In the Old Quarter of Prague, Old Town Square is located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the ancient Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues.

This area is most noted for the elegant tower of the Town Hall with the world famous medieval astronomical clock, the Prague Orloj. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation. Every hour on the hour, hundreds of tourists from all over the world gather in front of the Old Town Hall to enjoy a fascinating mechanical performance as the clock comes alive with a fascinating spectacle of parading apostles and moving statues. The astronomical clock is an ingenious piece of equipment. It has been faultlessly showing not only the time and date for centuries, but also the position of the sun, phase of the moon, astronomical cycles.  Construction of the astronomical clock in Prague caused an absolute sensation in its time.  It was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Square is surrounded by multicolored historical buildings of many styles. The square’s center is home to a statue of religious reformer Jan Hus. The Old Town Square has been a center of Prague Old Town since the middle ages. It was founded in the 10th century as a place where various goods from distant countries were sold in a local market.

Posted: December 31, 2017

Information, prices and hours posted here are current as of the posted or updated date. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.