The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the world's oldest fully functional astronomical clocks.
How old is the astronomical clock?
The Prague Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410. This makes it the world's third-oldest astronomical clock and the oldest still in operation today.
The first recorded mention of the watch dates back to October of the same year. But it should be noted that this date corresponds to the installation of the oldest part of the clock, the Orloj.
Over the next hundred years, around 1490, the lower quadrant of the calendar was added. Incredible Gothic statues were also added during the same period. wooden statues were installed.
The statues of the apostles were added during a major restoration between 1787 and 1791.
The iconic golden rooster on the clock tower was added around 1865.
Over time, the watch has undergone continuous maintenance and repairs. In fact, there is a legend that if the watch breaks down, the city will suffer.
It was badly damaged during World War II during the Prague uprising against the Nazi occupying forces.
After considerable effort, the machinery was repaired, the wooden Apostles restored by Vojtěch Sucharda and Orloj resumed their activities in 1948.
Another phase of renovation was undertaken in 2005 with the restoration of the lower calendar ring and stature.
Anti-pigeon nets have also been installed around the wooden statues.
The last restoration of the astronomical clock was carried out from January to September 2018, following a reconstruction of the tower in the old town. an electric clock mechanism that had worked since 1948 was replaced by an original mechanism from 1860.
Who built the Prague Astronomical Clock ?
For many years it was believed that the clock was designed and built by master watchmaker Jan Růže (also called Hanuš). It has since been proven to be a historical error.
Enraged by the act, the blind clockmaker climbed the tower and sabotaged his work to stop it working. The clock then remained silent for more than fifty years before being brought back into working order by Jan Taborský in 1552.
In fact, this event never happened and Hanus does not appear to be the original craftsman. It is currently understood that the clock was actually built by one Mikuláš of Kadaň.
It appears he was also assisted by a Catholic priest and scientist Jan Sindel.
Sindel offered an astronomers insight with Mikulas making the clock actually work. Historical documents of the time support this with Mikuláš heavily praised for this incredible work by Prague council officials.
What is the hidden message of the astronomical clock?
It seems that the Prague Astronomical Clock is a gift that keeps on giving. During the recent renovation of the clock, a secret message was discovered hidden inside one of its statues. his sculpted figures.
The statues in question included the famous apostles who appear in the upper windows every hour during the day. While they were working on it, one of the statues appeared to be much heavier than its brothers. The statue in question, that of Saint Thomas, was then removed and X-rayed to see if light could be shed on the mystery. It turned out that a strange metal case, with a message, seemed to have been inserted into him.
Restorers had been capable of take away the case appropriately and correctly opened it up. What they observed changed into a literal message from the past.
