The largest dial shows the Ancient Czech Time, the second-largest shows the Central European Time and the smallest circle shows Unequal Time (Babylonian Hours). The three dials that can be seen all show different times. The dial includes a Zodiacal ring that shows the location of the Sun and t he two clock hands are designed with a Sun and a Moon each.

It represents the Universe or at least the maker’s perception of it when it was built during the Middle Ages. The top part of the clock is what is called the Astronomical Dial. The Calendar Dial has four small sculptures that don’t move: a Philosopher, an Angel, an Astronomer and a Chronicler. The Dial also has medallions with all the zodiac signs and the Prague Old Town symbol in the centre.

The newest part of the clock, dating from 1865, is a Calendar Dial painted by Josef Mánes. The Astronomical Clock is located on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall. The clock was repaired by Jan Taborský during the sixteenth century. It was built in 1410 by the clock makers Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel. However, until 1961, when a document was found revealing the real identities of the authors of the Astronomical Clock, it was believed that this masterpiece had been made by the clock master Hanuš. The legend also recounts that the author believed to be responsible for this masterpiece, Hanuš, was blinded by Prague Councillors when they discovered that he was making an even better clock for another city. The Prague Astronomical Clock is the world’s most famous Medieval clock.

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