise getting there a bit earlier to make sure. We got the 50% early bird discount as we arrived before 10am but we went up to the tower after the tour finished. The tour lasted just over 1 hour and was informative and covered various rooms in the Old Town Hall. Staff were friendly, free lockers were available for bags and coats.

Kapil Sharma

Google

Prague's Astronomical Clock is a stunning piece of history and engineering, and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Located in the Old Town Square, the clock is a marvel of medieval craftsmanship and still functions today, showing not just the time but also astronomical details like the positions of the sun and moon. The hourly show, when the clock strikes, is definitely worth watching. The procession of the 12 apostles and the various moving figures, like the skeleton symbolizing death, add a charming and unique element to the experience. The clock tower itself offers incredible views of the city if you're willing to climb the stairs or take the elevator. It's a great spot to take in the beauty of Prague from above. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to see a truly unique timepiece, the Astronomical Clock is a must-see when visiting Prague.