The News
Friday 26 of April 2024

Prague's Astronomical Clock to Undergo Major Restoration


Tourists look at the astronomical clock from behind a fence in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Major repairs of Prague's Old City Hall have kicked off that will see a long-term removal of the Czech capital's major tourist attraction, the famous medieval astronomical clock,photo: AP/Petr David Josek
Tourists look at the astronomical clock from behind a fence in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Major repairs of Prague's Old City Hall have kicked off that will see a long-term removal of the Czech capital's major tourist attraction, the famous medieval astronomical clock,photo: AP/Petr David Josek
Workers began Tuesday to erect scaffolding around the hall's tower to fix damage, some of which dates back to World War II

PRAGUE – Major repairs of Prague’s Old City Hall have started, in a process that will see one of the Czech capital’s major tourist attractions — the famous medieval astronomical clock — taken off site for months.

Workers began Tuesday to erect scaffolding around the hall’s tower to fix damage, some of which dates back to World War II.

A newly wed couple sits in a carriage in front of the astronomical clock in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Photo: AP/Petr David Josek

From May, the tower that offers a magnificent view of the picturesque Old Town will be closed for visitors. It’s expected to reopen by December.

City Hall spokesman Vit Hofman says the clock — installed on the tower in 1410 — will function until January when it’ll be removed for restoration.

Hofman says the clock will be “completely disassembled” and that it should be back in place in June or July next year.