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The Prague Astronomical Clock: A Timeless Icon of Medieval Mastery
2024-08-24
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Nestled in the heart of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, the Prague Astronomical Clock, or Pražský orloj, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of medieval Europe. Located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square, this iconic timepiece is not only the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world but also the oldest that is still operational, having been first installed in 1410.
The Prague Astronomical Clock is a marvel of engineering, with its complex mechanism comprising three main components: the astronomical dial, the "Walk of the Apostles," and a calendar dial. The astronomical dial, the heart of the clock, showcases the positions of the Sun and Moon in the sky, along with various other astronomical details. Surrounding the dial, statues of Catholic saints stand as silent guardians, while the clock's hourly show, known as "The Walk of the Apostles," captivates onlookers with its parade of moving figures, including a skeleton representing Death striking the hour.
The legend associated with the clock adds to its mystique. It is said that the city of Prague would suffer if the clock were ever neglected or its operation jeopardized. The legend also speaks of a ghost mounted on the clock, nodding its head in confirmation of this ominous fate. According to the tale, the only hope for the city's salvation lies in a boy born on New Year's night.
The clock's origins trace back to 1410, when it was created by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. Over time, the clock underwent several modifications and repairs, including the addition of a calendar dial around 1490 and the installation of gothic sculptures on its façade.
For many years, it was erroneously believed that the clock had been constructed in 1490 by the clockmaster Jan Růže, also known as Hanuš. However, this was later debunked as a historical mistake. A legend, recounted by Alois Jirásek, claims that Hanuš was blinded by Prague Councillors to prevent him from replicating his work. In retaliation, Hanuš is said to have disabled the clock, rendering it inoperable for the next hundred years. This legend was even used as the main plot in the 2008 animated film "Goat Story – The Old Prague Legends."
Throughout the centuries, the clock faced numerous challenges. In 1552, it was repaired by Jan Táborský, who mistakenly attributed its creation to Hanuš. The clock stopped working several times and required various repairs over the years. The clock tower suffered heavy damage during the Prague uprising in May 1945, when the Nazis fired upon the Old Town Square, causing significant destruction. However, after extensive efforts, the clock was restored, and it resumed operation in 1948.
The clock has undergone several renovations in modern times, including a significant restoration in 2005, during which the statues and the lower calendar ring were restored. The most recent renovation took place from January to September 2018, when the clock's electric mechanism, which had been in operation since 1948, was replaced by an original mechanism from the 1860s. This restoration was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia in October 2018.
However, the 2018 restoration sparked controversy when it was discovered that the artwork on the Orloj had been altered. A local heritage group noticed that the reproduction had significantly changed the appearance, ages, skin tone, dress, and even genders of the figures illustrated by Josef Mánes in 1866. The National Heritage Inspectorate launched an investigation, and the Prague city council's deputy mayor for transport and heritage criticized the restoration as "banal and done by an amateur."
The astronomical dial of the Prague Orloj is a form of a mechanical astrolabe, an ancient device used in medieval astronomy. It can also be considered a primitive planetarium, displaying the current orientation of the universe relative to Earth. The dial's background represents the standing Earth and sky, with four main moving components: the zodiacal ring, an outer rotating ring, and icons representing the Sun and Moon.
The Sun and Moon's positions on the ecliptic, the zodiacal ring, and the Old Czech Time scale are displayed with remarkable precision. The clock also shows the phases of the Moon, thanks to a unique mechanism powered only by gravity, making the Orloj one of a kind among astronomical clocks.
Every hour, the Prague Astronomical Clock comes to life with the "Walk of the Apostles," a mesmerizing display of moving figures representing the Twelve Apostles. Flanking the clock are four figures representing Vanity, Greed, Death, and Lust, each set in motion by the striking of the hour. The Twelve Apostles appear in the order: James the Less, Peter, Andrew, Matthias, Thaddeus, Philip, Thomas, Paul, John, Simon, Barnabas, and Bartholomew.
The Prague Astronomical Clock is more than just a timepiece; it is a symbol of Prague's rich history, a monument to human ingenuity, and a source of endless fascination for visitors from around the world. As it continues to mark the passage of time, the Orloj stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of medieval craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of Prague.
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