Orloj, is mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in the town square in Prague in the Czech Republic. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still operating.
The clock mechanism itself is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; “The Walk of the Apostles”, a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.
According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy and a ghost, mounted on the clock, was supposed to nod his head in confirmation. Based on the legend, the only hope was represented by a boy born in the New Year’s night.
Thanks for the history’s nd a great photo.
Thanks Sue.
Beautiful shots and history lesson. We saw something like this in one of the towns we visited but, it was not as intricate or beautiful!
Thanks Carolyn.
how beautiful it is!
Yes it is.
The skill and craftsmanship is mind boggling – 600 years……..
I can’t even imagine how they did it back then.
Nicely captured, wonderful local lore!
Thank you Vinnie.
I show this clock when I am teaching circles in geometry. The circles are tangent to each other.
It is a famous landmark and most interesting with it’s statues and symbolism…glad you got to see it up close.Maybe someday I will too.
Thank you – I hope you do it is so nice to see and a great town to visit.
Fantastic clock and folklore associated with it. Thank you for the background to a very interesting clock.
Thank you Trudie.
Lovely pictured “old timers” — Saw the one in Prague several years ago but it is nice to have a detailed close-up!