Mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall is one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world: Pražský Orloj, the Astronomical Clock. Established in 1410, it has often stopped working and its mechanism has been repaired many times. Luckily it was spared from destruction and has even been upgraded with symbolic figures, so it is still ticking away the minutes today. Better still, it now comes to life every hour!
Make your way to the Old Town Square in time for the famous clock ceremony. Every hour, small doors open and animated figures appear and sculptures begin to move on the clock. Death, holding its hourglass, seems eager for the change of the hour. The other three sculptures represent vanity, greed and pleasure. The 12 wooden figures represent the apostles. When the golden cockerel moves its wings, a bell chimes the hour.
Find a café with a good view of the clock and sit back with a drink to watch the spectacle. Observe that the astronomical dial is the oldest part and underneath it is the calendar dial. In addition to keeping the time these dials display a range of details. See the position of the sun and the moon, or the intricate medallions that depict each month below it. You can even see what the current star sign is on the zodiacal ring.
Climb to the top of the clock’s tower, within the Old Town Hall, to experience one of the best views in Prague. Look across the Old Town and the Vltava River to the Prague Castle upon its hill.
Visiting the Astronomical Clock is free of charge, however, there is a small fee to climb the tower. Due to the large crowds that form for the hourly ceremonies it is recommended you visit the clock early in the morning.
The Astronomical Clock is located in the Old Town Square and can be reached by both tram and metro.
Prague Astronomical Clock Tours and Activities
Visit Prague Astronomical Clock
Plan a trip to see Prague Astronomical Clock
The Emblem Hotel
Reviewed on Sep. 24, 2024
Shows & concerts
See all 39 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: Sightseeing Dinner Cruise on Open-Top Glass Boat
History & culture
See all 459 activitiesOpens in new tab6 hours Prague Walk Tour All-inclusive: Pick Up,Lunch & Boat Trip
Adventure & outdoor
See all 78 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: City Highlights Guided Electric Trike Tour
Cruises & boat tours
See all 56 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: 50-Minute Sightseeing Evening Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague Castle Walking Tour
Reviews of Prague Astronomical Clock
3/5 - Okay
So many people standing around waiting for it to chime. The action was uneventful. Stay out of the square on the hour if you can.
5/5 - Excellent
See my review of the old town square
5/5 - Excellent
This is 3 mins from the hotel and very easy to get to
5/5 - Excellent
See it during daytime to appreciate all the details. Read about it so you can truly appreciate its beauty.
4/5 - Good
If you don't take an arranged tour of the city, read up on the history of this clock. The spectacle that occurs on the hour is nothing to go running across town to see.
2/5 - Disappointing
Clock was being repaired while we were there but nice area
Popular places to visit
Old Town Hall Tower
Enjoy an aerial view over Prague’s Old Town and admire the city’s world-famous astronomical clock at this 14th-century Gothic tower.
Royal Route
During your trip to Prague, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Royal Route. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area, or seek out the local tours.
Old Town Square
This public space is as important to the people of Prague today as it was a thousand years ago.
Stone Bell House
Learn about the local history of Prague with a stop at Stone Bell House. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square
Admire the impressive facade or watch a classical music performance at this important religious site of the Hussite community in Prague.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
While in Prague’s Old Town Square, visit one of the most visually stunning religious buildings in Europe.
Best Lodging Options Near Prague Astronomical Clock
Check availability on hotels close to Prague Astronomical Clock
- Vacations and getaways similar to Prague Astronomical Clock
- Other Hotels near Prague Astronomical Clock, Prague City Center
- Hotels near popular Prague Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Prague Astronomical Clock
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Old Town Square
- Hotels near Prague Castle
- Hotels near Charles Bridge
- Hotels near Wenceslas Square
- Hotels near Sex Machines Museum
- Hotels near Palladium Shopping Centre
- Hotels near O2 Arena
- Hotels near Prague Congress Centre
- Hotels near Old Jewish Cemetery
- Hotels near Fortuna Arena
- Hotels near Charles University