Every day at noon, Olomouc’s Astronomical Clock comes to life as a parade of mechanical figures are set in motion and the chimes ring out. This is one of two astronomical clocks in the country and its style and decorations act as reminders of the communist era.
The original medieval astronomical clock that stood here was damaged during World War II and later replaced with this social realist-style version. Instead of using miniature figures of saints and kings that had formed part of the earlier clock, the communist-era reconstruction celebrates working people. See famers, milkmaids and other members of the proletariat represented in the design.
Survey the numerous features that adorn the clock. Below the miniature figures are several clock faces. They not only tell the time, but also show the weeks, months and phases of the moon. There is also a star map.
Cast your eye further down the timepiece to the two large figures rendered in mosaic. The figures represent a scientist and a mechanic positioned either side of a large green wheel with white and red lines. The red lines commemorate significant dates in the communist calendar, including the birthdays of major communist leaders. Of particular note are the death dates of Stalin and Gottwald, Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia. The men’s deaths occurred just two weeks apart in 1953.
On the inside of the arch that frames the clock are scenes of work being undertaken, each appropriate to different times of the year.
Be in the square at noon to see the clock in action. As it chimes, two miniature blacksmith figures strike an anvil. Then several pieces of music are played as the rest of the figures rotate. The spectacle lasts for several minutes.
The Astronomical Clock is located on the northern façade of the Town Hall in Olomouc’s main square, Horní Náměstí. Get here easily by using the city’s bus or tram network.
