The Mystery of Prague's Astronomical Clock

Every astronomical clock has an ancient mystery. Get excited to discover the legend of this medieval Prague Astronomical Clock.

The Definition of an Astronomical Clock

An astronomical clock is not the kind of clock we use in our ordinary lives. It has the ability to show astronomical information such as the geographic coordinates of the sun, moon, constellations, and occasionally planets. The Astronomical Clock represents the movements of the sun or planets, the phases of the moon, or the observable sky at a particular moment, used to calculate time and for extra information, such as finding celestial objects or measuring their movement.

Prague's Magnificient Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) is a medieval artifact that has been functioning for almost 600 years and is one of the world's greatest and most unique clocks. It is placed in the Old Town Square on the south facade of the Old Town Hall. It is covered in Gothic-style embellishments and sculptures. The earliest piece of the clock was constructed in 1410 by clockmaker Mikulá of Kada and Jan Sindel, professor of astronomy at Charles University. The clock is a type of astrolabe, with the signs of the zodiac visible within the black circle, as well as symbols depicting the sun and moon, which were particularly significant at that time in Prague. The aurora or sunrise (on the left) and sunset (on the right) may also be seen on the clock, while the golden digits in the blue circle symbolize the periods of each day.

The Horrific Mystery of Prague's Astronomical Clock

The councilors of Prague picked Master Hanuš to build a having significant impact measuring apparatus at Staromstská Radnice which would have several other uses besides measurement of time, according to tradition. Hanuš delivered on his commitment. The councilors were terrified after he showed them his immaculate clock. They were concerned that he may construct an identical contraption for foreign countries, so they desired the astronomical clock to remain unique. As a result, a bunch of individuals came into the master's house after night and used a piece of iron to blind him. Hanuš was fully aware of who was responsible, hence he requested one of his students to follow him to the center of the clock. In spite of his blindness, Hanuš stopped the clock from operating by doing what his student was taught. According to legend, it took more than just a century for the clock to be restored to working order.

The Mystery of The Skeleton in Prague's Astronomical Clock

Based on a number of legends surrounding the skeleton figure that is placed in the astronomical clock. The skeleton's mystery was meant to prove this reality by turning his head if the Old Town Astronomical Clock stopped operating for a long period. It is said that a boy born on New Year's Eve symbolized the only hope. The boy is expected to rush out of the Týn Church from across the plaza to the town hall again when the astronomical clock starts up once more. He will have to sprint to make it before the clock strikes twelve. If he succeeds, he will be free of the skeleton's evil force and will be able to stop any evil.