World’s oldest working astronomical clock still ticking in heart of Prague

By Burak Bir

PRAGUE (AA) – In the heart of Prague, the world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock continues to draw visitors from far and wide.

The over 600-year-old piece of medieval machinery is one of the most famous landmarks of the Czech capital, which is also home to historic sites such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle.

Installed in 1410 during the Bohemian Golden Age, the clock, also known as the Orloj, is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still working.

Visitors to the Old Town Square are in for an experience when the clock strikes the hour, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m, as the procession of the Twelve Apostles sets in motion.

It has different parts, including a calendar and an astronomical desk or the mechanism of the Twelve Apostles, and shows the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, Earth and Zodiac constellations.

In 2015, the Orloj was honored with a Google Doodle for its 605th anniversary, which described it as “a magnificent achievement in medieval engineering and a cultural landmark.”

Despite being partially damaged on various occasions, including during the Prague Uprising of 1945, much of its original machinery remains intact.

In 2022, there was controversy over a restoration that prompted an official investigation by the Czech Culture Ministry, with the complaint alleging that there were many mistakes.

Hasnat, a tour guide, spoke to Anadolu about the significance of the Orloj, saying it is often the first stop for visitors to Prague.

Jaime Gonzalez, a tourist from Mexico, said he had spent much time reading about the astronomical clock and was glad to have the chance to see it in person.

“For me, it is a beautiful building,” he told Anadolu.

“We have a lot of journalists talking about this place, so this was the main purpose of my visit here.”