The oldest one still working
Clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel built it in 1410. No older astronomical clock in the world still runs.
Urban Tales › Prague › Astronomical Clock
Prague Astronomical Clock: the history, and how to read it
The Orloj has been running since 1410, making it the oldest astronomical clock still working. Every hour it puts on a short show. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for while you wait for it.
Built1410
MakersMikuláš of Kadaň, Jan Šindel
Calendar dial≈ 1490
Showhourly, 9 am–11 pm
Hear the Astronomical Clock story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
1
2
The blinded clockmaker
Legend says the city had Master Hanuš blinded so he could never build a finer clock elsewhere, and that he took revenge by stopping it forever. The real Master Hanuš was clockmaker Jan Růže, who improved the clock around 1490; there's no evidence he was ever blinded, and the clock kept going.
3
Four figures and a skeleton
Beside the dial, Vanity holds a mirror, the Miser a bag of money, Death rings his bell and turns an hourglass, and a fourth figure shakes his head. Above, the apostles pass the two windows.
TipWatch the show from the corner of the square by the Týn church side, not right under the clock, and keep your eyes on Death rather than the apostles. With Urban Tales running, the clock's story plays as you reach the square.
Nearby landmarks
Astronomical Clock: common questions
When does the Prague Astronomical Clock show happen?
Every hour on the hour, from 9 am to 11 pm.
How old is the Prague Astronomical Clock?
It was installed in 1410, which makes it the oldest astronomical clock still in operation.
Is the story of the blinded clockmaker true?
No, it's a legend. Master Hanuš (Jan Růže) improved the clock around 1490, but there's no record of him being blinded.