Prague astronomical clock Area

Address: Prague Astronomical Clock (Old Town Hall), Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic

Website: https://www.prague.eu/

Hours: Clock visible 24/7; mechanical procession/show on the hour

Admission: Free to view the clock on the square; Old Town Hall tower entry is ticketed

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.

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.

• 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.