Jul 17 2008
Astronomical Clock
Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular attractions for Prague tourists who stays in one of the closest Prague hotels to this area, on the side of the Old Town Hall Tower dates back to the 15th century. Every hour a small door opens and Christ marches out ahead and skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk.
There 12 medallions with the signs of the zodiac below the Astronomical Clock, and figures of 12 apostles blessing the city were only added during the major repair work carried out between the years 1865-1866.
The Old Town Hall Tower itself is one of the most outstanding buildings in Prague. It was built in 1338. Thirty years later the Old Town Hall Tower was joined to a private house close to it , which in turn was knocked into other houses to create the Old Town Hall as we know it today. The tower got its Gothic style during renovation in 1470. Nowadays the building houses the Prague Tourist Information Centre. Useful informations about prague hotels also provided by Information centre.
The clock and the City Hall suffered a lot at the end of Second World War in 1945. On last days of war, the centre of old Prague was partially destroyed by Nazi artillery. The entire building of the Old Town Hall was burned. So what we see now is a reconstruction which took place after the War was over.