One of the most interesting sights I visited in Prague was the Astronomical Clock. It was built into the wall of the Old Town Hall in 1410 and tells not only the time, but the seasons, the day of the year, and the zodialogical season. In addition, it is thought to be the only clock on the planet capable of tracking Babylonian time, which adjusts the length of the hour based on the season so that an hour in summer is longer than an hour in winter. It also has dials that indicate the location in the sky of sun and moon.
The clock has many legends associated with It Including several about the clockmaker having been blinded by the King after he finished it to ensure that he could never create such a masterpiece for any other city. As the story goes, he made his way to the tower and threw himself into the clockworks, killing himself and stopping the clock. Although the clock has stopped working at various times over its 600 year history, all evidence indicates this legend is not based in fact.
The clock includes quite a few exquisitely detailed figures, most of which are set in motion when the clock strikes the hour. This spectacle draws visitors from around the world each hour to stand and watch intently for a 45-second demonstration of ancient precision and skill. Near the top of the clock are two windows. As the hour chimes, these windows open and figures representing the twelve apostles rotate past and pivot toward the open window. At the same time, several figures on the sides of the clock also move, including a skeleton representing death who turns his hourglass upside down to indicate one's life is over. Other figures represent vanity, greed, and infidelity. On the lower face, which tells the day of the year, four stationary figures representing an astronomer, a chronicler, a philosopher, and an angel appear.
For one of the best sites I found for more information on the history of the clock and how to read it, click here.
The clock has many legends associated with It Including several about the clockmaker having been blinded by the King after he finished it to ensure that he could never create such a masterpiece for any other city. As the story goes, he made his way to the tower and threw himself into the clockworks, killing himself and stopping the clock. Although the clock has stopped working at various times over its 600 year history, all evidence indicates this legend is not based in fact.
The clock includes quite a few exquisitely detailed figures, most of which are set in motion when the clock strikes the hour. This spectacle draws visitors from around the world each hour to stand and watch intently for a 45-second demonstration of ancient precision and skill. Near the top of the clock are two windows. As the hour chimes, these windows open and figures representing the twelve apostles rotate past and pivot toward the open window. At the same time, several figures on the sides of the clock also move, including a skeleton representing death who turns his hourglass upside down to indicate one's life is over. Other figures represent vanity, greed, and infidelity. On the lower face, which tells the day of the year, four stationary figures representing an astronomer, a chronicler, a philosopher, and an angel appear.
For one of the best sites I found for more information on the history of the clock and how to read it, click here.
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