Hourly show

Overview

At the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square, visitors are drawn to a timeless spectacle: the Hourly Show of the Astronomical Clock, locally known as the Orloj. This mechanical marvel, adorning the southern wall of the Old Town Hall, is more than just a timepiece; it is a profound historical and cultural experience. As the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world, dating back to 1410, it offers an hourly performance that captivates audiences with its intricate moving figures and deep symbolism.

Every hour, from nine in the morning until eleven at night, a crowd gathers to witness the clock's animated display. Windows open to reveal a procession of the Twelve Apostles, while allegorical figures representing human vices come to life around the clock face. The brief, yet deeply meaningful, show culminates with the crowing of a golden rooster, leaving spectators with a sense of wonder and connection to centuries past.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Prague Astronomical Clock trace back to 1410, with its oldest components, the mechanical clock and the astronomical dial, created by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň in collaboration with Jan Šindel, an astronomy professor at Charles University. Over the centuries, the Orloj evolved, reflecting advancements in technology and changes in cultural expression. Around 1490, Master Hanuš is credited with adding the calendar dial and the striking skeleton figure, further enhancing the clock's complexity and symbolic depth.

Significant additions continued into later centuries. Wooden figures were incorporated into the mechanism in the 17th century, around 1629 or 1659. The iconic figures of the Apostles, which parade hourly, were added after a major repair between 1787 and 1791, with some sources indicating 1865. The golden crowing rooster, a memorable conclusion to the hourly show, was installed during a restoration in 1865-1866. The clock has endured numerous challenges, including damage during the Prague Uprising in 1945 at the end of World War II, necessitating extensive repairs and restoration. Despite these events, a remarkable 75% of its original 15th-century parts remain, a testament to its enduring craftsmanship.

What Makes It Special

Beyond its hourly theatrical performance, the Prague Astronomical Clock is a masterpiece of medieval engineering and astronomical representation. It consists of three main components: the astronomical dial, the calendar dial, and the animated figures. The astronomical dial is a sophisticated instrument that displays the positions of the Sun, Moon, and zodiac constellations in the sky. It remarkably tracks multiple time systems simultaneously, including Central European, Old Czech, Babylonian, and sidereal time.

The intricate design of the astronomical dial presents a stationary background representing the Earth and the local view of the sky, with different colored rings indicating daybreak, daytime, sunset, and night. The calendar dial, located beneath the astronomical dial, beautifully illustrates the months of the year through medallions originally designed by Czech painter Josef Mánes, along with zodiac signs and daily saint's feast days. Furthermore, the clock features allegorical figures flanking the main dial, each symbolizing human traits or vices. These include a skeleton representing Death, a figure admiring himself in a mirror for Vanity, a miser clutching a bag of money for Greed, and a Turk representing lust or earthly pleasures. As Death rings its bell, the other figures dramatically shake their heads, signifying their reluctance to depart.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Prague Astronomical Clock is steeped in captivating legends and local lore. Perhaps the most famous, though now recognized as a historical misconception, recounts the tale of Master Hanuš. According to this legend, the city councillors were so awestruck by his creation that they allegedly blinded him to prevent him from building a similar masterpiece elsewhere. In retaliation, Hanuš supposedly sabotaged the clock, rendering it inoperable for a century. While Mikuláš of Kadaň is now acknowledged as the clock's original builder, this dramatic story continues to be a popular part of Prague's folklore.

Another superstition suggests that if the clock ever stops completely, it portends hard times for the Czech nation. The mechanism's inner workings are not accessible to the public, which only fuels these enduring rumors of curses and mysteries surrounding the Orloj. Beyond these legends, other stationary figures adorn the lower calendar dial, including a philosopher, an astronomer, a chronicler, and an angel, further enriching its narrative tapestry. On special occasions, such as during the summer season, the clock tower sometimes hosts spectacular video mapping projections that bring Czech history to life on its ancient facade.

Visitor Perspective

Experiencing the Hourly Show is a quintessential part of any visit to Prague. To secure the best vantage point amidst the bustling Old Town Square, it is advisable to arrive at least ten minutes before the top of the hour. This allows time to find a good spot and soak in the atmosphere before the figures begin their dance. While the hourly spectacle is undoubtedly the main draw, a deeper appreciation for the clock can be gained by observing its intricate details, from the moving Sun and Moon hands on the astronomical dial to the zodiacal ring and the calendar dial's medallions.

For those wishing to enhance their visit, a ticket to the Old Town Hall allows access to the tower, offering not only a closer look at the clock's upper mechanism but also panoramic views of Prague's stunning cityscape. The Orloj stands as a living museum, a testament to medieval ingenuity, and a cultural touchstone that continues to fascinate and inspire travelers from around the globe.