Prague Astronomical Clock: Tickets

Prague Astronomical Clock FAQs

• Do I need to book tickets for the Prague Astronomical Clock in advance?
• We always suggest booking tickets for the Prague Astronomical Clock in advance. It’s one of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions so it gets extremely busy, especially during peak season. Booking tickets in advance means you can skip the line and enjoy the clock on a more speedy basis!
• What is the Prague Astronomical Clock?
• The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the oldest working medieval astronomical clocks in the world and has been in place for over 600 years since 1410!
• Whereabouts in Prague is the Prague Astronomical Clock?
• It’s mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square.
• When was the Prague Astronomical Clock built?
• The clock was installed in 1410, making it over 600 years old!
• Who designed the Prague Astronomical Clock?
• It was created by Mikuláš of Kadaň, who was a clockmaker, and Jan Šindel, who was an astronomer.
• What makes the Prague Astronomical Clock so special?
• The clock shows astronomical information, medieval timekeeping, zodiac signs, as well as having moving figurines of the 12 apostles that perform a show every hour!
• What happens during the hourly show at the Prague Astronomical Clock?
• The statues of the Twelve Apostles appear, the Skeleton (Death) rings a bell, and other figures move.
• What do the rotating rings on the Prague Astronomical Clock represent?
• The different rings on the clock show Babylonian time, Old Bohemian time, German time, and Sidereal time, along with the sun and moon’s positions.
• Why does the Prague Astronomical Clock have a skeleton?
• The Skeleton represents Death and was designed to remind people that life is fleeting!
• What are the other moving figures on the Prague Astronomical Clock?
• The Miser (Greed) which holds a money bag. The Vain Man (Pride) who admires himself in a mirror. The Turk (Pleasure/Lust) who shakes his head.
• Can you see inside the Prague Astronomical Clock mechanism?
• Yes! You can enter the Old Town Hall and see the internal workings of the clock. Tickets are required. Click HERE for options.
• What is the legend about the Prague Astronomical Clockmaker?
• According to legend, Master Hanuš was blinded after completing the clock to prevent him from making another masterpiece elsewhere.

Prague Astronomical Clock Fun Facts

• One of the Oldest in the World: It is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation.
• It Shows Four Types of Time: The clock displays Central European Time, Old Czech Time, Babylonian Time, and Sidereal Time, which is a rare feature.
• A Moon That Moves: The moon sphere rotates to show the current phase of the moon.
• The Clock Was Once Thought to Be Cursed: It was believed that if the clock ever stopped working, disaster would strike Prague.
• No Two Days Look the Same: Because of its astronomical features, the clock never looks exactly the same twice.
• It Has a Unique Calendar Dial: Below the astronomical dial, there is a calendar dial with medallions which represent the months of the year.
• It Was Rebuilt Multiple Times: The clock has undergone several major reconstructions over the centuries, including in the 16th, 18th, and 20th centuries.
• The Zodiac Signs Move with the Sun: The zodiac ring moves as the sun travels through different zodiac signs.
• It Was Once Left Broken for 50 Years: The clock was abandoned and not working for almost 50 years during the 18th century.
• The Astronomical Clock Inspired a Horror Story: Franz Kafka, the famous writer from Prague, was fascinated by the clock and its eerie movements.
• A Time Capsule Inside: Some believe that hidden messages and artifacts were placed inside the clock by its makers!

• The Skeleton's Role: One of the clock's most famous figures is a skeleton, representing Death. Every hour, the skeleton rings a bell, reminding onlookers of the passage of time and their own mortality.
• Hourly Procession of Apostles: Every hour between 9 AM and 11 PM, the clock features a procession of the Twelve Apostles. The Apostles appear at the windows above the clock, blessing the crowd below.
• A Survivor of War: The clock was heavily damaged during World War II, particularly during the Prague Uprising of 1945. The wooden statues were destroyed, and the clock's mechanism was severely damaged by fire. It was painstakingly restored after the war.