Prague Clock to Return to Operation on September 28

Prague’s astronomical clock will go back into operation on September 28, St. Wenceslas’ Day.

The clock at the city’s Old Town Hall has been undergoing repairs for nine months and will look a bit different: the color pattern on the disk behind the astrolabe has been restored to a previous pattern. The doors that the Apostles appear behind have also been changed to stained glass rather than wood.

A stone statue of a lion, which was discovered underneath the calendar plate during the reconstruction process, will now be visible to onlookers as well. On the exterior,  the sculptures that adorn the tower will once again represent the best and worst of human traits: pride, envy, and avarice paired with compassion, generosity and humility.

At 8.00, 9.00 and 10.00 p.m. – a spectacular projection on the Old Town Tower will be offered to the participants. On the same day, a free exhibition will feature photographs and historical artifacts from the recent repair of the Old Town Hall.

The restoration cost about Kč 7.4 million.

The celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia in 2018 was one of the reasons behind the decision to repair all four facades of the tower, the astronomical clock and the chapel, including new lighting.

Over the centuries, it has been modified, damaged and repaired — but always returned to full working order, even after taking a fusillade from German soldiers in World War II.

Its longevity has inspired a number of myths surrounding its operation, including at least one that predicts doom: When the clock stops running, the legend goes, the Czech land will be thrown into war and privation.

Author: red