A View On Cities > Prague > Prague Attractions > Old Town Hall
Prague

Old Town Hall

Staromĕstská Radnice
Prague's old Town Hall was built in 1364. The astronomical clock in the 70 meter tall tower is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
Old Town HallThe Town Hall
After King John of Luxembourg accorded the citizens of Prague the privilege of having their own district council in 1338, they decided to build a Town Hall, paid for by a duty levied on wine. The almost 70 meters high tower was completed in 1364. Due to continuous expansions, the building now is a colorful collection of gothic and renaissance-style façades. During the 2nd WW, the building was severely damaged when the nazis suppressed the Prague uprising, but it is now thoroughly restored.

Clock Maker
The first clock of the Town Hall dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Clock maker Hanuš, who perfectioned the construction in 1490 was - according to the legend - made blind by the city council to prevent him from making a more beautiful clock elsewhere. Most of the mechanism still used today is made by Jan Táborský between 1552 and 1572.

Apostles
The clock is a magnet for tourists, especially just before the hour, when the twelve apostles march past. The skeleton on the right, depicting Death, starts the show by pulling on a string. In the meantime he looks at his other hand, in which he holds an hourglass. Then, two windows open, from where the apostles march. After the ritual, a cock crows. Other figures symbolize vanity, heathenism and parsimony.

Astronomical Clock
Below the apostles is the astronomical clock, which has the earth in the middle of the universe. The clock was created to show the presumed rotation of the sun and the moon around the earth. The clock also shows the movement of the sun and the moon in relation to the signs of zodiac. Below the astronomical clock is a calendar. The calendar, built by Josef Mánes in 1866, shows the days of the year together with symbolic pictures of the months of the year.




Quick Info
Location
Staroměstské náměsti
Subway
Staroměstská (A)
Tools
 
close window 
To send a link to this page and a brief message to someone who might like it, just fill out the form below and click on 'Send Mail'.

NOTE: We only request your name and email address so that the person you are sending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail.

Your Name*:
Your Email*:
 
Recipient Name*:
Recipient Email*:
Add a message: (optional)