Cloudy
_article-detail.jpg)
Tourists disappointed with stopped clock
The Astronomical Clock may be back in testing mode before the October relaunch
The restoration of the Astronomical Clock has caused disappointment to some tourists. The clock is currently covered with a scaffolding, and its repair will last until the end of October. But it could be running during testing before the official relaunch.
The city is also still considering creating a video projection that would show what the face of the clock would look like if it was running. The astronomical dial is a type of mechanical astrolabe, showing the positions of the sun, moon
This will be the longest time the clock is out of commission since World War II when it was heavily damaged by fire in the finals days of the conflict.
Even though the renovations had been announced last year, many visitors were unaware of the situation, especially in the first few days after the clock stopped on Jan. 8. Now, word has gotten out a bit and fewer people are turning up in Old Town Square on the hour to see the famous procession of Apostles, which is not currently taking place.
Some tourists have gone to information centers to express their dissatisfaction. “We already have had several complaints, but most of the visitors understand the need for repairs and restoration," Prague City Tourism spokeswoman Barbora Hrubá said, according to daily Pražský deník. The number of complaints has been decreasing, though, after being quite hectic in the beginning.
The main part of the repairs will last until the end of August, according to the firm L.
“Service on the clock is done continuously, but there are some interventions that cannot be done while it is running. These include the setting up the new calendar wheel, the repair to stone decorations, restoration of statues of the Apostles and the change in the overall concept of the clockwork,” Mariana Nesnídalová of L. Hainz told Pražský deník. Routine maintenance takes place every 10 years.
One of the most obvious changes to the clock will be that the numbers on the 24-hour ring will be regilded.
Also, eight wooden sculptures from the lower part of the clock are having their attributes restored.
The lower calendar wheel, which takes a full year to turn, has been removed and is being replaced with a new copy based on the original paintings by Josef Mánes in the Municipal Museum. The plate that was removed was also a copy, made in 1948.
The wheel has large allegorical images relating to the months and smaller ones of zodiac signs. The large allegorical paintings depict rural seasonal scenes and religious motifs.
As previously announced, the clockwork mechanism is being restored to how it worked in the 1860s. It was replaced with a modern mechanism after World War II. Other parts that were replaced will also be restored back to their pre-war designs, under the supervision of preservationists. This will remove the cumulative effects of changes made by previous restorations.
The first phase of renovations to the Old Town Tower has been completed and the observation has been reopened to the public. New bathrooms and other interior work
The Astronomical Clock was first built in 1410, redesigned in 1490 and again in 1552–72.
The clock underwent a large renovation in 1797–91, and the rotating Apostles were added around this time. Another repair took place in 1865–61, and the sound of the rooster was added. More repairs took place in 1912.
The clock was damaged by fire in 1945, and repairs took until 1948. The figures of Apostles also had to be replaced with new ones. At that time the colored background for the Astronomical Clock was replaced but with errors in the design. The errors were fixed in 1979. Further repairs took place 1984–86.
The Orloj, as it is also called, is the third-oldest Astronomical Clock in the world and the oldest one still operating.
Related articles
-
Exploring Places: Trosky Castle by Narmin Ismiyeva
Trying to reach the Trosky castle on a bicycle might be tricky, especially if you've never ridden one. Luckily there are other ways to conquer the 14th century landmark of Bohemian Paradise.
-
National Museum’s famous whale returns by Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: nm.cz)
The museum also has a nightly light show outside and a new ticket policy
-
Navalis celebrates St Jan Nepomuk by Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: Navalis FB)
The annual festival takes place around Charles Bridge on May 15
-
Action Park, place for parties and events in Prague by Paul Lysek - Prague.TV (Foto: Action Park)
The growing Action Park, Prague – adrenaline, action, fun, and outdoors – just in time for summer!
-
NEW HIDDEN GEMS IN PRAGUE: BEER, COFFEE, MUSEUM (Honest Guide) by Honza Mikulka & Janek Rubeš
New cool places in Prague you should definitely check out
-
Spanish Synagogue to close for renovation by Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: Prague.eu)
The building will reopen at the end of 2020 with modern interactive exhibits
-
Plzeň celebrates its World War II liberation by Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: slavnostisvobody.cz)
Free concerts, a military convoy and a parachuting competition are highlights
-
PRAGUE CASTLE FOR DUMMIES (Honest Guide) by Honza Mikulka & Janek Rubeš
Here's the number one tip you need when visiting the Prague Castle
-
Výstaviště renovations taking shape by Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV
The city is making progress with transforming the neglected Exhibition Grounds
-
Fire restrictions lifted by Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: fotolia)
Witches Night bonfires can take place as planned
Facebook comments
Authentic Italian cuisine in Prague
Our meat and products straight to your table
Superb Donuts in the heart of Prague
Enjoy Prague from a different view
The Prague Venice company
Welcome to the ballooning world!
Prague river cruises – popular Prague tourist attractions
Escape rooms in Prague

Prague’s # 1 source for Czech news in English…

Expat and Czech Business Professional Network

German Language Info Service