Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square

Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new... but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design? ~Paracelsus

The Astronomical Clock, or in Czech, Orloj, dates back to 1410 when it was made by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, a professor. It is built into the southern side of the Old Town Hall in Old Town Square. Around 1490, the calendar dial was added and clock facade decorated with Gothic sculptures. At the strike of each hour, figures come out and circle(and dance) as little bells chime the hour.

The astronomical dial is a form of mechanical astrolabe, a device used in medieval astronomy. In fact, One may consider this Orloj to be a primitive planetarium, displaying the current state of the universe.

The astronomical dial has a background that represents the standing Earth and sky, and surrounding it operate four main moving components: the zodiacal ring, an outer rotating ring, an icon representing the Sun, and an icon representing the Moon.

It is quite a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and holds a place amongst Prague's most stunning pieces of art-work. It was covered in "gold-leaf" and is radiant when the sun's rays strike it. One can not help but marvel at it's intricacy, antiquity and beauty.