A Quick History of the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock

The Old Town Hall was established in 1338. It served as the center of local government for centuries. The building is actually a row of several medieval houses. These houses were joined together over time. This gives the hall its unique and irregular appearance.

The Astronomical Clock, or Orloj, was added in 1410. It is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. Remarkably, it is the oldest one that still functions. Local legends say the clockmaker was blinded so he could not repeat his work. This dark story adds to the mystery of the mechanism.

During World War II, the hall suffered heavy damage. The 1945 Prague Uprising led to fires that destroyed parts of the building. Restoration efforts saved the clock and the tower. Today, it stands as a symbol of Czech resilience and engineering. It remains a top priority for any 2026 itinerary.

10 Best Things to See at the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock

Plan your visit to see these specific highlights. Each part of the building tells a different story. Here are the top items you should not miss.

• Quick Pick: Best View: The Old Town Hall Tower.
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity: Watching the hourly Procession of the Apostles.
• Quick Pick: Best for History Buffs: The Romanesque and Gothic Underground.

1. Name: The Procession of the Apostles Type: experience Why go: This is the most famous part of the clock. Every hour, twelve wooden apostles move past the small windows. It is a charming medieval spectacle. Best for: Everyone Where: Outside on the tower facade Time: 1 minute (every hour) Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the center of Old Town Square. Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to get a good spot.
2. Name: The Astronomical Dial Type: sight Why go: This complex dial shows more than just the hour. It tracks the sun, the moon, and zodiac signs. It also displays Babylonian and Old Bohemian time. Best for: Science and math lovers Where: Middle section of the clock Time: 5-10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located on the south side of the tower. Tip: Look for the golden hand pointing to the Roman numerals.
3. Name: The Calendar Dial Type: sight Why go: Josef Mánes painted this beautiful dial in 1865. It shows the months of the year through rural scenes. The original is kept in the City Museum for safety. Best for: Art enthusiasts Where: Lower section of the clock Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Directly below the main astronomical dial. Tip: Check the outer ring for the names of saints for each day.
4. Name: The Old Town Hall Tower View Type: viewpoint Why go: The tower offers 360-degree views of Prague. You can see the Týn Church and Prague Castle from the top. It is the only medieval tower in the city that is fully wheelchair accessible. Best for: Photographers Where: Top of the main tower Time: 30-45 minutes Cost: Paid ticket required Getting there: Enter the hall and take the modern elevator or stairs. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting.
5. Name: The Gothic Chapel of the Virgin Mary Type: sight Why go: This chapel was built in 1381. It features beautiful stained glass and ribbed vaulting. You can also see the inner workings of the apostles from here. Best for: Architecture fans Where: First floor of the hall Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in Hall ticket Getting there: Follow the guided tour path inside. Tip: Look for the detail in the Gothic architecture that matches the city's cathedrals.
6. Name: The Romanesque and Gothic Underground Type: experience Why go: Explore the streets of Prague from the 12th century. These rooms were once at ground level but were built over. They later served as a prison and a bunker. Best for: History buffs Where: Beneath the Old Town Hall Time: 45 minutes Cost: Paid ticket required Getting there: Part of the Prague underground historical tours. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the floors are uneven.
7. Name: The Old Council Chamber Type: sight Why go: This room is considered one of the most beautiful interiors in Prague. It features a stunning coffered ceiling and gilded carvings. It was the center of power for the city. Best for: Interior design fans Where: Inside the historical halls Time: 10 minutes Cost: Included in Hall ticket Getting there: Accessible via the main tour route. Tip: Look for the coat of arms of the Old Town on the walls.
8. Name: The Brožík Assembly Hall Type: sight Why go: This massive room serves as the city's formal meeting place. It contains two giant paintings by Václav Brožík. The scale of the room is truly impressive. Best for: Art lovers Where: Inside the Old Town Hall Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in Hall ticket Getting there: Located on the second floor. Tip: Check if the hall is closed for official events before visiting.
9. Name: The Knight's Hall Type: sight Why go: This hall showcases the medieval character of the building. It features simple but powerful stone architecture. It often hosts temporary exhibitions. Best for: Quiet exploration Where: Ground floor area Time: 10 minutes Cost: Included in Hall ticket Getting there: Follow the signs from the main entrance. Tip: This is a great place to escape the heat in summer.
10. Name: The Cloister and Mosaics Type: sight Why go: The hallway leading to the chapel is decorated with intricate mosaics. These pieces tell stories of Czech history and legends. The colors are remarkably well-preserved. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Upper floors of the hall Time: 10 minutes Cost: Included in Hall ticket Getting there: Located near the entrance to the chapel. Tip: Bring a camera with good low-light performance.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Old Town Hall and Clock

To make the most of your visit, timing is everything. The square gets very crowded during the day. Try to watch the clock show before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM. This will give you more space to enjoy the details. You can check the official city tourism portal for current opening hours.

Buy your tickets online in advance. This helps you skip the long queues at the ticket office. There are combined tickets available for the tower and the interiors. If you have limited time, prioritize the tower view. It is one of the best experiences in the city.

Photography is allowed, but avoid using a flash inside the historical rooms. For the clock show, stand a bit further back. This allows you to see both the apostles and the statues on the sides. Be aware of your belongings in the crowded square. Pickpockets often target distracted tourists during the hourly show.

Top Historical Places to Visit Near Old Town Square

Once you finish at the Hall, explore the surrounding area. The Charles Bridge is just a short walk away. It offers iconic statues and views of the river. It is best visited early in the morning for a peaceful walk.

To the east, you will find the Powder Tower. This was once a gate to the Old Town. It marks the start of the Royal Route. It is a great example of late Gothic architecture.

Finally, head north to the Jewish Quarter. This area is home to historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is a deeply moving part of Prague's history. Most of these sites are within a 10-minute walk from the Astronomical Clock.