The Clock Tower in Prague is also called the Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj. This Clock Tower was built during the Medieval Age in Prague which is the capital of present day Czech Republic. The clock is located at 50° 5? 13.23? N, 14° 25? 15.3? E. The clock tower in Prague is present in the old Town Square. It is mounted on top of the southern wall of Old Town City Hall. It is a very popular tourist attraction. People all over the world gather to see the clock because of its function and historical basis.

The Clock Tower in Prague was made in 1410. It was made by two people. One was a clock maker named Mikuláš of Kada? and the other one was Jan Šindel who was a professor. Perhaps it was in 1490 that the calendar dial was added. During this time the clock façade was also filled with Gothic sculptures.

There are three main components of the Orloj. These are the astronomical dial, The Walk of the Apostles and the calendar dial. The astronomical dial is the most important of all the components. It refers to the positions that the sun and moon occupy in the sky. This displays a variety of astronomical details. Second in line is The Walk of the Apostles.

This is a Biblical setting and shows the figure of the Apostles. It also showcases other moving sculptures. The third component consists of a calendar dial. The calendar dial consists of medallions. These months are unique symbols of the twelve months.

The twelve months are formed like the twelve signs of the zodiac. This was added by Josef Manes in 1865. As the bell tolls, there is a flurry of activity around the clock. The windows of the clock fly open and the skeletons, “sinners” and the apostles begin a “ritualistic dance” that revolves around destiny. It is believed that when these mechanical figures were made, the clockmaker was blinded so that he would not be able to copy his art.