The Prague Astronomical clock in the Old Town Square is among the most popular sights in the world. The average visitors count is around 700 000 every year. This high demand is one of the reasons behind an extensive reconstruction, which should bring it back to its state before 1945.
What can we expect?
The reconstruction will be very difficult. It will begin this month, with the erection of scaffolding against the building, and it should be completed in June 2018, the same year we celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia. In order to minimise the impact, the repairs will be divided into different stages.
From 1st April, until the end of 2017, the Town Hall gallery will be closed. You have a last chance to enjoy the view until the end of March. For tickets, go to: prague.mobiletickets.cz
By the end of 2017, the Town Hall chapel, that was built next to the Town Hall in 1381, will be closed. It was jointly built by the smelter of Petr Parléř (who was involved in the construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the construction of the Old Town tower -part of Charles Bridge).
In Feb 2018, the clockwork will be taken from the display and the hourly chime will be replaced by laser projection-videomapping instead.
Some parts of the restoration will include the replacement of render, loose stones in the walls, slate roofs and railings
The estimated budget for the restoration will be around 47 mil CZK (approx. 1 740 740€).
Photo: Markéta Darániová FLICKR
