Prague astronomical clock
Area Historic medieval clock displaying astronomical figures and procession
Mounted on Prague’s Old Town Hall, the 15th-century astronomical clock displays zodiac dials and an hourly procession of mechanical figures that gather crowds to watch.
The Prague Astronomical Clock, known as the Orloj, is a medieval clock mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square. It combines an astronomical dial, a calendar dial and animated figures, and is a major cultural and historical attraction in the city.
The clock features an hourly show in which small doors open and carved figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures perform a brief procession; the astronomical dial displays the position of the Sun and Moon and several medieval time systems. The mechanism and dials draw crowds throughout the day, especially on the hour.
Installed originally in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and later modified by other craftsmen, the Orloj has been repaired and restored numerous times, including after damage in World War II. Its continuing operation reflects a long history of maintenance and public interest.
The clock is located on the Old Town Hall façade in Prague’s historic centre, set within the Old Town Square and surrounded by other medieval and baroque town buildings.
- Date of installation: The clock mechanism dates back to 1410, making it one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world and an important example of medieval clockmaking.
How to Get to Prague astronomical clock #
The Prague astronomical clock (Orloj) is on Old Town Square in central Prague. It is best reached by Metro Line A to Staroměstská station (about a 2-5 minute walk) or by tram to the Old Town area; many central tram stops are within a 5-10 minute walk.
If arriving on foot from nearby central stations (Můstek, Národní třída) expect a 5-10 minute stroll - the location is in the heart of the city.
Tips for Visiting Prague astronomical clock #
- See the clock's mechanical procession on the hour but avoid the heaviest crowds by watching from a side street or from a windowed café on Malé náměstí rather than standing directly in front of the façade.
- Buy a ticket to climb the Old Town Hall tower and view the clock mechanism and the square from above; the tower provides a quieter vantage and photographic angles most people don't get.
- If you want fewer people for the show, aim for the first one after the tower opens (early morning) rather than the busy midday hours.
Best Time to Visit Prague astronomical clock #
Best seen in shoulder seasons or early morning to avoid the largest crowds that gather for the hourly display.
Weather & Climate near Prague astronomical clock #
Prague astronomical clock's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (503 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. The driest month with just 21 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
