Old-Town Hall & Astronomical Clock, Prague

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This is the main sight in Old Town Square. The crowds gather each hour to watch its unique astronomical clock toll the hour, warning us everyone that they are an hour closer to death. Then they applaud. I loved it and never missed it myself when I was nearby.

For the 600 anniversary of the clock there was special video projection (video-mapping) created. It is presented on the Tower/clock. It is 10 minutes long and very spectacular- highly recommended.

Although it was intended to be shown just once, it was repeated on two more occasions. Now it was announced that on SATURDAYS evenings in August and September these video-projections will be presented. No evening time was announced yet, presumably it will be at 22:00 (or even several times during the evening?) as the darkness is essential for the effect - check with the tourist info services.

http://youtu.be/u4LVEAiZJyg

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The views from the top of the Old Town Hall are wonderful and give you a lovely perspective on the fascinating 'roofscape' of the Old Town. From this vantage point, you realise how tightly packed the Old Town is, and what a teeming mass of humanity this must have been in the days when the Old Town was residential (don your thermals and try this just before Christmas when there is a Christmas market in the main square to see what I mean).

This viewpoint also gives you a better view of the beautiful Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn. Unfortunately the facade of this church has been obscured by later buildings which were constructed immediately in front of the church, and usually all you can see are the iconic towers rising above the surrounding buildings.

To state the obvious, you will not be the only person wanting to see the Old Town from this perspective, and the spectacular views mean that most visitors linger to try and get the perfect panoramic photos. Thus, as ever, it helps to visit out of peak hours (usually earlier is better than later) and ideally out of peak season so that you aren't crowded out.

The astronomical clock is located just off the Main Square in the Old Town and is one of Prague's main tourist attractions. It should therefore come as no surprise that it can get VERY crowded just before the hour as people gather to watch the clock figures 'perform'.

Several other VTers seem to have been so frustrated by the crowds that they have listed the astronomical clock under 'Tourist Traps', which is a shame, since it is a wonderful piece of engineering and well worth seeing. Some people also seem a little miffed that the 'show' is brief and not very spectacular, but perhaps we should remember that we are judging this against the frenetic standards of the 21st century where CG graphics are almost a standard expectation: to the average citizen in the 15th century (when it was built), it would have seemed utterly spectacular.

The clock 'performs' on the hour every hour between 0900 and 2100. The obvious suggestion is therefore to go out of peak hours: I would suggest going early before the crowds are out and about, as the Main Square is a popular tourist hangout in the evening. It is also likely to be a little less crowded in the week than over weekends when Prague is inundated by the 'citybreak' contingent.

Even better, try to go out of the season (summer and major public holidays such as Easter and Christmas) when I think that Prague is at its best - airfares and hotel prices will be lower and the city will be less crowded!

For those interested in astronomical clocks, the only other one in the country is in the charming little university city of Olomouc, a couple of hours east of Prague by train (see my travel tips). The facade of the Olomouc clock was rebuilt in a Socialist realist style after it was vandalised by retreating German troops at the end of World War II and is a fascinating piece of propaganda, with the saints' figures having been replaced by worthy Communist-era role models such as agricultural labourers and housewives! This brilliant clock is reason enough to visit Olomouc, and fortunately this lovely town (which is a little off the well-beaten tourist circuit of Prague - Cesky Krumlov - Kutna Hora) has lots more to offer the tourist - minus the crowds - and makes a marvellous counterpoint to Prague if you have a little more time to explore the Czech Republic.

When you are walking around the Old Town Square and see a massive crowd gathering at one corner at 15 min before each hour, they are waiting for the Astronomical Clock to go off. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague, although not nearly the most impressive.

The clock goes off every hour on the hour and features astronomical movements and a procession of statues of the apostles. The show is very quick, so if you plan on taking video or pictures make sure you are in a good spot 10-15 minutes before the hour. Crowds gather quickly.

I found a nice history of the clock here:
http://www2.intop.net/~jhollis/clock.htm

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The main square is the meeting point of too many people - tourists and internationals alike. From the Charles Bridge, I just followed the crowd because I knew that they will lead me to another main attraction. There are restaurants around the square (yes, you read that right - 'round the square). The street where shops that cater to higher class is just round the corner from the square but don't start your (window) shopping because you might miss the hourly show (do it after :)

The astronomical clock is known for an hourly show. Scuptures do a routine parade at the strike of the clock. I have yet to read the facts about the Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock.

Right after the amusing chiming of the clock, a Czech in a traditional costume appears at the top of the tower and blows his trumpet. Again, the performance is very brief but it is unforgettable because it draws everybody's attention and brings a touch of medieval time. After that, tourist groups disperse but the atmosphere remains very lively.

This tower is built in 1338 and is one of the most striking building in town. Inside is a staircase and an elevator. You can climb or ride to the top to experience terrific view over the Old town square.
Today the Old town Hall hosts civic ceremonies in its many room, and also houses of Tourist Information Centre.
Opened:
Mon 11:00-22:00
Tue-Sun 09:00-22:00

This beautiful clock is called Orloj in Prague and it is probably one of the most popular tourist attraction. It has three major components:
1.the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details
2.The Walk of the Apostles, a clock hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures
3.calendar dial with medallions representing the months

The oldest part of clock dates from 1410 and was made by clockmaker Mikulas of Kadan and Jan Sindel.

For me the most interesting is the four figures flanking the clock (are set in motion at the hour)
- Vanity figure admiring himself in a mirror
- Jew holding a bag of gold
- Death a skeleton that strikes the time upon the hour
- Turk wears the Turbon