Spotlight on Prague’s Astronomical Clock – via Books
Visit Prague’s Astronomical Clock
This wonderful clock in the middle of Prague features in two novels – very different from each other – but ones that give a very unique description of this unique feature!
Astronomical Clock (c) Steve Collis. Melbourne, Australia
The clock:
The Prague Astronomical Clock is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world. It was installed in 1410. Now THAT is old.
It was built by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel
It has survived centuries of war, fire, and destruction and was nearly totally destroyed during the 1945 Prague Uprising.
Every hour, you can watch a mechanical show where wooden figures of the twelve Apostles appear and appear to dance beside a skeleton representing Death ringing a bell.
Its intricate astrolabe dial acts as a working model of the medieval universe, tracking the positions of the Sun, Moon, and zodiac signs.
Local legend claims that if the clock is neglected, the city will suffer. So, there’s a good excuse to go to Prague – keep an eye on it!
The Books:
The first one is cosy and cute. A bit of romance even….
A Little Place in Prague – Julie Caplin
Anne and Leo walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge.
Will the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires start to work its magic on them?
The Secret of Secrets – Dan Brown
The second is a thriller about symbols and a golem. it shows the city in a completely different light and the accuracy and mythical aspect of the clock and the city’s legends around it.
The clock is on the cover of this book too – and head to the tourist office just beside the clock and you can buy all manner of Dan Brown goodies.
Keep in touch with The BookTrail
Insta: @thebooktrail
Bluesky: @thebooktrail.bsky.social Pinterest:@thebooktrail
FB: @thebooktrail.LiteraryTravelAgency Threads: @thebooktrail
