Czech Republic: Time Waits for No One

If you’re in Prague a great meeting spot is in front of the Astronomical clock, one of Prague’s best-known landmarks.

The Astronomical Clock, known as the Orloj, was installed on the Old Town Hall in 1410, making it one of the oldest operating astronomical clocks in the world.

The clock does more than just tell the time. Its astronomical dial shows the position of the Sun and Moon using several moving hands and rings to show where the Sun and Moon are in the sky. The Sun’s hand indicates its position against the zodiac and whether it is above or below the horizon, while a small Moon sphere shows the Moon’s phase as it moves around the dial.

Maybe using the time in this picture makes its a bit clearer..... 

Or not.... Truthfully, the whole concept is lost on me, no matter what time I walked by. But apparently “the dial is essentially a medieval model of the sky, showing the movements of the Sun and Moon throughout the day and year.” Maybe that’s a bit like slide rulers and rotary phones from my high school days? (Yikes, did I just say that out loud!??!) 

But I digress.... Every hour the doors above the astronomical dial open and 12 wooden figures representing the Apostles march past the small windows. 

The four figures on the sides of the Astronomical Clock are meant to remind people of the temptations and dangers of everyday life.

Death is represented by a skeleton holding an hourglass, reminding people that life is short and death comes for everyone. He rings a bell as the clock strikes the hour. Beside him, Lust is represented by a figure associated with pleasure and temptation, reminding us of the dangers of giving in to earthly desires.

On the other side of the astronomical clock, Vanity is looking into a mirror, representing self-admiration and obsession with appearance. Beside him is Greed, a man holding a bag of money, representing greed and the desire for wealth.

Below the astronomical clock is the Old Town Calendar Dial. It shows the day, month, seasons and important feast days, with the circular design representing the yearly cycle. It was added to the Old Town Hall in the late 15th century.

In the 19th century four more figures were added. The Philosopher represents wisdom and contemplation. The Archangel Michael represents spiritual guidance and the Christian faith. 

On the other side, the Astronomer holds a telescope and represents science and knowledge. The Chronicler holds a book and represents learning and the passage of time. 

 Speaking of the passage of time, it was great to get together with an “old” Czech friend from 30 years ago! Yes, literally THIRTY years ago! 

Many thanks to Roman for taking the time out of his busy schedule to meet me, under the clock. 

Time waits for no one.