10. Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock attached to the Old Town Hall in Prague is arguably one of the most famous clocks in the world. The medieval clock can be found at the southern portion of the town hall’s tower and has been a landmark in the Czech Republic since 1410. At the top of each hour, doors on the clock open up to present a procession of the Twelve Apostles of Christ.
Aside from the apostles, four figures are flanking the clock that is also set in motion at the strike of the hour. These figures are said to represent the sins of vanity, greed, lust, and their ultimate demise of death, depicted as a skeleton that toles a bell. The beautiful clock not only tells time but showcases the exact position of the sun, moon, and planets at any given the time of day.
One of the most fascinating things to do in Prague with kids, crowds gather around the clock toward the top of the hour to watch the mechanical show. Originally created by clockmaker Mikulas of Kadan and mathematics and astronomy professional Jan Sindel, the clock is now over 600 years old. It has undergone many renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, some caused by damage from uprisings and wars and others resulting from age and the need for restoration.