The famous resident and most sought-after historical element in the Old Town Square is none other than the medieval Astronomical Clock, the Pratsky Orloj. She is very beautiful. A one-of-a-kind in the world that reminds me of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of the Vitruvian Man.
Crowds literally flock here and wait for the clock to strike every hour. This got me intrigued so I took a seat in the cosy café right across the clock masterpiece. It was lunch hour anyway so that was perfect timing.
I was really delighted by my decision to lunch. I have a great viewing distance to the clock from my seat and I don’t have to stand in the rain and cold. The heated terrace was comfy, and with a warm glass of gluhwein, I am all set for the clock to strike.
Oh wait, my vegan lunch has just arrived!
Grilled courgette, tomatoes and zuchinni on a stick.
Sipping gluhwein, the drink for the season. I can clearly see the astronomical clock from where I am seated.
The moment has arrived. The clock strikes!
Notice the windows are now open and doll puppets have appeared.
It is very interesting to note though that in a quick glance this clock shows Czech Republic’s mix cultural heritage. The figures on both its sides have a story to tell. On the left is a figure of vanity with a mirror, then a Jew with a sack of gold representing greed or usury I read (will be blogging the Jewish quarters separately), and on the right is death, a figure of a skeleton that strikes the time upon the hour, and a Turk with a turban, which supposedly represents infidel (I can only hypothesize that the Turks were probably a threat in Bohemia with the Ottoman Empire conquering a large part of Eastern Europe). Above the clock are windows. These are opened when the clock strikes, and all the moving apostles will be shown two at a time.
It’s an extraordinary historical clock. Kind of like a giant expensive old toy clock to me with all the moving figures and sounds. Both the old and the young are simply fascinated by this =)
More pictures here:
I am sure this is always a busy place no matter what day and time of the year.
Travel Period: December 2008