NoahandMominPrague, part 3: The Prague Astronomical Clock

Hey guys,

One of the coolest features of the Old Town Square at which we stayed is the old Prague Astronomical clock, which has apparently been around since 1410.  In addition to telling time (albeit without adjusting for Daylight Saving's Time), it shows the time of sunrise and sunset every day, the lunar phase,the solstices and equinoxes, and the progression of the astronomical signs--all by clockwork.  That's pretty awesome

First, a shot at night:

And here's a picture during the day:

Flanking the clock are figures representing vices:  Vanity and Greed on the left, with Opulence on the far right.  Closest on the right is of course Death

The second face is a modern-style Gregorian calendar, added in 1870:

At the top of the hour, Death (not just a statue, but in fact a clockwork figurine!) rings a bell and the windows at the top open so that the twelve apostles can proceed by (sorry for the bad picture, best I could do) while the hour tolls

Finally, once all the chiming is done, a bugle tune is heard.  I at first assumed that this was part of the clockwork as well until I looked up and realize that no, it's just a dude with a bugle!

He gets to play the tune every hour and then stand and wave while all the tourists mean cheer him.  Pretty sweet gig :)

Anyways, as I posted last week, we stayed in a hotel overlooking the square.  I actually had fun, even when we weren't down to watch the clock, getting to watch the comically large crowd that shows up at about 5 til the hour that then immediately disperses

I hear it's a godsend for pickpockets ;)

Cheers,

Noah out