布拉格天文钟

​ Prague Astronomical Clock (Czech: Pražský orloj) is a medieval timepiece located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square. Installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation.

The clock does not only indicate the time, but also displays the current month, the position of the sun and moon, the phases of the moon, and the zodiacal signs. Its intricate design makes it one of the most complex and visually striking astronomical clocks in existence.

A highlight for visitors occurs on the hour, when the clock’s animated figures are set in motion. At this moment, the famous “Walk of the Apostles” begins: small wooden figures emerge and rotate, while symbolic statues—such as a skeleton ringing a bell to represent death, and an angel raising and lowering a sword—spring to life. The show concludes with the crowing of a golden rooster and the sounding of the town hall chimes. This spectacle draws large crowds every hour.

For those wishing to explore further, tickets can be purchased to enter the Old Town Hall and its tower, where visitors can view the clock’s inner mechanism, the ceremonial halls, and the historical underground chambers.

Though the clock has undergone numerous repairs and reconstructions over the centuries, several of its original medieval components remain intact. Today, it stands as both a masterpiece of Gothic engineering and one of the most recognizable symbols of Prague.