Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock was installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. It is currently the oldest one that is still operating. Every hour you can see the presentation of the Apostles at the doorways above the clock. All twelve are presented every hour.
The clock has a history of legends. One legend claims that the clockmaker, Hanuš, was blinded on the order of the Prague Councilors so that he couldn’t repeat his work.  In turn, he broke the clock & tore it down, and no one was able to repair it for the next hundred years.

The four figures located next to the clock are set into motion at the hour.  From left to right they are represented by figures of vanity, greed, death, and lust. On the hour, the skeleton (death) rings the bell and immediately all other figures shake their heads, side to side, signifying their lack of readiness to move on to the afterlife.
The clock has gone through much restoration and the statues have now been covered with nets to keep pigeons away. The calendar plate that is located below the clock was replaced by a copy in 1880 while the original is stored in the Prague City Museum. I originally didn’t see what the fuss was about when it came to the clock, but after learning some of the history that shadows it I can see why it is a must see.

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Address: http://www.staromestskaradnicepraha.cz/cs/prazsky-orloj/