Apostles procession

Overview

Deep in the heart of Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, stands a medieval marvel: the Prague Astronomical Clock, affectionately known as the Orloj. More than just a time-telling device, this intricate mechanism is a focal point of Old Town Square, captivating visitors with its hourly spectacle. The highlight of this display is the 'Apostles procession,' a charming and historically rich presentation where figures of the Twelve Apostles emerge and parade past two windows. This unique sub-spot within the larger Astronomical Clock offers a glimpse into medieval engineering, art, and spirituality, drawing crowds eager to witness its centuries-old charm.

The Orloj itself is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation, a testament to its enduring design and meticulous preservation.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Prague Astronomical Clock date back to 1410, when the mechanical clock and astronomical dial were first installed. It was the brainchild of master clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University.

Over the centuries, the Orloj underwent several significant additions and renovations. The calendar dial, adorned with medallions representing the months, was added around 1490.

The moving figures, including the statues of the Apostles, were incorporated during later repairs. Historical records indicate that wooden statues were added in the 17th century, with the figures of the Apostles specifically introduced after a major repair between 1787 and 1791. While some sources suggest the Apostle figures were from 1865, it's widely accepted they were part of earlier refurbishments. The current set of wooden Apostle sculptures were created by sculptor Vojtěch Sucharda after the clock suffered damage during the Prague Uprising in May 1945, and the new set was installed during the restoration period between 1945 and 1948.

Beyond its mechanical ingenuity, the Astronomical Clock symbolizes Prague's rich cultural heritage and resilience, having survived wars, fires, and revolutions.

What Makes It Special

The 'Apostles procession' is the star of the hourly show, featuring twelve intricately carved wooden figures that represent the Apostles. As the clock strikes the hour, two small windows open above the astronomical dial, and the figures begin their slow, dignified parade.

Accompanying the Apostles are several other allegorical figures that flank the clock face, each set in motion to perform their symbolic roles. These include a figure of Death, represented by a skeleton that rings a bell and in some accounts, nods its head, serving as a memento mori. Other figures often depicted are Vanity, admiring himself in a mirror; the Miser, holding a bag of gold; and a Turk, shaking his head. The entire procession concludes with a golden rooster crowing, adding a final, charming flourish to the spectacle.

The main astronomical dial itself is a marvel, functioning as a mechanical astrolabe. It not only tells the time but also displays the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky, zodiacal information, and various other astronomical details, reflecting medieval scientific knowledge and craftsmanship.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Prague Astronomical Clock is steeped in captivating legends and local lore. The most famous, though historically inaccurate, tells of Master Hanuš, mistakenly believed to be the clock's creator in 1490. The legend claims that the Prague city councilors, so delighted with his masterpiece, blinded Hanuš to prevent him from creating another such magnificent clock elsewhere. In a tragic act of revenge, Hanuš supposedly disabled the clock, and it remained inoperable for many years.

Another superstition suggests that if the clock is neglected or falls into disrepair, Prague will suffer dire consequences, such as war or epidemic. The skeleton figure nodding its head is often interpreted as an ominous sign.

During the procession, each Apostle carries a distinct attribute, adding to the richness of the display. For instance, St. Peter holds a key, St. Paul a sword and a book, St. Thomas a spear, and St. Andrew an X-shaped cross. These attributes help to identify the individual figures as they pass by. After the full spectacle, a trumpeter, sometimes in historical costume, plays a short tune from the tower, waving to the crowds below.

Visitor Perspective

Witnessing the 'Apostles procession' is an essential experience for any visitor to Prague. Hundreds of thousands of tourists gather in Old Town Square hourly, eyes fixed on the Old Town Hall tower, anticipating the mechanical show.

The procession occurs hourly, typically from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though some sources indicate performances until 11:00 PM. To secure a good viewing spot, especially during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to arrive a few minutes before the hour. The performance itself is relatively brief, lasting approximately 45 seconds to a minute as the Apostles complete their journey.

For those interested in the inner workings, it's possible to take a tour inside the Old Town Hall tower. This allows visitors to see the complex mechanisms that drive the clock and its figures, offering a deeper appreciation for this medieval engineering marvel. From the tower, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Prague's historic cityscape.