The clock on the Old Town Square in Prague, Prague Orloj - the astronomical clock, installed on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall building, is a popular and world-famous landmark of the Czech capital.

History of construction and improvements

The clock in Prague on the Old Town Square, whose history goes back more than 600 years, was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1402, but already in 1410 they were replaced by a new mechanical one with an astrolabe made by the Kadan master Mikulas. They were made according to the project of the scientist-astronomer J. Schindel.

In 1490, during the repair, the clock was improved: the calendar discs were completed, and Gothic figures were installed on the facade. The work was carried out by the master Ganush.

In the following years, the restorations were carried out many more times, because due to the inexperience of the caretakers serving them, the chimes sometimes stopped themselves.

In 1552, the restoration of the clockwork was done by master J. Taborski.

Further improvements were made in the 17th century, when the time beating mechanism was moved, some figures were installed, as well as indicators of the phases of the moon.

History of watch restoration

In 1778, the Prague authorities decided to disassemble the mechanism for scrap due to the lack of funds for its repair. The local watchmaker J. Landesberger became the savior of the chimes, and in 1791 he repaired them free of charge in order to preserve this landmark for future generations. However, the astrolabe, due to poor care, began to work poorly, and they could not be repaired. The figures of the apostles were added to the mechanism.

In the middle of the 19th century, they again wanted to disassemble the chimes. The watchmakers L. Heinz, C. Danek and R. Bozhek became the next saviors, who raised funds for the reconstruction of watches. During the restoration, R. Bozhek made a chronometer, which still controls the movement (the watch is only 0.5 minutes behind a week, which is a good result). Since that time, as now, the repair work of Orloy's mechanisms has been carried out by the Heinz company.

Since then, the clock in Prague on the Old Town Square (photo below) has become a famous landmark in the Czech capital. The craftsmen were able to restore almost 75% of the original parts of the movement.

Clock in Prague on the Old Town Square: description

An astronomical clock consists of several parts, the main ones of which are:

• astronomical disks, which determine the position of the Sun and the Moon in the sky, showing some details of astronomy, have a zodiacal ring;
• "The Apostles' Move" - ​​a mechanism that every hour activates the moving mechanical figures of the apostles and characters;
• a medallion dial that acts like a calendar and shows the months.

Astrolabe with the help of a clock mechanism indicates the time in several systems at once:

• Babylonian, in which at different times of the year there are different durations of the hour;
• Old Bohemian (Schwabacher numbers are used);
• Central European - shows Roman numerals;
• sidereal time (Arabic numerals).

Unlike other Prague chimes, the famous clock on the Old Town Square in Prague is not set to summer time, so it shows inaccurate time for half a year (it is one hour behind European time).

The calendar dial is adorned with 12 medallions, each of which depicts scenes from the rural life of the Middle Ages.

What does the astronomical clock show?

The clock on the Old Town Square in Prague can be called a small planetarium that shows the state of the universe. With the help of a mechanical astrolabe, although it was built in the Middle Ages, the position of the sun and moon can be seen.

The image of the Earth (blue circle) and some part of the sky (top) represent the background. 4 moving parts rotate on the disks: the ring of the zodiacal signs and the outer one, the images of the Sun and the Moon.

During the day, the sun moves on a blue background, and at night - on a black background. In the hours of dawn and evening twilight - in the red area of ​​the background. To the left of the horizon are written avrora (dawn) and ortus (sunrise), to the right - occasus (sunset) and crepusculum (dusk).

The Golden Sun moves in a circle of zodiac signs and shows with an arrow and a gilded hand for a certain time:

• when pointing to Roman numerals, local Prague time is visible;
• the position of the luminary on the curved golden lines determines the Babylonian time;
• on the outer ring, the hand shows the hours after sunset according to Old Bohemian reckoning;
• the moon moves along the ecliptic at a higher speed, and the silver sphere shows the lunar phase.

Orloi Upper Dial

The clock on the Old Town Square in Prague attracts the attention of tourists every hour (the show takes place from 9.00 to 21.00).

The upper dial is astronomical, on the side of it there are 4 figures, which are located on both sides of the clock. These figures symbolize the despised vices of a person:

• death, reminiscent of the frailty of being;
• vanity depicted by a figure with a mirror;
• greed (a Jew with a wallet);
• Turks, symbolizing the centuries-old threat to the Habsburg empire from the Ottoman Empire.

Above the dial, there are windows with doors in which figures move alternately.According to the movement of the Skeleton (Death), which pulls the rope, the apostles begin to appear in the window: St. Peter holds the key, St. Matthew threatens with an ax, St. Paul holds a book in his hands , St. John - a cup, St. Jakub - a spindle, St. Szymon - a saw, St. Tomas - a spear, St. Ondřej and Philip hold crosses, St. Bartholomew crumples the skin with his hands, St. Barnabash holds a scroll, and St. Tadeusz holds under the arm of the paper in the folder.

Orloi's lower dial

The clock on the Old Town Square in Prague also has a second dial - the zodiacal (added in 1490), which is also decorated on both sides with figures: a chronicler, an angel, an astronomer and a philosopher.

In the outer black circle there is a movable round part with zodiac signs indicating the position of the Sun in the ecliptic. The signs are arranged and run counterclockwise in order. A small gold star indicates the vernal equinox.

On the zodiac dial, you can determine the sign of the zodiac, name day, day and month of birth. However, a copy of it hangs on the town hall, and the original (written by J. Manes in the 19th century) is exhibited in the Prague Museum of History.

During the performance, all the figures and the 12 apostles move. At the same time, the Turk shakes his head all the time, and the curmudgeon shows his wallet. The crowning of the whole performance is the crowing of a cock, announcing the beginning of a new hour.

Legends about Orloi

One of the legends is associated with the times when the clock on the Old Town Square (Prague, Czech Republic) was still under construction. Master Ganush, who added a calendar dial to the chimes, impressed the city authorities with his skill and beauty of his work so much that they decided to deprive him of his sight, so that henceforth he could not build a similar clock anywhere and to anyone. The indignant master decided to commit suicide by rushing from a height inside the Orloi mechanism, after which the chimes stopped for several years due to damage. However, history refutes this legend, the master Ganush (his real name was Jan Rouge) really refined the clockwork, and everything else is fiction.

Another legend says that when the clock stops, cataclysms must surely occur in the city. Such a stop happened during the occupation of the Czech Republic by the Nazis, which ended directly on the Old Town Square during the destruction of the last German group in Prague by Soviet troops on May 8, 1945.

One of the last stops of Orloj happened in 2001, after which there was a large-scale flood that flooded the Czech capital (August 2002).

Prague Orloj: reviews and impressions

The chimes on Starometstka Square are one of those attracting thousands of tourists who come in droves every hour to watch the performance with moving figures.

At night, there are no performances, and Orloi employees are engaged in the restoration and renovation of mechanisms and figurines in the tower. Watches require daily maintenance (lubrication of mechanisms, etc.), which is what these people are watching.

Many tourists who come to admire the clock on the Old Town Square in Prague express their reviews with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Orloj is located in the very center of Prague, on the square where Christmas and other festive festivities are held, fairs are held. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes with delicious pastries and national dishes.

Conclusion

In 2010, Prague Orloj celebrated its 600th anniversary. The city hosted festive events dedicated to this event. Over the past several hundred years, the famous chimes have attracted many tourists to Prague, and they will remain popular for more than one century.

This place is especially beautiful on New Year's holidays: the largest Christmas tree in the city is installed in the center of the square, and festive shows are arranged around them, which, surrounded by medieval spiers and castles, resemble a fabulous and beautiful theatrical action.

The Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti) is undoubtedly one of the main, most beautiful and fabulous squares in Prague. The Old Town Square is located in the historical center of Prague, on the side of the Old Town. Due to its location, Old Town Square is also called Old Town Square.

Old Town Square is perhaps the largest square in old Prague. This place is quite spicy, and all due to the fact that a large number of attractions are concentrated on the square, which like a magnet attract tourists from all over the world.

In addition to the mass of the main city attractions, the square itself is surrounded by city houses with facades one more beautiful than others, intertwining several architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo. All this together creates a fabulous look and a festive atmosphere for the entire area.

The history of Old Town Square or Staromak, as it was also called, began in the 10th century. Then it was the central market square, surrounded by taverns and inns. Gradually, the city began to grow around the square. During its existence, the square is endowed with a rich history; even in ancient times, coronation processions took place on the square, as well as clashes of estates and executions. After the abolition of public executions, various fairs, festivals and festivities began to take place on the square.

To this day, an atmosphere of celebration and general fun reigns on the square. There are tents along the perimeter, from which there is a lively trade in souvenirs and. From the tents with street food, there is simply an amazing smell of sweet trdeliks and smoked pork knee. It is simply impossible not to pass by and not taste the delicacy.

A stage is set up in the center of the square and concerts are held

Horseback riding can be arranged in the square and in the old town. And street performers entertain honest people. All this together looks very interesting and exciting.

The main attraction of the square is the City Hall, which is towering and visible from many points of the old town, it is also called Old Town Hall / Staromestska radnice.

The Old Town Hall was built on the square in 1338 as the seat of the city government and at first bore the name of the City Hall, it was the first grandiose structure on the square at that time. Later, in 1410, an astronomical clock was installed on the town hall, the very famous Prague Orloj. During its long existence, the Town Hall has been restored and expanded many times. Nowadays, you can still enjoy the oldest part of the town hall complex, a Gothic tower with a bay window chapel and a unique astronomical clock.

It is on this town hall, the clock tower, that one of the most famous clocks in the world is located - Orloi astronomical clock/ Prazsky Orloj. Perhaps the Old Town Hall, together with the Orloj clock, is not only the main attraction of the square, but of the whole of Prague, if not of the Czech Republic.

The Prague Orloj chimes are a very complex mechanism, the creation of which was once the work of the best master watchmaker - Mikulas from Copenhagen. When creating the watch, Mikulas consulted the best mathematician and astronomer of his time, Jan Schindel. The most interesting thing is that the main legend around this watch is not connected at all with its ancestor, but with a completely different master - Ganush, who later modified the chimes. After his work, Ghanusha was blinded by the city authorities so that he could never again create the same clock for another city.

The mechanism of the Orloi clock is considered very complex to this day, since on the clock you can see not only the time of day and the current date, but also the time of setting and rising of the Moon and the Sun, as well as the location of all 12 signs of the zodiac and the position of the Earth relative to the Sun. These are such outstanding and externally beautiful watches made by the masters of the 14th century.

For the entertainment of ordinary citizens, the clock was invented and installed characters, which moved to the sound of the striking of the clock, each fulfilling its role. So the clock also turned into a medieval theater. And to this day, every hour (from 9.00 to 23.00), under the chimes, the figures on the clock come to life. In the two windows above the clock face, you can see the 12 apostles moving alternately.

In addition to the apostles, there are nine more figures on the clock, each performing his own role: the Skeleton (Czech Death) turns the clock and rings inviting to follow him, The arrogant looking at himself in the mirror, the Curmudgeon has a bag of money in his hands, the Turk (a symbol of pleasure and vice) shakes the skeleton negatively head, because he so does not want to leave at the sign of Death. The whole performance ends with a trumpeter, who walks onto the platform under the arches of the town hall and solemnly celebrates the approach of the new hour.

Thanks to this concert, every hour hundreds of tourists gather on the Old Town Square under the Orloj clock, everyone will be able to photograph or film such a breathtaking performance. All this, of course, must be seen with your own eyes. The video does not convey all the charm of the figurines concert, but the general atmosphere of delight and "celebration" is clearly visible:

At the very top of the Old Town Hall there is an observation deck, you can climb to the platform and admire the beautiful panorama of the old town of Prague. Adult ticket 130 CZK, children, student and pension ticket - 80 Kc.

The main dominant feature of the Old Town Square, after the Old Town Hall, is naturally a two-tower Tynsky chram... The true name of the Tyn Temple sounds like the Temple of the Virgin Mary before Tyn / Chram Matky Bozi pred Tynem. Tyn is an inner courtyard or Tyn courtyard, located just behind the Old Town Square. Hence the name of the Temple of the Virgin Mary, which did come to be called the Temple in front of Tyn or Tyn Temple.

Two buildings of the Old Town Square - the City Hall and the Tyn Church, once emphasized the importance of the square, which, from just a market square, turned into a historically significant one, and in the 60s of the 20th century became completely pedestrianized.

The construction of the Tyn Temple began in 1365. Two asymmetrical towers of the temple, which became such after a strong fire, reach a height of 80 meters and are one of the main symbols of Prague. It is these two towers, as often as the Orloi clock, that can be seen on many postcards and magnets sold in the Czech Republic as souvenirs.

The entrance to the Temple was closed and photography is prohibited

In the center, the Old Town Square is decorated with a striking, huge size bronze monument Art Nouveau dedicated to the national hero of the Czech Republic Pomnik mistra Jana Husa.

The statue of Jan Hus is depicted standing in the center of the sculptural group. On both sides of Jan there are sculptures symbolizing Hussites and emigrants. The statue of Jan Hus is turned to face the Tyn Church.

To the right of the monument, you can see a beautiful rococo building in pastel pink tones. This is one of the most memorable buildings on the square - Kinsky Palace / Palac Kinskych... The palace was built in 1765 for Count Jan Armost Gölc. Currently, the Kinsky Palace acts as Art Gallery... On some holidays, admission to the gallery is free.

On the opposite side of the monument and the palace, the famous and visited by tourists turns white Cathedral of Saint Nicholas... It is one of the most famous baroque churches in Prague and belongs to the most valuable buildings of this style north of the Alps. The dome of the temple with a diameter of 20 meters and an internal height of 49 meters is the tallest in Prague.

The Church of St. Nicholas (translated from Czech as the Temple of St. Mikulase / Chram sv. Mikulase), a majestic structure that no tourist passes by. By the way, this is the only temple, and in general a place in Prague, to which, when we visited the Czech Republic, there was free admission, all other places are paid.

The temple displays sumptuous high baroque decor. And the temple is decorated with one of the largest sculptures of St. Nicholas in Europe.

The Church of St. Nicholas houses a unique 18th century organ, decorated with figures of angels. With the participation of this organ, concerts are held in the temple.

The tall and beautiful vault of the Church of St. Mikulas is decorated with a unique crystal chandelier in the form of an imperial crown. The chandelier was donated to the Cathedral by Emperor Alexander II.

Opposite the central entrance to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, there is a green area with benches for rest, around which several cafes with open terraces are concentrated.

P.S. The Old Town Square is beautiful in itself, and its sights, so conveniently located in one place, are also the main ones in the city and are simply mesmerizing. We came to the square almost every day, but how could it be otherwise, because all the paths lead through it, and constantly admired it, like for the first time, discovering something new. We recommend everyone to visit this world-famous square.

Hello, friends! Orloj watches in Prague deserve to be told in detail. The famous Czech chimes have bypassed all similar clock mechanisms in the world in terms of the duration of their existence. Created at the beginning of the 15th century, they are still functional and show Central European times, as well as Old Bohemian and Babylonian times.

But the audience is in a hurry to the Prague Eagle not at all to orient themselves in time. The astronomical clock is unique. They are at the same time a work of art, a scientific and historical object and entertainment for visitors, where they are.

It will be more logical before embarking on detailed descriptions, provide an opportunity to look directly at the chimes, their action, and those numerous among which they are. A short video will allow you to quickly plunge into the thick of things:

And now you can dwell on some details - who is involved in the astronomical clock, what symbols surround them, and what they are famous for:

1. How the Prague Eagle appeared
2. Astronomical disk and timing
3. Symbolic images of chimes

Who and when created Pražský orloj

The first chimes did not appear at the end of the XIV century, when Wenceslas IV ordered to install on gothic tower percussion mechanism that emits signals after an hour.

A little more time passed, and in 1410 the town hall tower was equipped with an amazing astronomical clock.

Orloj was created by the watchmaker Mikulas from Kadani, guided by the calculations and drawings of the mathematician and astronomer Jan Schindel.

Master Hanush was the name of the Prague watchmaker Jan Rouge, who was directly related to the chimes of the town hall, but somewhat later. Master Ganush had not yet been born by the time Orloi not only regularly beat off time intervals, but also won European fame.

New facts about the author of the Prague Orloj were discovered recently - after 1980. This is how history can lead us by the nose ... The people of Prague believed for centuries that Hanuš created the chimes, and passed from mouth to mouth legends about how cruel city councilors ordered the master to be blinded so that he could not repeat his invention. Fortunately, this sophisticated medieval brutality turned out to be only a legend.

But a document was found that recorded a generous reward to the inventor of the Prague Astronomical Clock Mikulas from Kadani. The master was given a house at the Havel Gate and 3000 Prague groschen, which at that time was an unusually large sum. Moreover, an annual salary of 600 groschen was awarded and guarantees were provided for the property - essentially copyright protected.

Astronomical disk and how to determine normal time

For a long time, Orloi consisted of only one disk - an astronomical one. Actually, they created a mechanism for the needs of astrology, and not in order to inform the inhabitants of the time. The astronomical disk is a special moving map of the sky, with which you can determine the position of the Sun, Moon, as well as their location relative to the zodiacal constellations.

Imagine, this whole colossus is moving, demonstrates a lot of information, and we - modern residents - are looking at this disk and don't even know how to figure out what time it is))) But now we'll figure it out.

The Earth is exactly in the center. The upper part of the disc corresponds to the daytime - it is bluish in color. And the dark circle at the bottom is night. Twilight is marked in orange between day and night. A ring is superimposed on this whole picture, on which the signs of the zodiac are depicted, but the ring has nothing to do with the definition of time.

The present time is indicated by an arrow with the symbol of the Sun and a golden Hand. The only catch is that this hand simultaneously points to three numerical scales. And where is the one we need? Along the edge of the disc there are numbers in the form of some "squiggles" - this is the old Bohemian time. Interestingly, in this coordinate system, the day ended with the onset of dusk.

The following numeric symbols in Roman designation, also placed in a circle, are European time. Now you can easily determine what time I captured the astronomical disk in the photo.

There are also Arabic numerals - they go below the Roman ones and are depicted weaker. Arabic numerals are used to determine Babylonian time. It also includes that grid of golden curved lines radiating from the center of the disk. Fortunately, we don't need it, and there is no need to delve into these medieval indicators.

What else I would like to add regarding the installation of the astronomical clock is to mention the merit of the architect Petr Parler, who created a stone annex to the town hall, where the chimes were placed. The stone trim around the astronomical disk is also his work.

Again, timing is almost a side function of Orloi. The main thing is to track the movement of celestial bodies. And on the astronomical disk, the symbols of the Sun and the Moon move not only in a circle, but also along the arrow. The disk with the zodiac is also moving ... From all this, experts read information. But they did not try to determine the minutes in the Middle Ages. Residents of that time were not interested in such trifles.

In 1490, Orloi was supplemented with another disc. The disk contained a calendar that included all 365 days in the form of divisions along the disk rim. The appearance of the calendar is precisely correlated with the activities of the master Ganush.

Each evening, the calendar disc was manually rotated one division, and this was the practice until 1566. Since then, the movement of the calendar board has been mechanized.

The attractive calendar disc that we are seeing now appeared much later. In the middle of the 19th century, the watch needed a major overhaul. A collection of money among the population of the Czech Republic was announced for this plausible deed. Was collected 4,265 gold. And the best Prague artist of that time, Josef Manes, took on the design of the calendar disc for a modest reward. And although we see today only a recreated copy, it is close to the original:

Manes depicted the coat of arms of Prague in the center of the disc, and around it the original signs of the zodiac. 12 golden discs with images, which are located in a circle, make up a series of paintings "Twelve Months". Each painting represents the characteristics of medieval rural life during a particular month. The designation of days, as in earlier versions, is located on the outer ring of the disc. Where can I see what day it is? Look at the gold bar at the top of the calendar. It contains both the date and the day of the week.

Symbolic images of chimes

Of great interest are the figures installed on both sides of the astronomical and calendar discs. The sculptures near the top disc, as you noticed while watching the video, are set in motion during the chimes. It is believed that these images personify 4 vices, although this opinion raises questions.

On the right are the Skeleton and the Turk. The skeleton symbolizes death, reminds of its inevitability. Can this allegory be attributed to vices? This image appeared on the chimes first, back in the 16th century.

The placement of the turbaned figure next to the Skeleton is even more mysterious. Czech Republic in the Middle Ages often used the image of the Turk in a negative context. So, for example, there was a plot "a raven pecking out a Turk's eye" on the coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family. Perhaps, in this case too, the image of Turk denotes vicious features.

To the left of the astronomical disk are more intelligible images. Allegories of avarice and vanity are set here:

Vanity peers in the mirror, Avarice shakes the bag of money. However, there are disagreements in the interpretation of these images. It is believed that the Magician is installed on the far left, studying the invisible worlds, which is associated with knowledge, and not vice.

Below, at the calendar disk, are the Philosopher and Archangel Michael on the left, and the Astronomer and the Chronicler on the right.

These images of Pražský orloj are always in sight. But if you watched the video, you noticed the procession of the apostles, which takes place during the mini-performance of the chimes. The windows above the astronomical disk on both sides of the sculpture of the Angel open and 12 disciples of Christ pass in front of us. And the whole action ends with the exclamation of the golden Rooster.

The appearance of the figurines of the apostles is associated with the reconstruction of the chimes in 1659. The figures are made of wood, so they had to be restored several times. The current company of the apostles was created by the sculptor Vojtech Sucharda.

The last of the images was the Rooster. The citizens of Prague heard it for the first time on December 31, 1882.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the Prague Eagle is a mystery object. However, this is not surprising. The astronomical clock was created with the aim of displaying information that is not understandable to everyone. And they have such a long century that they could not do without mysteries and legends. I suppose, friends, that many of you have heard something interesting about the Prague Astronomical Clock. If so, tell us too.

Your euro-guide Tatiana

Brief description of Orloi

Orloj includes two dials - and. The astronomical dial shows four hour dimensions (Old Bohemian, Central European, planetary, stellar) and indicates the zodiacal position of the Sun and Moon. The calendar dial contains cisioyan (mesenteslov), depicts the signs of the zodiac and a cycle of frescoes on the theme of Czech rural life during the Middle Ages.

Every hour, from 9:00 to 23:00, a procession of the apostles takes place in the windows of Orloi. At this time, the front of the attraction is especially crowded. On holidays (in the evening), they organize a light show.

Orloj (Prague Astronomical Clock) is richly decorated with decorative elements and symbols endowed with deep meaning. The main sculptural figures are Vanity and Avarice, Skeleton and Turk, Chronicler and Archangel Michael, Astronomer and Philosopher.

The history of the creation of Orloi

In the last hours of the Second World War, Orloi was severely damaged as a result of artillery shelling of the Old Town Hall by the Nazis. Their goal was to destroy the tower of the town hall, where the transmitter of the Czech radio was located, which called on the townspeople to provide any possible assistance to the Prague uprising.

Currently, 75% of the Prague Astronomical Clock is made up of old original parts. The mechanism of the device also remains the same (with the exception of minor improvements). Serious changes were made only to the decoration and decoration.

Upper part of Orloi

According to the medieval popular belief, any building is negatively affected by supernatural forces, so Orloi has a lot of protective decorative elements. On the cone-shaped roof there are two basilisks... Basilisk is a dangerous mythical animal with the body of a snake, a bird's beak and wings, from his gaze all living things can be petrified. Both basilisks also play the role of gutters.

The next "guard" of the Prague Astronomical Clock is rooster, personifies vigilance and fighting spirit (readiness for battle); with his crowing he announces the dawn and scares away the demons of the night. The rooster is present in almost all medieval large-scale buildings, it is always installed at the top, often it serves as a weather vane.

Under the cock is angel is the best possible defense. It is believed to be the very first sculpture on the Old Town Clock. To the left and right of the angel are the windows in which it takes place.

The astronomical (upper) dial is clockwork and astrolabe simultaneously. More precisely, the dial is a derivative of the planispherical astrolabe, which was widespread at that time, which is set in motion by the clockwork. The dial depicts the area of ​​the Sun's movement - it is based on the projection of the sky from the North Pole onto the equatorial plane. Minute hands are missing.

Astronomical dial shows four hour measurements(old Bohemian, Central European, planetary, stellar).

On the outside, the dial is surrounded by a dark blue ring (300 cm in diameter) with Arabic numerals, which indicates the old Bohemian time. The numbers are in the Gothic style Swabacher, popular in the 15th century. The hour hand is a pointer with a golden hand, there is no minute hand. Before the era of technical progress, Prague lived exactly according to the old Bohemian local time. The countdown of the day begins at sunset. The arrival of a sunny afternoon was announced by a shot from a cannon to the residents of the capital.

Technically, the dark blue ring with Arabic numerals for the Old Bohemian period is a separate element of the relatively solid construction of the astronomical dial. This is due to the fact that the time of sunset changes throughout the year (after the winter solstice, the sun sets earlier every day, and after the summer solstice - later) and as a result, the circle with the Old Czech time moves forward or backward relative to the main part of the dial.

Along the outer edge of the fixed dial (260 cm in diameter), there are Roman numerals indicating CET. Unlike ordinary watches, there are two sets of numbers from I to XII. The hour hand is also a pointer with a golden hand (as for Old Bohemian time), the minute hand is absent.

Central European time is a product of the modern era of globalization. On Orloj, it was preceded by German time, which was introduced in the Czech lands by Ferdinand I in 1547.

Important! In the Czech Republic, as in other European countries, it is customary to set the clock to daylight saving time. However, the time on Orloi is not changed, as a result of which in the summer it shows one hour earlier. At the same time, the other clocks on the Old Town Tower are set in accordance with summer time.

The next element of the astronomical dial is again Arabic numerals, although this time there are only 12 of them. They represent the daylight hours of planetary time, which has long been used for the purposes of astrology, astromagy and alchemy. The arrow is a pointer with the symbol of the Sun. In the “1” sector you can see the inscription in Latin ORTUS (sunrise), and in the “12” sector - OCCASUS (sunset). Below them are the inscriptions AURORA (dawn) and CREPUSCULUM (twilight), which, together with a dark blue circle in the lower half of the dial, indicate the night period of planetary time.

The planetary time system is reduced to the existence of a planetary day beginning at the moment of sunrise. Since the sunrise is different for different geographic locations, each place on Earth maintains its own countdown of the onset of the planetary day. The period from sunrise to sunset is divided into 12 equal intervals, called daytime planetary hours, and the period from sunset to next sunrise is divided into 12 nighttime planetary hours.

Daytime and nighttime planetary hours always differ in duration - they are equal to 1/12 of the duration of the day and night, respectively. They are equal only during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the length of the day and night are the same.

In planetary time, not only the days of the week, but every hour of the day are "ruled" by the seven celestial bodies of the solar system on the basis of the Chaldean series: Saturn - Jupiter - Mars - Sun - Venus - Mercury - Moon. Each planet has constant properties and variable characteristics.

The note. The Chaldean series is also directly related to the names of the days of the week in modern English language... For example, Sunday is the day of the Sun, Monday is the day of the Moon (Moonday), Saturday is the day of Saturn.

The practical application of planetary time in astrology, astromagics and alchemy is quite simple - having knowledge of the planet that “controls” the planetary day, as well as the planet that “controls” a specific planetary hour, you can determine the most appropriate moment for making important decisions and implementation meaningful actions in life to achieve greater success, better results or avoid unpleasant consequences. For example, it is even necessary to collect medicinal and magical herbs at a certain planetary hour, since the energy of the ruling planet manifests itself more strongly at its hour, due to which the healing properties of the plant will be stronger.

The note. Planetary time is also called Babylonian (after its place of origin).

An arrow with an asterisk serves as a pointer, but there is no scale of numbers for sidereal time.

Sidereal time is a time count used in astronomy, in which the length of the day is taken equal to the period of the Earth's revolution around its axis relative to the system of fixed stars. Sidereal time is measured by the hour angle of the vernal equinox point at the observation site. The relative position of the Sun and the vernal equinox are constantly changing throughout the year. Moving along the ecliptic, the Sun shifts by almost one degree relative to the vernal equinox per day. As a result, a sidereal day is shorter than a solar day by 3 minutes 56 seconds; their beginning during the year falls on different times of the day and night.

A practical example. At midnight on January 1, sidereal time for Prague is approximately 06:40 and every half month it increases by one hour. At midnight on September 22, sidereal time is 00:00, and at midnight on March 20, it is 12:00.

In the center of the dial is the planet Earth, around which the ring of the Zodiac revolves with the pointers of the Sun and the Moon, showing in which zodiacal constellation these celestial bodies are located. Symbols of the zodiac signs are applied to the ring of the zodiac.

The outer circle of the ring of the Zodiac is divided into 72 cells, each zodiac sign has six cells, one cell represents five days. Thus, looking at the ring of the Zodiac, you can determine the approximate calendar date. The Sun enters each zodiac sign around the 20th or 21st. calendar month... The ring of the Zodiac revolves around the axis of the astronomical dial, making a complete revolution in one year.

Sun Pointer

The pointer with the symbol of the Sun is made of gilded tin and moves on one lever with a clockwise hand (pointer with a golden hand). However, unlike the hour hand, the axis of rotation of the sun pointer (and the moon pointer) is fixed not in the geometric center of the dial, but in the geometric center of the zodiacal ring. The Sun sign is one of Orloi's most informative signposts and shows:

• time of day (dawn, sunrise, day, sunset, twilight, night);
• the height of the Sun at its climax above the horizon;
• the position of the Sun among the signs of the zodiac;
• approximate date of the calendar;
• time according to planetary (Babylonian) time.

When the sun pointer reaches one of the two concentric circles on the dial, which represent the Tropics of the North and South, it changes direction, just as it does in nature in the firmament.

Moon Pointer

A pointer with a moon symbol displays the phases and position of the moon in the sky relative to the sun. The symbol of the Moon itself is a hollow ball with a diameter of 13 cm, consisting of two halves - black and silver. Inside there is a hidden mechanism that turns the ball body. As a result, depending on the phase of the moon, the ball turns in different directions:

• new moon (black ball);
• first quarter (black and silver ball);
• full moon (silver ball);
• last quarter (silver-black bead).

The body of the ball makes one revolution around its axis in a synodic month (the time interval between two consecutive identical phases of the moon) - 29.5 days. The moon pointer, like the sun pointer, revolves around the axis of the astronomical dial, but somewhat more slowly.

Statues on the sides of the Astronomical Dial

Vanity... Depicts a figure looking at itself in a mirror. Recall that the hero of Al Pacino in the film "Devil's Advocate" utters the famous phrase - "definitely, vanity is my favorite of sins." There is also a version that this figure depicts a magician who, with the help of a mirror, looks into the other world.

Avarice... Depicts the figure of a curmudgeon who shakes a bag of money and waves a stick around him. There is a version that initially this figure depicted a moneylender of Jewish origin, but his appearance was changed, trying to be politically correct.

Skeleton... It should be taken not as a symbol of death, but as a reminder of the fleetingness of worldly concerns and the need to think about a new and better life in the spiritual realm. The Skeleton's attributes, bell and hourglass, emphasize the memento mori (remember, mortal).

Turk... A symbol of sin and pleasure. Or perhaps a reminder of the long-term Turkish threat to the Austrian Empire, which included the Czech lands.

Astronomical dial decoration

The astronomical dial is surrounded by a circular gallery (made of stone) depicting various animals. Each of them is endowed symbolic meaning besides, many continue the line of defense of the basilisk, rooster, angels and apostles.

• At the top of the circular gallery rests a lion... In mythology and symbolism, he always has the meaning of a king and protector. The lion commands respect and is a symbol of valor in equal and fair battle;
• Next to the lion is located dog... She was the first domesticated animal, symbolizing loyalty and vigilance. In legends, the dog guards the treasures. On knightly tombstones, the dog at the feet symbolizes natural death;
• A figure with a serpentine body and a pointed cone-shaped cap that resembles Phrygian cap- a symbol of freedom of ancient Rome. By handing over such a cap to a slave, the master granted him freedom. Perhaps the builders of Orloi conceived such a figure as a symbol of purification and perfection, the transformation of a creeping unclean snake (a symbol of low, sinful and devilish creatures) into a free man;
• Cat- a companion of magicians and sorcerers, as well as a symbol of independence, cheap and false affection, malice;
• Toad- Christian symbol of sin and heretics. Toads are in the mud (in a lie) and croak a lie or brag;
• Hedgehog- a nocturnal animal, considered the protector of domestic happiness, but greed, aggressiveness and anger prevail in the character;
• Sleeping bat- a symbol of a transformed devil who drinks blood and knows how to transform into other animals;
• Devil's faces in the form of eerie relief human faces or animal faces.

In 1490, the master Hanush (real name - Jan from Rouge) created the calendar (lower) dial. His original work has not survived; today tourists observe the dial, which was designed by the poet and Prague archivist Karel Jaromir Erben in the middle of the 19th century, based on engravings from the first half of the 17th century. The artwork was performed by the famous painter Josef Manes, a representative of the romantic trend. Realizing the historical value of the project, he agreed to a very modest fee, and also ignored the superstition that a person who made significant changes to Orloi (Old Town Clock) would not live a long life.

Contribution of Joseph Manes

In 1865-1866, Josef Manes painted the calendar dial, depicting Czech rural life during the Middle Ages. It significantly deviated from the previous dial design, which was dominated by the urban theme. During his work, the painter was constantly faced with objections and remarks from officials, he was periodically criticized for his slowness and deviation from the previous decoration.

Nagging and clarification of relationships interfered with work and had a negative impact on the mental state of Joseph Manes, who by this time was already unwell. However, he did not want to give up his artistic vision. The burgomaster constantly rushed the painter, since the opening of the Prague Astronomical Clock had already been scheduled for January 1, 1866. As a result, by this date the calendar dial was not yet ready, and the chimes were launched without it. The work was fully completed in May, but the opening was postponed due to the Seven Weeks War. The ceremonial event took place on August 18, 1866, but the author, the already ill Joseph Manes, was not at the opening. The next few years of his life, the artist experienced physical pain, depression and mental suffering. He died in 1871.

Description of the calendar watch face

In the center of the calendar dial is the coat of arms of Prague during the time of King Vladislav II Jagiellon. Around the coat of arms are the signs of the zodiac, which Joseph Manes expressed with human characters, and not in the usual animalistic images. This is followed by a cycle of medallions "12 months", they depict scenes of Czech rural life of the late Middle Ages. The last element of the calendar dial is an external copper disc, divided into 365 cells, indicating the days of the calendar year. Both discs rotate clockwise, completing a full revolution in one year. Above the dial hangs the indicator of the current day.

Subsequently, in order to protect the masterpiece of Manes from the destructive effects of the weather, the calendar dial was moved to the Metropolitan Gallery of Prague, and a copy was made for Orloi. Ironically, the author of the copy, Emanuel Lishka, received more payment than Josef Manes received for the original.

• Aquarius... The athletic figure of a man in a green robe holding a vessel with water flowing from it - a symbol of life.
• Fishes... An angel plays with two dolphins.
• Aries... Aries is depicted as peaceful, an angel strokes its thick soft wool.
• Taurus... A masterful depiction of the figure of a bull, expressing wild strength.

• Twins... A couple of kissing babies float in the air, but they are not angels, they have no wings.
• Cancer... The peak of summer, the time of the summer solstice. The angel, clutching the cancer, pulls it towards itself.
• a lion... With its paws spread wide, with a menacingly gaping mouth, the lion inspires fear, but it does not frighten the laughing boy at all.
• Virgo... Here Joseph Manes painted his beloved model half-naked, holding a sickle, a flower and a bundle of ears, as an allegory for the month of August.

• scales... A graceful girl, her breasts are slightly open, which is why the very sign of the scales fades into the background.
• Scorpion... An angel, with a serious expression on her face, holds the scorpion by the tail, warning about how dangerous a poison sting prick can be.
• Sagittarius... The athletic male figure, easily pulling the bowstring, is, like Aquarius, the embodiment of the Slavic hero.
• Capricorn... Like the children in the other pictures, who are not afraid of the bull and the lion, this kid, although he looks scared, holds the violent ibex by the ropes.

The main decoration of the disc is the cycle of artistic medallions "12 months", which depict scenes from Czech rural life in the late Middle Ages.

January... Meeting the new year and symbols of different stages of human life are displayed in six characters of different ages. An old man in a cloak is a symbol of the outgoing year. With hope and love, he looks to the future, to the child - a symbol of the new year and new life. A young man in a black cloak symbolizes growing up, and a young mother symbolizes the age when a person takes responsibility for preserving the family. A man with a mustache in the background is a symbol of adulthood. An old woman in a white scarf on her head symbolizes the last period of life.

February... It's cold, and the owner returns home with firewood. Sitting by the fire, he warms his frozen feet. His wife, in a green sheepskin coat and a red shawl tightly tied around her head, brings an armful of brushwood to throw on the fire.

March... The time for field work is coming. A young peasant plows on two oxen harnessed to a wooden plow. The vernal equinox comes, the earth awakens, and the sun begins to bake.

April... The main work on the field has been completed and the garden needs to be taken care of. The cultivator ties a young tree to a stake so that the wind does not break it. The father is watched by his children holding bouquets of the first spring flowers.

May... A month of love. A girl with loose hair gathers flowers in a bouquet near a flowering bush. She hands one flower to the young man so that he can attach it to his hat.

June... Haymaking month. On a wide plain with hills on the horizon, a peasant mows the grass. He has a hat on his head that protects him from the burning sun. Behind him, a girl in a handkerchief is stirring up the cut grass.

July... The dominant feature of the scene is a golden field of ripe wheat covering the horizon. Two modestly dressed women, who are harvesting wheat with sickles, take a break when a boy brings them a jug of water.

August... A plot with a Czech landscape and a barn. Two peasants are threshing ears of grain with flails, a woman in a scarf helps them, sorting out the sheaves on the current.

September... One peasant sows winter crops, the other harrows the arable land. Both wear tight-fitting pants and wide-sleeved shirts.

October... Depicted is a couple in love picking grapes, familiar to us from May.

November... The field work is over, we need to prepare for the coming winter. The whole family goes to the forest to collect firewood.

December... A month of slaughter and abundant feasts. The butcher prepares to butcher a pig carcass. Nearby is the hostess, and behind her is a city dweller in a fur coat, anticipating a hearty meal.

External copper disc and qixoyang

The disc is divided into 365 cells, in which the cisiojan (lat. Cisiojan) is written - a poetic syllabic calendar, where the days of the holidays of Christian saints are mentioned. Each day is marked with the first syllable of the name of the corresponding saint, and the spaces between these syllables are filled with arbitrary syllables so that a meaningful phrase is formed in the month. For example, “Barbara and Nicholas walked in the snow, Lucia spun flax at night, the Apostle Thomas told that the Lord Christ was born”. If we make a comparison, the Czech tsisioyan is an analogue of the Orthodox month (saints).

Statues on the sides of the Calendar Dial

Chronicler... The figure is holding a pen and a scroll of paper, symbolizing the medieval chronicler.

archangel Michael- the head of the holy host of angels. Symbolizes punishment for sinners. He is known for the fact that in battle he won a victory in battle over Satan (in the form of a dragon), whom he threw down from heaven to earth. Archangel Michael is depicted with his traditional attributes - wings behind his back, a shield, a rod and a fiery sword.

Astronomer... Depicted with a telescope. There is a version that this figure may symbolize a navigator and / or discoverer.

Philosopher... Despite the name, the figure most likely personifies thinkers and scientists in general, rather than deliberately distinguishes philosophers from the general number of scientists.

Calendar dial decoration

The dial borders vine, but only the trunk of the plant, without leaves and fruits. The vine was the first plant planted by Noah after the flood. For this reason, she is one of the oldest symbols salvation, rebirth and vitality. Probably, the trunk of the vine without leaves and fruits symbolizes the Czech people, who in the 17th century found themselves on the verge of losing their national identity (under the influence of Germanization in the Austrian Empire). The Orloja vine (Old Town Clock) is known to have a later origin than most of the decor.

To the right of the dial are located phoenix bird, dog and monkey... All three are facing each other and, as it were, are conducting a conversation. The fiery bird was revered by all civilizations as a symbol of the cycle of renewal, rebirth and eternity. The dog, the animal closest to man, embodies such good qualities as loyalty, vigilance, affection, sincerity and obedience. The monkey is viewed negatively, as a caricature of a person and the embodiment of many vices, for example, deceit, cunning, indecent behavior, love of luxury and even heresy. However, there is another meaning as well. Since the modern era, the monkey has served as a symbol of art, in particular painting and sculpture. The work of the artist and sculptor was considered to be essentially an imitation of nature, and began to associate with an animal known for its ability to imitate. At that time, there was even a popular aphorism "Art is the monkey of nature."

Below, from under the calendar dial, "peep out" two figures of masons... Clothes indicate their different social status; perhaps this is a master and an apprentice - one without the other would not have built a single building. In the dark corner on the west side of the dial is owl... In the era of Antiquity, she was a symbol of wisdom and an attribute of philosophers, but in Christianity, as an animal leading a nocturnal lifestyle, the owl began to be associated with being in darkness, became a symbol of evil spirits and witchcraft.

Every hour, from 9:00 to 23:00, the Prague Astronomical Clock (Old Town Clock) plays a modest theatrical performance. To the ringing of the Skeleton's bell, the figures of the 12 apostles appear in pairs in the two upper windows. Each apostle holds in his hands his traditional attribute or symbol of his passions. The apostles walk in the following sequence (respectively, in the left and right windows):

• St. Thaddeus (with a club) and St. Philip (with a cross);
• St. Thomas (with a spear) and St. Paul (with sword and book);
• St. John the Evangelist (with a cup and a snake) and St. Simon Zealot (with a saw);
• St. Barnabas (with a scroll and a stone in his hand) and St. Bartholomew (with a knife and a piece of leather);
• St. Jacob Alfeyev (with a stick and a book) and St. Peter (with a key);
• St. Andrew (with an oblique cross) and St. Levi Matthew (with an ax).

Below, on the sides of the astronomical and calendar dials, the rest of Orloi's characters begin to move. The skeleton turns the hourglass over and nods to Turk, who shakes his head in response. At the same time, Curmudgeon shakes his wallet. An archangel with a punishing sword symbolizes punishment for sinners. The show ends with a rooster crow.

schedule

You can come to see Orloi around the clock, but the most interesting thing - the chiming clock and the movement of figures - occurs only every hour from 9:00 to 23:00.

ticket

Prague tourist portal

Prague Astronomical Clock, Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj - a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague. The Orloj is installed in the southern wall of the Old Town Hall on the Old Town Square and is a favorite attraction of Prague citizens.

Orloj has three main components:

1. astronomical discs representing the position of the sun and moon in the sky and showing various astronomical details;
2. "The Apostles' Run" with mechanical figures of the apostles and other characters set in motion every hour;
3. calendar dial with medallions representing the months.

Each hour, four figures are set in motion on either side of the clock. Each of them represents four things that are despised. Death (hourly reminds of the frailty of life) beats off time. There is also Vanity (represented by a figure holding a mirror), Greed (a figure with a wallet) and finally the Turks (symbolizing the enduring danger that the Ottoman Empire posed to the Habsburg Empire for centuries). The figures of the apostles are also shown in the doorways over the clock, all twelve coming out at noon.

Every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. a show takes place on the astronomical clock, and each time a crowd of tourists gathers near the town hall 15 minutes before the end of the hour to see it. The skeleton pulls the string and 12 apostles appear in the window. Saint Peter clutches a key in his hands, Saint Matthew threatens the audience with an ax, Saint Paul holds a book, Saint John with a goblet, Saint Jakub with a spindle, Saint Simon appears in a window with a saw, Saint Tomas holds a spear, Saints Ondřej and Philip hold a cross in their hands, Saint Bartholomew crumples his skin, Saint Barnabash appears with a scroll, and Saint Tadeash clutches a folder with papers under his arm.

The skeleton looks at the Turk, who never agrees and just shakes his head. The curmudgeon demonstrates his fat wallet to the audience, and the figurine of a vain man admires his reflection in the mirror. After the apostles hide in the windows, the rooster cries, announcing the beginning of a new hour.

THE HISTORY OF THE CREATION OF THE ASTRONOMIC CLOCK IN PRAGUE

The oldest parts of Orloj, mechanical clocks and astronomical discs, date back to 1410 and were made by the watchmaker Mikulas of Kadan and Jan Schindel, professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. The Prague Orloj was one of many sophisticated astronomical clocks designed and built in the 14th and 15th centuries, shortly after the invention of mechanical clocks. Other examples were built in Norwich, St Albans, Wells, Lund, Strasbourg and Padua.

Later, apparently around 1490, calendar discs were added and the facade of the clock was decorated with Gothic figurines.

In 1552, the watch was restored by the watchmaker Jan Taborski.

Orloi stopped many times after 1552, and rebuilt many times. Moving figures were added in the 17th century.

In 1778, the authorities of the city of Prague did not find money to repair this attraction and it was decided to disassemble them for scrap, but the watchmaker Jan Landesberger offered to repair the Prague chimes at his own expense, as he tried to preserve the unique mechanism for posterity. But the astronomical calendar was never set in motion. The story of an attempt to disassemble this landmark of Prague repeated itself in 1861, and then the watchmaker Ludwik Heinz, together with Cenek Danek and Romuald Bozhek, organized a fundraiser for the reconstruction. At the same time, Romuald Bozhek made a chronometer, which to this day controls the clock and lags behind only half a minute in a week, and this is an excellent result! After the repair and modernization of the mechanism in 1866, the astronomical clock started working again, and in the form as we know it today. From that year to the present day, the Heinz company has been repairing the Prague Astronomical Clock.

Orloi suffered severe damage on May 7, and especially on May 8, 1945, just hours before German troops surrendered in Prague before the approach of the Red Army. The Germans directed incendiary fire from several armored personnel carriers and anti-aircraft guns to the southwestern side of Old Town Square to silence the radio broadcast started on May 5 by the National Committee. The hall and neighboring buildings burned along with wooden figures on Orloi and a calendar dial made by Josef Manes. The mechanism was restored, and Orloi started working again in 1948, but only as a result of considerable efforts. Woodcarver Vojtech Sucharda made copies of the figures that delight us to this day. The remaining figurines can be seen in the Museum of the City of Prague.

In 2010, the watch celebrated its 600th anniversary!

There are many myths about the construction of Orloi. For a long time, it was assumed that Orloj was built in 1490 by the watchmaker Jan Ruzhe (also called Hanusz) and his assistant Jakub Cech. In another mythical story, it is said that the watchmaker Hanush was allegedly blinded by order of members of the Prague Council to prevent him from building another similar clock.

Oddly enough, there is another story, they say, it was not Hanush who was blinded, but Jan Shindel, but in the Czech cartoon, about the legends of old Prague, it is generally said that he created the clock Hanush, and his student helped him. In general, the meaning is the same - one of the two was blinded and he stopped the clock, namely, who, in different sources, is written differently. The legend of the blinding of the Prague watchmaker was thought up by the Czech writer-historian Alois Jirasek, but no one knows how it happened in reality, but the inhabitants believe in the legend and gladly tell it to visiting tourists.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE ASTRONOMIC CLOCK SHOWS IN PRAGUE?

Astronomical discs are a form of mechanical astrolabe, a device used in medieval astronomy. Orloi can be considered primitive planetarium showing the current state of the universe .

In astronomical discs, against the background of a stationary earth and sky, four main moving components rotate: the zodiacal ring, the outer ring of rotation, the image representing the sun, and the image representing the moon.

The background represents the Earth and a local view of the sky. The blue circle directly in the center represents the Earth, and blue color above - the part of the sky that is above the horizon. Red and black areas represent portions of the sky below the horizon. In the daytime, the sun moves along the blue part of the background, and at night along the black part. During dawn or dusk, the mechanical sun moves over the red portion of the background.

On the eastern (left) part of the horizon is written aurora (dawn in Latin) and ortus (sunrise). On the western (right) side - occasus (sunset), and crepusculum (twilight).

The gold Roman numerals at the outer edge of the blue circle represent the timeline of a typical 24-hour day and indicate local time in Prague, or Central European Time. Curved gold lines dividing the blue part of the discs into 12 parts are markers of unequal hours. These hours are defined as 1/12 of the time between sunrise and sunset, and change as the days get longer or shorter throughout the year.

In the large black outer circle lies another movable circle, marked with the signs of the zodiac, which indicates the location of the sun on the ecliptic. The characters are arranged in counterclockwise order.

The displacement of the circle of the Zodiac results from the use of a stereographic projection of the plan of the ecliptic using the North Pole as the base of the projection. This is usually noted on the astronomical clock of this period.

A small gold star indicates the position of the vernal equinox, and the sidereal time can be read on the gold Roman numeral scale.

On the outer edge of the watch, gold Swabach numerals are set against a black background. These numbers indicate Old Czech Time (or Italian Clock), measured from 1 to sunset. This ring moves throughout the year to coincide with the time of sunset.

The Golden Sun moves around the zodiacal circle, showing its position on the ecliptic. The sun is connected to the arrow by a golden hand, and together they show the time in three different ways:

The position of the golden hand in relation to the Roman numerals in the background indicates local Prague time.

The position of the sun in relation to the curved golden lines indicates time at unequal hours.

The position of the golden hand on the outer ring indicates how many hours have passed since sunset according to Old Czech Time.

In addition, the distance of the Sun from the center of the discs indicates the times of sunrise and sunset.

The movement of the Moon along the ecliptic is shown in the same way as that of the Sun, but the speed is much higher. The semi-silvered lunar sphere also shows the lunar phase.

PRAGUE EAGLE ON PHOTO