12 · Streets & squares
Old Town Square & the Astronomical Clock
The square at the heart of the Old Town and its clock, ticking since 1410, with the apostles parading on the hour.
- Built
- Clock from 1410
- Open
- Always open (the clock's show every hour 9:00–23:00)
- Entry
- Free (the tower with a ticket)
The Old Town Square has been a marketplace since the 12th century. On the south side of the Old Town Hall hangs the Astronomical Clock, made in 1410 by the clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň with the astronomer Jan Šindel, and the oldest astronomical clock still working.
Every hour from 9:00 to 23:00, the twelve apostles appear in the windows above the dials while Death rings his bell. Then look across the square to the two towers of Týn.
Walks that pass here
On the map
Nearby on the map
Castle & churches · 14th century–1511
Týn Church
The two dark spires over Old Town Square, 80 metres high, with Tycho Brahe buried inside.
Streets & squares · 1653–1726
Klementinum
The Jesuit college with a baroque library hall and an astronomical tower that has measured Prague's weather since 1775.
Bridges & river · Late 14th century
Old Town Bridge Tower
One of the most beautiful Gothic towers in Europe, guarding the bridge on the Old Town side.
Bridges & river · 1357–early 15th century
Charles Bridge
The stone bridge Charles IV began in 1357: 516 metres, sixteen arches and thirty statues between two towers.