🇨🇿 Prague
Old Town Square & the Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock's mechanism dates to 1410, making it the oldest astronomical clock still running anywhere in the world. The story that its maker was blinded so he could never build another is a 19th-century invention.
The medieval core of Prague and the place every walk through the city seems to pass through. The square is free and always open, ringed by pastel baroque townhouses, the twin Gothic spires of the Týn Church, and the Old Town Hall with its world-famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj).
On every hour from 09:00 to 23:00 the clock performs the Walk of the Apostles: little figures process past two windows while Death rings a bell. Manage expectations, it is short (about 45 seconds) and the crowd in front is large, but it is a fun thing to catch once.
For the better experience, climb (or take the lift) up the Old Town Hall tower for a rooftop panorama over the square, the Týn Church, and the red roofs toward the castle. The Jan Hus monument sits in the middle of the square, and cafés line every side. It is about a 10 to 12 minute walk from our hotel.
Audio tour: the square is a key stop on Rick Steves' Prague City Walk, a free self-guided audio tour in the library.