Prague astronomical. Prague Astronomical Clock: history and sculptural design. Orloy chimes in tourists' photos

And photographing one of its main attractions - the Prague Astronomical Clock or Orloj. Today I will tell you the most interesting facts about this watch.

1. At the end of 2018, after a lengthy restoration, the clock was opened to the public and the color changed slightly, becoming more contrasting and bright. For those not in the know, the Prague Astronomical Clock is a medieval clock mounted on the south wall of the Old Town Hall tower on Old Town Square in Prague. It is the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock in the world still working! We can say that this is one of the wonders of the world.

2. As soon as tourists do not call the clock Prague Astronomical Clock (Staroměstský orloj or Pražský orloj). Yes, yes, the Czech word “orloj” translates as “chimes”. Here is a list of the most common watch names:

• Prague Astronomical Clock
• Astronomical clock in Prague
• Tower clock
• Beautiful clock in Prague on Old Town Square
• Famous clock in Prague
• Mechanical tower clock in Prague
• Eagle Clock in Prague
• Main clock at the town hall
• Astrological clock
• Central square of Prague with clock
• Jewish clock in Prague

Remember, the official name of this clock is Prague Astronomical Clock!

3. The mechanical clock and astronomical dial were created in 1410 by the watchmaker Mikulas from Kadane according to the design of Jan Schindel, who was a professor of philosophy, mathematics and astronomy at the University of Prague.

4. As you understand, the watch consists of two parts. Below in the photo is an astronomical dial showing Old Bohemian, Babylonian, Central European (modern) and sidereal time. This dial also shows the time of sunrise and sunset, the position of the sun and moon among the constellations included in the zodiac circle, as well as the phases of the moon. The diameter of this dial is 2.6 meters!

To the right and left of the dial there are figures that move every hour. If you look closely, you will see the following figures from left to right: Vanity; Greed; symbol of death - Skeleton; symbol of pleasure - Turk.

The astronomical dial of the Prague Orloj is an astrolabe driven by a clock mechanism. Orloy reflects the Ptolemaic geocentric system of the world: the Earth is in the center, around which the Sun and Moon revolve. The astrolabe is one of the oldest astronomical instruments, used to measure horizontal angles and determine the latitude and longitude of celestial bodies.

5. There is a sculpture of an angel above the dial. To the right and left of the angel there are two windows, which open at the moment the chimes strike, and the Procession of the Apostles is shown - 12 figures of the apostles move, replacing each other. Above the angel you see a gilded figurine of a rooster, which crows after the end of the procession.

During the procession of the apostles, the figures at the astronomical dial also make some movements: the figure of Death turns over the hourglass, nods its head and pulls the bell; the figure of Vanity turns his head and looks into the mirror from different sides; the figure of Greed shakes a bag of coins, and the Turk shakes his head negatively.

6. I noted the main elements of the astronomical dial in the schematic image.

7. This is a calendar dial that determines the day and month of the calendar year, the day of the week, non-working days, as well as permanent holidays of the Christian calendar. On either side of him there are also figures from left to right: Philosopher, Archangel Michael, Astronomer, Chronicler. Each figure has indispensable attributes: the Philosopher holds a pen and a scroll in his hands, Archangel Michael is depicted with wings behind his back, with a shield, a staff and a fiery sword, the Astronomer can be seen holding a spyglass, and the Chronicler has a book.

8. At the top of the tower there is another clock installed directly under the observation deck.

9. A huge number of people crowd around the clock at any time of the day. Therefore, if you want to look at the clocks of white crowds of tourists, I advise you to come and admire the clocks at dawn, for example in the summer at 6-7 am. The watch is also beautiful when illuminated at night.

10. You can admire the Prague Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square from the Prince's restaurant. But it’s better to book a table in advance, because... the place has become iconic and very popular, especially in the warm season and in good weather. True, the dessert and coffee in this restaurant disappointed me, but it is still more rational to pay 200 CZK for coffee and dessert than 260 CZK for going up to the Old Town Tower, where you still have to stand in line.

The astronomical clock in Prague (other names, which are no less common: Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Orloj) is one of the symbols of the Czech capital. The tower clock from the medieval period is located in the city center, on Old Town Square. The clock crowns the ancient Old Town Hall.

The Orloj clock in Prague is the oldest such mechanism in the world, which continues to work and accurately display astronomical data today. The oldest part of the clock mechanism and dial was created in 1410.

The outer part of the Prague Orloj chimes includes 3 main components (arranged vertically). The central dial has an astronomical purpose. It shows sidereal time, sunrise and sunset times, lunar phases, as well as time (not only the current time in Central Europe, but also Old Bohemian and Babylonian). The arrangement of the Earth, Sun and Moon on the face of the dial represents the ancient Greek system of the world (according to Ptolemy), according to which the Earth is at the center of the Universe (in this case in the center of the dial), and the Sun and Moon revolve around it. On both sides of the dial there are figures moving at a certain time. The precision of all elements gave the watch the nickname “Prague Planetarium”.

Above the central dial there are 2 windows - also for showing moving figures. The lower dial functions as a calendar, which gives an idea not only of the current date, but also of Christian holidays. The calendar dial of the watch is decorated with 12 medallions (by month), which depict scenes of medieval rural life. The external disk is divided into 365 sectors by day.

Story

The first clock on the Old Town Tower was installed, judging by the references, in 1402. But as a result of improper care or poor quality design, they failed and could not be restored. In 1410, watchmaker Mikulas from the village of Kadine made the oldest parts of the famous clock - the astronomical part and the internal mechanism. The most precise mechanism was developed by the scientist Jan Schindel, who was famous for his achievements in the field of astronomy. The sculptural compositions were performed by the eminent Czech sculptor Petr Parler. According to historical documents, the watchmaker received not only a house and money for his work, but also an annual allowance for life.

The next mention of Prague clocks dates back to 1490. Then the famous watchmaker in Prague, Jan Rouge, repaired the mechanism, and also added a new dial (lower) and the famous figure - Death. She became the first moving figure in the composition of the watch. For 400 years, it was Jan Ruget who was considered the author of the clock in Prague on the Old Town Square. The error was corrected only in the middle of the 20th century.

In 1659, the figure of Death was supplemented by other moving sculptures. In the 18th century, the mechanism stopped being repaired - the main clock of Prague stood motionless for several decades. In 1787, the clock tower in Prague was rebuilt and the entire mechanism was almost thrown into scrap iron. But some townspeople, led by the observatory professor, secured funding to repair the clock mechanism. It was possible to partially repair the clock mechanism; in the same years, wooden figurines in the form of apostles were installed. Major repairs took place in 1865-1866.

In the last days of the war with the Nazis (May 8), the Prague Astronomical Clock was badly damaged. The clock was equipped with a rebel radio, which broadcast motivating appeals to the people against the Nazis. The German detachment decided to destroy the radio and fired at the tower with anti-aircraft guns. The wooden figures and the calendar dial were burned out, and the central dial fell from the tower. The completely restored clock was reinstalled in 1948. Today, ¾ of the Prague Astronomical Clock consists of original ancient elements.

When does the astronomical clock strike in Prague?

The clock on Old Town Square strikes every hour from 09:00 to 23:00. When the Prague chimes strike, a unique show with figures takes place. The figures located to the left and right of the central dial begin to move. They are represented by rather creepy characters: Death (a figurine of a skeleton), the Turk (a figurine in a turban), Greed (a sculpture with a wallet) and Vanity (a figurine with a mirror). In addition, 12 apostles come out. A procession of wooden figures passes from one window to another above the central dial every minute while the clock strikes.

The show always attracts crowds of spectators, especially during the daytime hours.

The Czech Republic, like Russia, has its own most famous chimes. They have a double name - Orloy or Old Town Clock. The first name is more common in the world. They say that everyone who comes to Prague remembers this word first. “Orloj” translated from Czech means nothing more than “clock”. Apparently, this is why the Prague chimes also have a second name - Old Town Clock, so that the Czechs understand exactly what kind of clock they are talking about.

The Old Town clock is much older than its Moscow “brothers”. The clock was first mentioned in 1410; it was installed on the Old Town Hall. Their authors were two people - Mikulas Kadan and Jan Schindel. Moreover, the latter was not just a watchmaker, but a famous mathematician and astronomer of his time. Over its long history, the watch has been modified and redesigned many times. They say that this is why their mechanisms are so complex and intricate that even an experienced specialist in this field is quite difficult to figure out how and what works there.

There is also a legend that says that a watchmaker named Ganush finished creating the clock in 1490 (he added a calendar dial). After he completed the construction, the city authorities were so amazed by the beauty of the clock that they decided to blind the master so that he could not repeat his masterpiece anywhere else. To avenge such “gratitude,” Ganush committed suicide by throwing himself into a clock mechanism, which, due to damage, stopped for many years. But this is nothing more than a legend. In fact, such a person did exist, his name was Jan Rouge (Ganoush was his nickname), and he modified the clock, adding a dial and some figures, but there was no blinding or suicide.

The Orloy chimes display quite a lot of information. In addition to the time itself, you can see the current date, the time of sunset and sunrise of the Moon and Sun, the current location of the Zodiac signs, even the position of the Earth relative to the Sun. But the most important thing is the performance that is shown every hour. It is for this puppet show that a huge number of tourists constantly gather on the square in front of the town hall, as once in Moscow during the changing of the guard at the Mausoleum.

The performance is performed in the style of a medieval theater. There is a skeleton in the image of death, reminiscent of punishment for earthly sins, and ten apostles, symbolizing righteousness and a proper way of life, and an angel lowering the punishing sword of justice. Even today, tourists watch the puppet show with enthusiasm, but what can we say about the power of influence on a medieval person who was not spoiled by such spectacles. This is what watches were once created for.

The Old Town clock stopped only a few times. And each time it was a harbinger of some serious cataclysms. The last time this happened was when the Czech Republic was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War, which, by the way, actually ended near the Old Town Hall when Soviet troops destroyed the last large German group in Prague on May 8.

Today, the Old Town Clock is called one of the most important attractions of Prague.

Or, as they are also called, Pražský orloj (Prague Eagle). This clock is installed on the southern wall of the Old Town Tower, located on the square of the same name.

If you are already there, the Tyn Church will help you find your way.

The Old Town Hall is located exactly on the opposite side of the square.

What is remarkable about the chimes

In addition to its historical and cultural value, Orloy compares favorably with many static attractions of the city. “What is this?” – you ask. More about this.

Performance

As already mentioned, all the sculptures decorating the clock did not appear at once. As far as I understood from the stories of the locals, initially each had some meaning or comparison with the realities of a certain time. But due to numerous restorations, few can remember their true meaning. For example, the rooster and the angel were thought to be amulets against supernatural powers. But now they are nothing more than static decorations.

So why do tourists from all over the world come here in such huge numbers every day, despite the fact that this whole composition has lost its secret meaning? For the show, of course!

On both sides of the angel there are two windows: it is in them that a small performance takes place every hour.

The skeleton standing to the right of the dial pulls the chain, the bell begins to ring and the window sashes open; in the openings, all 12 apostles are shown one by one.

Hundreds of camera flashes illuminate the square at these moments! At some point, I began to look not at the clock, but at the tourists - a very curious sight: on their faces there was admiration, interest, and idle curiosity... And in none of them did I see indifference. Just imagine, many of them are watching the show not for the first time. It doesn’t get boring, but rather the opposite – you try to see or notice something new every time.

By the way, you can watch the chimes from above, from the observation deck. I'll tell you about it a little later.

Astronomical dial

It is an astrolabe equipped with a clock mechanism. The clock illustrates the geocentric system of the world: the Earth is in the center, and the Sun and Moon revolve around it. And although such a system is clearly outdated, it still remains for many tourists and city residents not a reminder of the fallacy of this version, but a beautiful fairy tale, embodied by the masters of the past in the famous Prague Astronomical Clock.

The sun symbol at the end of the “arrow” makes a whole revolution per day, but this is not the most interesting thing. The fact is that over the course of the year, the sun either moves away or approaches the center of the circle, as I understand it, symbolizing the height of the Sun’s position above the horizon.

As for the moon symbol: the ball is painted in different colors on different sides, indicating the phase of the lunar cycle. The ball rotates in different directions for a full cycle - 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes and 3 seconds.

There is also a disk with images of the zodiac signs. It rotates offset from the center and shows in which zodiac constellation the sun and moon are located.

Calendar dial

The current dial is new; the old one, alas, has not been preserved. It was created during the reconstruction of the 19th century, which I mentioned above. In the center is the coat of arms of Vladislav II, then a disk with the image of 12 zodiacs, and, finally, on the outside there is a disk with 365 divisions, on each of which is a calendar day of the year.

The disks (except for the central one) rotate, and an arrow attached to the top shows the current day.

Old Town Hall Tower

Now there is a museum inside, exhibitions are held there and there is a special hall for registering marriages.

Unfortunately, I was not able to visit the exhibitions, but to go up to the observation deck - this minimum was met. Which is what I'll tell you about now.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Tickets for the viewing can be purchased at the ticket office inside the town hall. The cost in the summer of 2015 was as follows:

• students, children under 15 years old, pensioners – 2.5 euros (70 CZK);
• adults – 4 euros (120 CZK).

Opening hours: from 11.00 to 22.00 on Monday, other days from 9.00 to 22.00. The last rise is 20 minutes before closing.

What is inside

You can go up by elevator or on foot; I advise you to take a ride up and save time, but go down the stairs to study the information exhibition located on the walls. From it I learned that during the war, Old Town Square was almost a key gathering place for the Nazis; many buildings were occupied and subsequently destroyed.

For example, the tower building was rebuilt, if my memory serves me right, three times, and the last time was just after the war. In my opinion, this is interesting historical information that can be given 10-20 minutes. Information is presented in English and Czech.

Observation room

Finally, we are at the top. First, you will have to stand in line to enter if there are many people interested. But it's worth the wait as the views are amazing!

By the way, it is from here, it seems to me, that the photo that was printed on many postcards from Prague was taken (below).

The Prague metronome is also visible.

By the way, pay attention in which direction the flow of people at the observation point is moving, if there are many of them. Unsavvy tourists trying to go against everyone are annoying. You don't want to become one of them, do you? :)

Finally

I would like to note: if you think that, having read the description and photographs, you have already practically visited some places in the world in general and Prague in particular, then this is a huge misconception. Do not deny yourself the pleasure, look at everything live and get a colossal portion of pleasure. I will tell you other details about Old Town Square in the next article. I wish you success!

The location at the junction of trade routes made the formation of a market in this place inevitable. This is how Old Town Square was formed at the beginning of the 13th century. Subsequently, it changed many names: Old Market, Old Town Square, Old Town Market and Great Square. This place acquired its modern name only in 1895.

The purpose of Old Town Square has not changed much. Rather, it has always been versatile. Whether in the market, on the parade ground, or in the square, the most significant events for the city were invariably held: the procession of kings, executions and important discussions. So, in 1621, the Stavovo clash took place at this place. Subsequently, 27 of its participants were executed. 27 crosses were placed in memory of the victims.

Old Town Square is interesting because it is not only a historical site itself, but is also surrounded by equally interesting sights. In the center there is a historical monument - a monument to Jan Hus. It was erected in 1915, and since 1962 it has been classified as a protected cultural site.

The creation of the monument is associated with great controversy. Initially, it was planned to install a memorial plaque on the wall of the National Museum. But many opposed this idea, because they did not consider the personality of Jan Hus worthy of being recorded in history. Others were outraged by this attitude, and in retaliation they installed not just a plaque, but a sculpture. And not just anywhere, but in the historical heart.

The next attraction located on the square is. It was founded in 1338. Initially, it was a corner house, donated to the city by a wealthy merchant named Wolf Kamene. Already in 1360, another building was added to the western part of this building, in which the local government meeting hall was located. Then, in 1364, the famous tower with the Astronomical Clock was added. In 1458, the house of the tanner Miksha was added. The next building was added to the town hall in 1830-1834. At the same time, the eastern wing was annexed. And in May 1945 the town hall was on fire. The eastern wing was completely burned down and the tower and chimes were badly damaged.

As a result of frequent additions and alterations, the building is now a curious mixture of neo- and old-Gothic with Renaissance. The building houses a museum, hosts exhibitions and even registers marriages.

The astronomical clock can be called an independent landmark of Prague. After all, they are the third oldest in the world and the only ones that are still going. They are also called the Prague Astronomical Clock or Orla.

The clock consists of three dials, which are located vertically. It’s not the dials that attract tourists. Crowds gathering at the foot of the tower await the appearance of animated figures from the windows. And since in the Middle Ages people were very superstitious, a pair of ominous basilisks were installed on the roof of the tower to protect the clock from the evil eye. They also give the austere structure a fairy-tale spirit, just like the moving figures in the clock.

On Old Town Square, the Church of St. Nicholas attracts most of the attention. Currently it is the main temple of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. The temple was rebuilt several times: the last reconstruction took place at the beginning of the 18th century, and the temple has existed since the end of the 13th.

The temple vault is decorated with a crystal chandelier - a gift from Russian Tsar Nicholas II.

Another decoration of the Old Town Square is the Temple of the Virgin Mary before Tyn (Tyn Temple). Initially, it was the center of the Hussite faith. But in the 17th century the building began to belong to the Jesuits. And this temple did not remain unchanged. Initially it was built in the Gothic style. But over time, the decoration of other styles was layered. Thanks to this, the Tyn Church is an example of the fusion of various architectural movements and old Gothic. Inside, the elements are mostly in Baroque style.

Restaurants and cafes nearby

There are always a lot of tourists on Old Town Square. It is not surprising that such a crowded place has many food outlets. Here are the nearest cafes and restaurants:

• Pizzeria Pulcinella. Address: Melantrichova 465/11.
• Staromestska Restaurant. Address: Staromestske namesti 549/19.
• El Toro. Negro Address: Staromestske namesti 481/22 Stare Mesto.
• U Husa. Address: Staromestske namesti 18.
• Cafe Mozart. Address: Staromestske namesti 481/22.
• Restaurant White Horse. Address: Staromestske namesti 548/20 Old Town Square.

These are the places that received the highest ratings from visitors. However, it is worth considering that the closer a restaurant or cafe is located to the square, the more expensive the dishes will be.

How to get there

It's easy to get there. There are two ways: metro and tram. Stop Staroměstská, on both types of transport. Trams number 2, 17, 18 run during the day, and number 93 at night.

Those traveling by their own transport can enter the address into the navigator: Staroměstské náměstí, Prague 1.

Old Town Square on the map

Excursions

Various travel agencies offer tours to the Czech Republic with sightseeing. These include the Old Town Square and the historical sites adjacent to it. In this case, there will be no problems with the organization.

When traveling on your own, you need to look for a guide, but in Prague this is not a problem. You can get acquainted with the history of the attraction in a group with a guide or with a guide of a specific historical site. And along some routes you can even walk in the company of a local resident, who will be happy to introduce the guest to the beauties of his hometown.