The famed Prague Astronomical Clock, located in the Old Town Square. Quite a sight to see, although it's best to come as early as possible to avoid the crowded, peak times. There are crowds, but it's not ever unmanageable, even at the most busy times. Then again, I'm coming from New York, so my definition of crowds might be a little less lax than most people, ha. Nonetheless, we really enjoyed our time observing the clock and walking around the Old Town Square. Built in the 15th century, it's sort of crazy how long it's been able to stick around. On the hour, every hour, there's a short puppet show that is perhaps, a little underwhelming, but worth taking a peek if you happen to be in the area at the top of the hour. This only happens during certain hours, so you might not be able to see this "show" at night after midnight. A must-visit while in Prague, although it might not be something you need to spend a lot of time at. It's definitely worth touring the Old Town Square, however, both during the day, and at night. The lighting is pretty great, so you can get some great pictures, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Whether or not you feel "entertained" by the clock, it's worth a look, and just remember to appreciate the history that comes with it. read more

Orloj - Prague Astronomical Clock at midnight. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

This clock is old, like 1410 old. It's not a Timex, maybe a Fossil because it's so old! Yes, it's a tourist trap, but again if you are visiting this city, you are a tourist! So go ahead and see it once and say that you've seen it! More to read here: http://www.czechtourism.com/c/prague-astronomical-clock/ read more

Orloj - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

Gorgeous old clock. The show as almost everyone else notes is super short and not exactly worth a long wait. It happens very often though so it's hard to miss it. Then again I was comparing it to the clock show in Munich so yeah. read more

The must see in this Old Town square is the astronomical clock. Every hour it puts on a demonstration of 16th century clock work. It takes all of 20 seconds so don't make this a major must see. The 16th century clockmaker didn't make a show for 21st century people read more

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Cool Astronomical clock, lots of tourists taking pictures here. Good to take a walk around this area. Lots of different kinds of snack and shops to check out. Walk towards Charles bridge to see more of the old town. read more

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This is a really cool centerpiece in the city of Prague. I don't think I have ever seen one before, and definitely not one this old and ornate. You can stand outside in the square and see/hear the clock go off and perform a cool display at the top of every hour during the day. This place is so old and cool! If you have the time and can plan ahead, pay for the ticket to go to the top. There is a small museum of sorts that used to be the old town hall (I think), and then you get to go up (by way of easy to walk up stairs or an elevator if you need it) to the top. The views are amazing...great for photos. The crowds are large, so be patient. Tip-buy your tickets on 2(3rd floor) instead of 1(2nd floor). The lines are way shorter. read more

A bit overhyped...a big clock, yay! Great monument to look at though, but imagined more to the hype! read more

Orloj - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

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The Astrological Clock is the highlight of the very cute Old Town Square. You'll surely walk through this area and stop for a viewing of the clock as it's one of the top sights in Prague, in the center of Old Town. It's extremely crowded, so watch out for pick pockets who tend to blend into the crowd posing as tourists. The clock has lots of history and it is similar to a cuckoo clock. It rings at the top of the hour with a little show where the figures and pieces move about. Rick Steves does a great job of explaining the context of the clock and all its moving parts and what they represent, if you happen to have his guide book. It really helps to have the description with you and read it before it goes off. Without any context, you might find the clock a little underwhelming, but you have to remember this is a medieval clock and it's free to watch. It's pretty cool. read more

This tower and astronomical clock went thru a lot in all this years. Who visit Prague have to go all the way up and see it Prague from top of the world. When u walk up u see history of tower on pictures. When u get there u jist want stay there. Its little scary lot people and who dont like being high as me will have little troubles with knees. But the view is million dollar view. U can see in miles around all over Prague. U pay 10$ to go up but its amazing over there read more

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Very fun to see and does not take a long time to check out. The Astrological Clock was installed in 1410, which makes it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world but oldest one still working. The best time to see it is on the hour to see all of the unique features with figures, skeletons, etc dancing while it is ringing. It also has the Apostles just above the clock. It is located in the Old Town Square next to City Hall in the clock tower, which you can climb to get a great view of the square. If you can read the dial, it displays everything from star time to revolutions of the moon, to the zodiac symbols. During peak travel periods, there are generally allot of people who do gather around it before the hour. It is best to get there early or during a non peak hour (mornings). read more

I'm sure this clock was the coolest thing ever when it was constructed, but now, not so much... I had never even heard of it until we were waiting in the Square for our walking tour to start. The guide told us to wait in front of the clock and we would begin our walk after it went off. I'm glad we walked up a couple minutes before instead of waiting for close to an hour like some others. Each hour some little puppets come out and do a little jig. I think the most impressive aspect of it is that it's still functioning after 600 years. Our guide told us that when the clock was first introduced, it was one of the most popular sites in Europe. People traveled for miles to see it. The king was afraid that Jan Růže (the clock maker) would build another clock in another country, and Prague would not receive as much tourism. For this, he invited Růže to dinner, got him drunk and burned his eyes out so that he could not see to make another clock. Since then I've read a couple different versions of the story on the internet, so I don't know how true that is, but it's interesting, nonetheless. I definitely recommend the walking tour that meets in front of the clock. It's very informative and free! It's so good, you'll definitely want to tip though. read more

Orloj - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

It would be best to go at night (because it shines and glows against the night) for a bit of eye candy, old world technology, curiosity of purpose and functionality if one did not know the history or knowledge behind this possibly old world wonder. When I went there was a crowd but even in the back I could still see the movements of the clock right on time. With a camera that is not so zoom or great a focus, with the crowd, one won't get such as great shot. After the clock's sequence of movements are done, the crowd dissipated and with a normal camera or cell camera a few people, less people, are around to go closer up and take a better picture. Heck, you can then walk right under the clock. I walked from the Statue of Saint Wenceslas all the way to see the Astronomical Clock. So, was it worth it? Sure thing. What's the next touristy thing to do in Prague? Let me sit at the nearby Starbucks and figure it out. read more

Worth seeing, but don't get over excited about the prospect. This is essentially a really really .... really large cuckoo clock in my opinion. You see huge crowds of tourists standing waiting for this epic moment and not that much happens. Somebody else will give you the age of the clock, the height and why it is so cool. I will give you the story without all that info . You wait for the hand on the clock to reach the right time, stood amongst literally. hundreds of tourists from across the world and all that really goes on is couple of crazy looking toy figures pop out. Yes it's old and interesting, but don't executed to much from the experience. read more

Orloj - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

Absolutely incredible! Again, if you're in Prague, the Astronomical Clock is a must-see. Fascinated by the history of this clock and the story of the man that made it, my sister and I made visiting this clock tower a priority in Praha. Located right on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square, it's easy to sit outside at a cafe, grab a coffee or snack and wait for the bell to hit the top of the hour. Like something out of "It's a Small World" from Disneyland but 100x cooler and 600+ hundred years older, it's really a sight to see and learn about. From what I understand, it's the third oldest clock of its kind in the world, but the only one of the three that still works! On the clock there's an astronomical dial and zodiac ring, of course there's a 24 hour clock to read the time, and at the top of the hour there are figurines that appear and come out of the walls surrounding the clock face. One of the animated figures includes a skeleton - see? Much cooler than It's A Small World! If you have time to spare, get down to this part of town and hang out to see this clock go off. In the final 5 minutes before it strikes, it's common to see dozens or even hundreds of people standing around to watch. read more

This is a must visit of course. There are many picturesque angels to be had in the square and even of the clock. Here are my tips for visiting the square/clock. -Visit twice, once during the day and once at night -Plan to arrive 5-10min before the hour to watch the clock -Weekend mornings are nice because of the food carts -Abstain from eating in the square, there are so many more spots near by read more

I love this astronomical clock!!! It really was the main reasons why I came to Prague in the first place. Its absolutely beautiful, and there are great photos you can get of the clock and then of people watching the clock when it does its hourly show. You can also go inside the building of the clock to get amazing views of Prague! read more

Absolutely gorgeous. It's in a very central location, so you might as well stop and check it out as you walk past it. Every hour at the top of the hour, figures inside the clock move and do a sort of dance, in case you want to see it in action. Regardless of the time though, the clock itself is stunning and worth checking out. It's a worldwide monument, so you might as well look. It gets really crowded around the clock when it gets near the top of the hour though, so take note and plan ahead if you want to see that. read more

Its a must for tourist. Not as impressive as I thought BUT it was nice. Several restaurants face it but heavy with tourists as you would expect. The street gets packed with tourist so find a good spot at least 15 minutes prior to the top of the hour and it should be ok. The clock does its thing every hour so don't worry if you miss it the first time. read more

Don't be scared of the tourists. Every hour, throngs of them gather to see the clock in action (little figures start moving), which sounds ridiculous but is actually quite amusing. Personally, you can skip that but come see the clock anyway. It's stunning and strangely well-preserved despite being made hundreds of years ago. More importantly, go to the top of the tower and you'll be met with incredible panoramic views of the city. You can either take the stairs or use their cool, old school elevator. I went to the top on the hour as the everyone was gathering and it was actually fun to watch them get all excited while I was up above enjoying the peace and quiet. I roll my eyes when people say to avoid "tourist traps" like the clock. There's a reason why certain sites are famous, and it would be a shame to pass on this experience just because it's so well-known. read more

You already know this is a "must see," but I need to reiterate. GO SEE THIS! The craftsmanship and detail is amazing. The backstory on the clock and how the king made sure no one else in the world could ever have one like it are interesting too. Some pretty terrible stuff happened at the base of this place, but worth it to grab a hot chocolate and learn all you can in this small area. read more

I really enjoyed stopping here on an evening while we were in Prague. It's definitely a wonderful stop along a tour of the Old Tower. It's especially perfect if you stop here for a view while you're grabbing some dinner. The clock may be broken, but it's a gorgeous sight to see. Also, if you get a chance make sure you get to the top of the tower. The sight is simply stunning and you get the most gorgeous view of Prague. There is an elevator too (on the side) if you need. I think it's the highest rooftop that is handicap accessible. Although the building isn't too high up, if you're walking all day, it's definitely helpful if you're super exhausted. read more

Fascinating, eerily stunning centerpiece in the gorgeous city of Prague. It plays every hour and I just couldn't get enough of it. I was hooked. Sure, it's touristy and ridiculously crowded but it's totally worth it. read more

Orloj - Prague Astronomical Clock. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

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There is a revolutionary innovative action to include an ancient Astrological Clock carved into a building, and functionally very well endessly for centuries. Prazsky Orloj is the oldest perpetually working Astrological Clock relevant device item in the entire World. This magical spiritual item was built in early 1400s. There is a meticulous design, and immaculate technological craft of application making me wonder how Prazsky Orloj was built centuries ago. I speculate how all of those delightful, magnificent, full of detail Baroque, Nouveau architecture buildings got built centuries ago in the past, just like how I wonder about Prazksy Orloj Astrological Clock. Ironic in modern times classical historical tons of character, and soul type of buildings don't get built enough anymore, and too much modern generic box buildings. What a mystery in Architectural movements. People who respect astrology are going to especially love Prazsky Orloj. Astrology is about divination expression of stars, planets, sun, moon, and all outer space infinitely perpetual phenomenon dramatically affecting people's lives, individual character, personality, areas of spirituality, and future destiny, including natural earth occurrences in all humans. Prazsky Orloj in Prague is representing official acknowledgement of Astrology having popularity, and prominent attention outside of USA in many countries in mystical New Age spirituality. read more

The Astronomical Clock near the Old Town Square in Prague is one of the coolest things I've seen ever. It's been there since the early 1400s, and keeps on ticking. Beautiful and fascinating, the figures that dance and move like a giant cuckoo clock are just fabulous. The day we visited was absolutely freezing, but we happily waited with coffees in our hands for the hour to strike and to see the clock do its thing. High recommended! read more

Orloj - The clock face (02/2010) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

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This clock is super beautiful and full of details! I wish I had a better camera to get a better shot of it. It is very elaborated and colorful, I loved it. It is def a must-see in Prague read more

Orloj - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

The Astronomical clock is on everyone's list of things to see. It's a neat clock and fun to watch when it goes off. You probably won't need to see it again though! The square itself is beautiful and there are many shops, cafes and bars where you can spend your time (and money- these places are NOT cheap by Prague standards). read more

Expected something really spectacular with the every hour 'puppet' show but it's not worth waiting for it. The astronomical clock itself is very pretty and a must visit. read more

Orloj - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Prague, Puerto Rico

Doubly fascinating sight. One - the astronomical clock itself, which is not "just a clock", but kind of medieval model of the universe - cutting edge technology six centuries ago. The more you know about it the more fascinating it is. You can actually read much more than time form the astronomical dial: it shows position of various celestial bodies in the sky, the time of sunset and sunrise, the lunar time and the siderial time, the phase of the moon, the time of moonrise nad moonset, the position of sun and moon in the zodiac, time in various old timescales like Italian irregular hours (dividing the daytime to 12 parts ) and old Czech time counted from sunset, and more... You can think of it as a mechanical astrolabe, or medieval planetarium. Contrary to the myth told to tourists, it was not made by some watchmaker later blinded, but by the royal watchmaker in collaboration with professor of astronomy and physics at Prague university. Second fascinating sight are the crowds gathering there to see the show of the figures. I would guess rarely in the big crowd is a single person who can understand and read what the astronomical dial shows... No wonder the disappoinment of some of the people waiting for it who dont understand what the real thing is and what is kind of puppet snow. Actually the animated figures were added three centuries after the creation of the clock, in 1787. And even at that time it was met with some complains that it is just a stupid amusement for the crowds which spoils the pure art of astronomy. :-D read more

I really love this clock. I still need to educate myself on the history of it, but it's beautiful, it's right in the heart of old town, you really can't miss the place. You'll see all the tourists swarming around it, but it's just a work of beautiful architecture and very much worth a see. You don't have to go for the history or the magic, the colors and the design of it alone is spectacular. read more

Another must see place in Prague. Astronomical clock was build in 15th century and still works with small modifications. It´s amazing what our ancesters could create. So go and check it and count with the fact that you wont be alone. read more

every hour, on the hour, astronomical amounts of people gather to watch one of the most anticlimactic events the city has to offer. missed among the masses and usually dismissed as a glorified cuckoo clock, is the intricate detail and immense creativity put into this beautiful work of art. the hourly display, which is still in operation after hundreds of years, is brief and leaves most people asking, 'is that it?', but they likely just didn't get a close enough view. it is also possible to pay an exorbitant amount to walk up the tower stairs to take pictures of the people down below. the crowds thin out at night and during the winter if you prefer a more intimate viewing of the clock tower as opposed to being sandwiched in among thousands. read more

Most overrated thing I have seen in my life. I go there all the time to get drunk and watch the stupid people film the clock EVERY hour. On the hour there are a couple figurines that move there hands and a couple puppets chase each other and its old. Thats it, dont waste your time, there are a lot more things to see. read more