Prague’s Astronomical Clock is the Most Beautiful in Europe, Says DW

Prague’s Astronomical Clock, which was unveiled to the public just a few weeks ago after nearly seven months of restoration work, is an impressive timepiece. But just how impressive is it?

“The Astronomical Clock at Prague Town Hall from 1410 is a masterpiece of Gothic technology,” writes Elisabeth Yorck von Wartenburg for DW.

“According to legend, after completion the eyes of the builder were plucked out so that the watch would remain unique in the world. And it is unique! After nine months of restoration, the 12 apostles have once again delighted visitors to Prague’s Old Town with their puppet play.”

New visitors to Prague this month have a great opportunity to see the clock, post-restoration.

For much of 2018, Prague’s Astronomical Clock had been hidden behind scaffolding while restorers performed one of the most extensive renovations on the face of the clock over the past 150 years.

Just in time for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 2018, the city of Prague revealed the sparkling-new clock to the public:

Sure, Prague’s Astronomical Clock is pretty great. But how tough is the competition for bragging rights to most beautiful in Europe?

For the #1 position in Deustche Welle’s list, Prague’s Astronomical clock beat out the likes of Big Ben in London, World Time Clock in Berlin, Zytglogge clock tower in Bern, and others.