PRAGUE, Czech Republic — The historic Astronomical Clock, locally known as Orloj, adorns the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague's Old Town Square. This medieval marvel, dating back to 1410, is the world's oldest functioning astronomical clock. Its intricate face displays not only the time but also astronomical information, zodiac signs, and allegorical figures, while its hourly show of moving statues continues to captivate tourists and locals alike.
Photograph by David Coleman. Prague's Astronomical Clock, or Orloj, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering and artistry. Installed in 1410, with later additions in the 16th century, it remains the oldest operational astronomical clock in the world. The clock's main components include the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky, and the calendar dial, depicting the months. The astronomical dial features a background representing the Earth and sky, and a zodiacal ring showing various astronomical phenomena. Around the clock are various sculptural figures, including the infamous figure of Death striking the hour, and allegorical representations of Vanity, Greed, and the Pagan Invasion. Every hour, the clock performs an elaborate show, with figures of the Twelve Apostles parading through windows above the clock, accompanied by the movement of other sculptures. This spectacle concludes with a golden rooster crowing and the chiming of the hours. The clock face is rich with symbols and is capable of displaying Old Bohemian Time, German Time, Babylonian Time, and Sidereal Time, as well as showing the moon's phases and the sun's journey through the zodiac. Its complexity and beauty make it not just a timepiece but a window into the medieval understanding of the cosmos and the passage of time, continuing to awe visitors with its intricate mechanisms and artistic detail.
Size: 3338px × 5025px
Location: Stare Mesto, Prague, Czech Republic
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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