Sunday 1 December 2013

Spend Time in Prague Watching the Astronomical Clock


Astronomical Clock in Prague
 
William Penn once said "Time is what we want most, but what we use worst". Why not spend at least some of your time on your holiday in Prague looking at the medieval Astronomical Clock on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall - one of the most photographed sights in this fascinating city.

The Astronomical Clock [known as the Orloj] is, in fact, the star attraction of the Old Town Hall located in the Old Town Square. Installed as far back as 1401, the clock was not up and fully running until 1572. Legend says that the original clockmaker was blinded on the orders of the Prague Councillors in order that he could never repeat his work of art elsewhere.  However, in an act of revenge, he broke the clock and it was unable to be repaired for more than 100 years. Today, it is said that if the clock is neglected then the whole of the city of Prague will suffer.

As for the clock itself, it is the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the only one still in working order. Although the clock has stopped working many times throughout the centuries, it has always been restored. It not only tells the time of day, but also provides information on the movement of the planets around the earth, sun and moon. It will also give you the present day, month and season in addition to the holidays of the Christian calendar. 

Every hour [between 09:00 - 21:00] on the hour the figure of death [represented by a figure of a skeleton] rings a bell whilst the other thee figures representing vanity [a figure admiring himself in a mirror], greed [a miser holding a bag of gold] and lastly history [represented by a Turk] stand a shake their heads from side to side.

Above the main clock appearing in 2 doors that magically open, wooden sculpted figures of the 12 Apostles turn out for the crowds below. Everything ends with a live trumpeter announcing the hour at the top of the tower.

Take a look at the following YouTube clip of the Prague Astronomical Clock in action as it rings in the hour. [only last 1.5 minutes]




If you would like treat yourself to a Prague city break, the capital of the Czech Republic, then just give us a call, or visit our website, and we will find a flight and/or hotel to suit your requirements.

Author : Gail Hewitt - Corona Holidays

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