Old Town Hall, Prague, Czech Republic Poster

"Old Town Hall, Prague, Czech Republic" by Catherine Sherman. The tall, historic clock tower rises against a blue sky, showcasing intricate architectural details and multiple clock faces of the Old Town Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. The surrounding buildings feature ornate decorations and a mix of styles, highlighting the charm of the area. The Old Town Hall (Czech: Staroměstská radnice) in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the city's most visited monuments. It is located in Old Town Square. In 1338, the councillors of the Old Town bought a large house and adapted it as a public building. Extensive additions and renovations have changed the exterior of the building, but one external remnant of the original structure still visible today is the Gothic stone portal with mouldings on the western side of the building. The Prague astronomical clock or Prague Orloj (horologe) is the most famous feature of the Town Hall, first built in the 1400s. The first recorded mention of the clock was on October 9 in 1410. My friend and I happened to visit the astronomical clock on October 9, 2024. Though we didn't p;an it, we were happy to be there to enjoy the clock's 614th anniversary! The clock is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation. The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square. The clock mechanism has three main components – the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; statues of various Catholic saints stand on either side of the clock; "The Walk of the Apostles", an hourly show of moving Apostle figures and other sculptures, notably a figure of a skeleton that represents Death, striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy; a ghost, mounted on the clock, was supposed to nod its head in confirmation.