Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
Staroměstské náměstí / Orloj
The heart of Prague. The 1410 astronomical clock sees the Twelve Apostles parade every hour. The twin towers of Týn Church and the Jan Hus statue surround the square, and the Old Town Hall Tower offers views over the red-roofed old city.
Old Town Square has been Prague's market and political center since the 12th century. After the Battle of White Mountain in 1621, 27 Protestant nobles were executed here, and 27 white crosses on the ground mark the spot. The square's buildings showcase architecture from different periods. The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn has two 80-meter black spires, and inside is the tomb of Tycho Brahe. The Baroque St. Nicholas Church stands here, as does the Rococo Kinsky Palace, where Kafka once attended school and his father's shop was located downstairs. The Renaissance 'House at the Minute' is also here, along with the 1915 Jan Hus Memorial in the center.
The astronomical clock (Orloj) on the south wall of the Old Town Hall was installed in 1410. It is the third oldest astronomical clock still operating in the world and the oldest one still running. The upper dial shows astronomical time, Old Bohemian time, sunrise and sunset, and the zodiac. The lower dial is a 19th-century calendar. On the hour, a skeleton of Death pulls the bell rope, two small windows open, and the Twelve Apostles appear one by one. Finally, a golden rooster crows. The show lasts about 45 seconds, and the square is always crowded. This is also the time when pickpockets are most active across the city, so keep your belongings safe.
Climbing the Old Town Hall Tower (about 300 CZK, with an elevator) offers views over the square, Týn Church, and the whole sea of red-tiled roofs. It is Prague's classic high vantage point. Inside the Town Hall, you can visit the historic hall and the underground Romanesque cellars.
The restaurants on the square are the most expensive in the city, so look for cheaper options in the nearby alleys. During the Christmas market (late November to early January) and the Easter market, a giant Christmas tree goes up on the square and the crowds grow even larger.
Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Staroměstská station on Metro Line A, or walk 5 minutes from Charles Bridge along Karlova Street. On the west side of the square, Pařížská Street is a luxury shopping street leading to the Jewish Quarter.
Opening hours
Square open all day; astronomical clock chimes on the hour 09:00–23:00; town hall tower 09:00–21:00 (from 11:00 on Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Havelské tržiště
- Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
- Clementinum
- Head of Franz Kafka
- Wenceslas Square
- Municipal House & Powder Tower
- Mucha Museum
- Charles Bridge