Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, Old Town

The Astronomical Clock, built in to one side of the Old Town Hall Tower, dates from the 15th century.
To fully appreciate the clock's intricate construction, join the crowd in front of the tower to observe the procession of the Twelve Apostles: on the hour, every hour, a small trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk.Below the Astronomical Clock are 12 medallions with the signs of the zodiac, added by Josef Manes in 1865.The Old Town Hall Tower, built in 1338, is one of the most striking buildings in Prague. Inside is a staircase and an elevator. For a fee, visitors can climb or ride to the top to experience terrific views over the Old Town Square and the rest of the Old Town.In 1364 the Old Town Hall Tower was joined to a private house adjoining it, which in turn was knocked into other houses beside that. This amalgamation of buildings became known as the Old Town Hall.Extensive renovation in 1470 further integrated the various houses of the Old Town Hall, and refurbished the whole in the Gothic style.

Today the Old Town Hall hosts civic ceremonies in its many rooms, and also houses the primary Prague Tourist Information Centre