The secrets and scandal of the Prague astronomical clock
The medieval clock tower is a marvel of craftsmanship and science.
By Doug Kaupa | Astronomy.com
Published: June 3, 2024 |
Last updated on February 24, 2025

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One of the world’s most famous astronomical clocks looms over a side street in the old city of Prague, with a complex astronomical dial, multiple myths, and a recent scandal — all worth investigating.

The Gothic-style tower was built during the 14th century to warn townsfolk of danger ranging from fires to invasions, and later connected to the Old Town Hall. In the early 15th century, the sentinel expanded beyond just a tower when the clock and astronomical dial were added. Decorative statues and a calendar plate followed over the decades.

The astronomical clock has been repaired many times throughout the years, and the moving gears and components restored. On May 8, 1945, the tower nearly collapsed during Nazi attacks in World War II. The Old Town Hall and nearby buildings burnt, along with a few wooden sculptures adorning the tower. After three years, local citizens banded together to repair the machinery, add new sculptures, and set the Prague clock into motion once again...

Scandalous updates to the Prague clock

While the clock has been repaired many times over the years and all the moving components have been restored, nearly 75% are still original parts from the 15th century. But sometimes repairs and renovations bring shocking changes: In 2018, the calendar dial was reproduced by artist Stanislav Jirčík, following the original Josef Mánes paintings. However, the heritage group Club for Old Prague noticed some of the zodiac calendar paintings significantly changed, registering a complaint with the Czech culture ministry in 2022 and creating a scandal.

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The artist was accused of “putting likenesses of friends and acquaintances on 15th-century clock, possibly as a joke” and “radically (changing) the appearance, ages, skin tone, dress and even genders of the figures.”