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Ah, the famous Astronomical Clock Tower in Old Town Hall square! For years, I've always wanted to visit Prague to see this. When I first arrived, I did not realize it was almost noon, so the crowd was HUGE and CRAZY, and I didn't understand why until I realized at at the top of every hour, the windows open and the puppets of the 12 Apostles pass through and people want to watch them. The crowd is definitely MUCH MORE manageable after that, and I came back several times for more attempts to take photos in front of the clock until I got some that I'm happy with! It's the symbol of Prague, smack dab in the touristy area, and easy to walk from to head off to many other tourist sites in the city! read more
You don't have to pay to see the astronomical clock, which was finished in 1490 and has run ever since. Every hour the two little blue doors open and figures of the 12 apostles come out and move. It's attached to the old town hall. It's wonderful to stand in the center of the old town and watch this mechanical clock. The first part of it was built in 1410. read more
This magnificent clock is not just a timekeeper but also an impressive work of art that tells a story about the history of Prague and its people..Many call this one of the most over-hyped attractions in Europe, but I did find some interesting points after listening to our tour guide. The Astronomical Clock was built in the 15th century and is the oldest working clock of its kind in the world. It consists of three main components: the astronomical dial, the calendar dial, and the figurines. The astronomical dial displays the position of the sun, the moon, and the stars, as well as the time of day. The calendar dial shows the current date, zodiac signs, and saints' days. Finally, the figurines perform every hour, with the twelve apostles appearing in a procession. The clock face displays four different times, some recognizable and others ancient. Beginning on the outer edge of the dial, in deep blue, is Bohemian (or Old Czech) time shown in the Gothic numbers. The day consists of 24 hours and starts from the sunset (rather than midnight, as we'd use today). Bohemian time was utilized by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, and is pointed by the golden hand. Next is Central European Time (CET) Zone, two sets of 12 hours shown in Roman numerals inside the Bohemian time numbers. CET is also indicated by the golden Sun hand. Third is Babylonian (or Arabian) time, the oldest time displayed on the astronomical dial. Babylonian time, displayed in black Arabic numerals, separates the time between sunrise and sunset; that's why there are only 12 hours. Finally, there's star time, or sidereal time. Sidereal uses the time it takes Earth to rotate once on its axis and return facing a distant star. Its time is 23 hours and 56 minutes, four minutes shorter than a solar day. A solar day is defined by when the Sun is overhead at noon, which must account for the Earth tracking one degree, or day, along its orbit around the Sun and hence is longer. Follow the little golden star among the Roman numerals for sidereal time. Now you are prepared to tell time via the stars or even back in the Middle Ages. Fun piece of workmanship. read more
4 months ago
I had been here and climb up to the top to see the old town square yes ago and it was great and not a lot of tourists. Now it's packed and you have to reserved in advance. The clocked is amazing for what it is and definitely a historically thing to check out for sure. I would recommended to read the history of it 1st before coming cause you will hear plenty of differ version of how it started. read more
Yes, yes, the "show" is absolutely underwhelming, like a middle-school performance where everyone tried their best. But the clock itself is a masterpiece. Oldest functioning astronomical clock from the 1400s. Very intricate and wildly extra. It's a must-see because it's iconic, not because the skeleton puppet wiggling is life-changing or anything. read more
Astronomical clock--this symbol of Prague is seen everywhere in souvenir shops around town. Upon hearing about it, the first question that popped into my mind was: what is it? Even after seeing it in person, admiring its colorful face and intricate details I wasn't quite sure what I was looking at aside from its beautiful design. The internet to the rescue! Its mechanism has three main components: 1) the astronomical dial: this is the upper dial on the clock facade, which shows the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displays various astronomical details. The part of the dial with colors represents the earth, the dark navy circle at the bottom represents astronomical night, the orange sections dawn and dusk, and the lighter blue sections daytime. Three pointers rotate around this dial: one for the Sun, one for the Moon and the third for the zodiac. 2) statues: these are located along each side of the clock, and inside the windows at the top of the facade above the astronomical dial. When the clock strikes a full hour, every hour between 8 am and 11 pm, the windows open and viewers can observe "The Walk of the Apostles", moving figures and other sculptures striking the time. 3) a calendar dial on the lower section of the clock facade with medallions showing the day, week, month and year. Around the outer edge of this circular dial are written the names of 365 saints representing each day of the year. The clock shows three different times using the golden hand and Sun over the dial: 1) Old Bohemian time: which is when each new day starts with the sunset, and is shown by the golden Gothic numbers on the outermost ring of the top dial. 2) Central European time (Old German): denoted by Roman numerals on the secondary ring of numbers on the top dial (right inside the ring with Gothic numbers) 3) Babylonian time: which is shown by the curved golden lines dividing the lighter blue parts of dial into 12 parts--marked for unequal "hours". These hours are defined as 1/12 of the time between sunrise and sunset, and vary as the days grow longer or shorter during the year. In addition to above the clock captures an incredible amount of other astronomical changes as a function of time (more than I can comprehend or capture in this already not-so-short review). What an interesting little research project! Other fun facts - - Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of the Gothic styled tower of the Old Town Hall - the earliest recorded mention of its existence was October 9, 1410, - the clock only started to measure Central European Time after its reconstruction in 1948. Before that, the clock only showed the other times. - this astronomical clock is the only one in the world that measures the phases of the moon. read more
The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the most fascinating landmarks in the city. Before our trip, we researched top sites to visit, and this clock consistently came up high on every list. We arrived just before 9 PM and caught the hourly show--watching the figures pop out as the clock struck was a memorable moment. Hard to believe this engineering masterpiece was built in the 1400s and still works today. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and the surrounding Old Town Square creates a lively atmosphere, though it does get crowded. Part of the building was destroyed during WWII, which makes the preservation of the clock even more impressive. A piece of history that leaves a lasting impression. read more
I was in Old Town Square with my homegirl getting my IG picture on when I saw a bunch of people run to Orloj or as we know it in America "The Astronomical Clock." I missed the show one my first night but went back to check it out the next day. Orloj is an absolute marvel of medieval engineering! It has an intricate design, along with moving figures and a detailed astronomical dial that's both beautiful and fascinating. I must say, watching the hourly show with the apostles and the procession is a must-see. I missed being able to climb the tower to get a high up view of the city (TikTok failed me!) But I'll definitely have to climb up the clock on my next visit to Prague. read more
Ok - this isn't really a business, but a sight to see! The oldest working astronomical clock built in the 1400s! Truly spectacular. We were lucky enough to get a great seat at a restaurant across the street with a great view. To see it in person, is awesome, but to see it on the hour when it does its thing is quite the spectacle! It's a must- see when visiting Prague. read more
The medieval astronomical clock attached to the Old Town Hall is a MUST. It was first installed in 1410. The ornate clock has an hourly show "The Walk of the Apostles." There's usually a crowd. I managed to get a picture without anybody in it when I went in the morning and it was drizzling outside. read more
Yelp Review 2023 #87: Prague Astronomical Clock is a landmark that's a must-see in Old Town Square. It's been around since 1410 (one of the oldest clocks in the world) and it still works! It has apostles, astronomy figures, and death. It was damaged in World War II and took 3 years to repair. The multiple restorations of this clock has been controversial. It went from being replaced with an electric clock mechanism and back to its original mechanism. In the latest restoration, a painter made the images to look like his friends and old folks weren't happy so investigations had to be done. The clock chimes every hour from 9am to 11pm and you can expect a "show" that lasts about a minute. That's when this place gets real crowded. Vehicles passing through, and people passing and taking pictures and videos. Just for your own safety, keep your valuables tucked real good since you'll be busy looking up and your hands will be busy taking pictures/ videos. read more
We bought tickets to go to the top of the Old Townhall and really enjoyed view of the town square and the city from high up. The minute arm of the clock was about to hit 12 when we went down, so we also got to see the figure in the Astronomical Clock dance. It was a lot of fun. read more
3 years ago
I can't believe I'm reviewing a clock. But not just any clock. One that was built in 1410. It's worth the trip to Prague all by itself. Read about it on line before going to see it. Knowing the history makes it even better. Oh and hey if you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world tell her I love her tell her I need my baby! Her name is Tammy and she's a tornado of lovin! read more
If you come earlier in the day and a bit before the top of the hour, you can nab a good spot for the show. We came here via Germany and are a little spoiled by cuckoo clock engineering, so my partner wasn't overly impressed with the show on this one, as the figures didn't emerge and simply moved within the clock. Still, this is a pretty cool sight and worth a check out. The decoration is absolutely gorgeous. Hang around to see the show, even just to say you did! read more
The famous Prague astronomical clock - Pražský orloj - was first installed in 1410 which makes it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still operating. There are any number of urban legends and stories that go with the clock, but I'll stick to the facts. It stopped in the late 18th century and no one knew how to repair it. That changed and around 1865, it was restored to functionality and has been counting off the time ever since. There are 365 names around the outside of the clock. The names of Catholic saints are listed on each one, one for each day. When the clock strikes the hour, a series of moving figurines "dance" around the clock. It's interesting and very cool, especially since the "dancers" include Death, Avarice, Lust and Vanity. A parade of the 12 apostles dance in the windows. The clock is amazingly accurate except for one major flaw. It was built in 1410 and represents the Earth, Moon, Sun and stars. But Copernicus wasn't born until 1473 and did not point out that the Earth revolves around the Sun until much later. [Review 12234 overall, 2018 of 2019.] read more
This is iconic in Prague. It's a timeless mechanism that still works to this date. An according to Wikipedia "The Prague Astronomical Clock, or Prague Orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still operating." It's fascinating to stand and watch it for a while. It did notice the sound of it draws all people in, it's intriguing and is almost spell bounding to watch the mechanics of this clock move. It's in the heart of the city of Prague and it's easy to locate to help center you and gain the lay of the land too. Prague is a pretty little city. Lots of great shops and cafes in town and loads of charm. read more
3 years ago
See this clock at night time. It is much more magical to see than daytime! It can be quiet busy at night, but its worth it. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Being a intermediate astrologer I found this flick to be SO cool!! The many rounded plates that move, different hands of time, the astrological symbols in shining gold against the vibrant blues and reds are beautiful. Very cool stop off in our two days in Prague, we walked past it a few times, each time I stopped to admire it. read more
8 years ago
The Astronomical Clock (Pražský Orloj) at the Old Town Hall, in the Old Town Square, is one of the most famous landmarks in Prague. It was built in 1410, and every hour on the hour between 9am and 11pm, the clock goes off, drawing large crowds. As I mentioned in my review of the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), people are disappointed, expecting something a little more exciting. Instead, the chimes are fairly quiet (they are audible, but not excessively noisy), and for about a minute or so, the various characters, such as Death, pop out of the clock and jiggle around. It's not something I'd wait around for, but if you're in the area and it's just before the hour, you might as well stay and watch, at least once. The artwork itself if worth taking a look. Unfortunately the Old Town Square is so crowded it's difficult to get a good photo of the clock. You can also pay to see an exhibit in the Old Town Hall and go up the tower, but I didn't bother. [Yelp collections: Europe 2015; Prague, Czech Republic; Cheap Thrills] read more
Long overdue review. Time to revisit past travels I forgot to write about. Walking through the Old Town Square in Praha (Prague), you will see historic relics like this Astronomical Clock and other historical churches and buildings. I consider myself fortunate to have seen some good travels. read more
In A Nutshell: -The Astronomical Clock might be a lot to many enthusiasts, but to me it was just a check in the box for the bucket list. -I guess the massive crowds were a turn-off, but hey you're in Prague on vacay what do you expect? -From the historical aspect, pretty cool. Overall, other than what I mentioned above, it's still worth strolling by since it's in the middle of other sights you should see. read more
The Astrological Clock. Situated in the center of the Old Town Square, it is again one of the things you will ABSOLUTELY visit as a tourist in the city. A tour guide told us that it is consistently rated as one of the most disappointing monuments to visit. I mean....it *is* just a clock. And on my visit, it was under construction and everything but the clock face was covered by scaffolding and fencing. Which was really the only disappointing part for me, because it is a necessary occurrence that is a bit of an eyesore. I would absolutely suggest that you visit with a guide, because the history of the clock and its place through time is really very interesting and fascinating! The clock face is beautiful and complex. Learn more about it with a tour or a visit inside. At some point you will also be packed in with a huge crowd to watch the clock chime on the hour. It isn't a particularly grand event, but you will witness it. The best part of the whole thing though, is really ALL OF THE THINGS the clock tracks and displays, and that it was built to do it all in the 1400s! read more
The Astronomical Clock is really a piece of art. If you want a good close look at it without hundreds of people trying to snag selfies with it, don't go within 15 minutes of the hour. Every hour, the clock goes off and it's definitely something to aim to be there for at least once. My suggestion is to sit at one of the outdoor restaurants just across the way from it, and bask in it's beauty from the comfort of a seat, with a nice cold beer in hand. Definitely something worth taking a good camera for! Being right in the center of the Old Town Square means that there are tons of other things to do in the immediate area, so if you arrive too early for the hourly "show," it will not be difficult to find something to occupy you in the meantime. Try the ice cream, it's worth it! read more
This never gets old. Sit in one of the open-air cafes across from the clock about 15 minutes before the hour. You will have the best seat in the house. The ice creams are fabulous! One day we stayed through 2 hours I am attaching a video of the whole display. The time was 2100 I believe. read more
11 years ago
This is the Astronomical Clock in the old town square. It does a little show on each hour during the day time. It does not do it at night, so don't stand there at 10pm waiting for a show. We listened to some of the tour guides (for other groups) give some background about the clock and the surrounding buildings. The clock is free, very old, and pretty cool looking. The clock tower has a beautiful view of the city. Overall, don't miss the clock show, it's part of what you have to see in Prague. read more
Really cool, but way too many people. Ok, I think this will be a theme in all my Prague reviews, lol. The place is just way too bloody crowded. It's really cool to see the clock and learn about its inception and development, but there's so many people it's hard to feel comfortable. Go for a few minutes, get some pics, and head out. read more
11 years ago
I sure am glad we didn't wait longer than ten minutes. It certainly is a novelty, and the clock face itself is interesting to stare at for a bit, but for all the hype, I definitely expected more. Way more. The courtyard in front of the clock gets crowded, as you'd expect, but it wasn't terrible. We were able to saunter in at around ten to two one afternoon, and found a couple of spots with a good view of the clock. We spent the next few minutes trying to decipher all the hands and dials and faces in front of us. I looked at my watch - we had 7 minutes. The clock face looked like it was saying we had another half hour to wait. But I had confidence in the fact that the show would start on the dot, even if the clock was blowing my mind. And start on the dot, it did. The little skeleton started to ring his little bell, the doors opened up, and the apostles started their trek through. And then the golden rooster crowed and...done. That was IT. I thought there'd be more pomp. I thought there'd be more apostles. I thought it'd last longer. I could hear the tourists around me, once it was clear it was over. There must have been four or five different nationalities around us, but even though I can't speak Chinese, German, Italian or Portuguese, I didn't need to to understand their disappointment. It was a sentiment I shared wholeheartedly. It's a lot of hype for not a lot of entertainment. At least it was free, and the weather was beautiful, and I was able to stand there with my Czech beer in my hand. At least there was that... read more
9 years ago
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Orloj - landmarks - Updated June 2026
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