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- Destinations
- Europe
- Czech Republic
- Prague
- Prague Astronomical Clock
Prague Astronomical Clock
This medieval astronomical clock, also known as the Prague
Orloj, is mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall
and is popular with tourists eager to watch the clock's show every
hour. It comprises three main components, namely the astronomical
dial, which represents the position of the sun and the moon in the
sky, 'The Walk of the Apostles' showing moving sculptures, and a
calendar dial with medallions representing the 12 months. The show
begins with Death, represented by a skeleton, pulling the bell cord
with one hand while holding a Clessidra (hourglass) in the other.
The Apostles then come out of the windows in a procession and
return back inside. Once the windows close, a cockerel flaps and
crows in an alcove followed by the chimes of the hour. The parody
is accompanied by the Turk shaking his head, the Miser watching his
bag and Vanity admiring himself in a mirror and makes a wonderful
spectacle for visitors to Prague.
Information & Facts
Address
Language
Czech is the official language but English and German are
also widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Czech crown, locally known as the
Koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Most credit cards
including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are
accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling away
from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and
foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on
weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are becoming more common in
Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a
good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still cheap
compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).