Google Doodle Celebrates Prague’s Astronomical Clock

The Czech capital’s landmark turns 605 today

Dave Park

Written by Dave Park Published on 09.10.2015 10:31:36 (updated on 09.10.2015) Reading time: 1 minute

Prague’s Astronomical Clock, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, dates back to 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and oldest one still working, according to Wikipedia.

The first record of the clock’s existence is from October 9, 1410, making today its 605th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, Google has created a special Doodle that will be seen today in countries throughout the world.

Screenshot: Google Doodle Blog
Screenshot: Google Doodle Blog

From the Google Doodle blog: “Today’s Doodle honors a magnificent achievement in medieval engineering and a cultural landmark whose symbolism, design, and intermittent repairs are a remarkable catalogue of Europe’s past.”

On Google Maps, you can both view the Astronomical Clock from the outside and also take a tour from within (and even walk up the stairs).

Most Google Doodles are localized to specific regions; Prague’s Astronomical Clock will appear in much of Europe along with Australia and selected areas in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, according to the Google Doodle blog.

Screenshot: Google Doodle Blog
Screenshot: Google Doodle Blog

Other recent Czech-related Google Doodles have included the 110th birthday of Zdeněk Burian earlier this year, the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution last November, and the National Theatre’s 110th birthday in 2013.

The Astronomical Clock Doodle’s reach, however, is the widest by far. 

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