Old Town Hall Tower in Prague

Old Town Hall Tower

Czech name: Staroměstská radnice

Old Town Hall Tower is one of the most famous sights in Prague. At 66 meters (216 feet) tall, the tower provides stunning views of the city. It features a Gothic wonder known as The Astronomical Clock. Dating back to the 14th century, Old Town Hall Tower in Prague is full of history and sights: a must-see on any Prague sightseeing trip!

History of the Old Town Hall Tower in Prague

One of the most widely recognizable landmarks in the capital of the Czech Republic is the Old town hall tower situated on the Old Town Square.

The tower was originally constructed in 1338 as a single structure. Later, in 1364, it was destroyed together with a neighboring private residence.

It wasn’t long until this home and the ones across the street were joined into a single structure, and the whole complex was dubbed the “Old Town Hall.”

In 1410, an astronomical clock was installed at the tower’s entrance. The tower’s machinery was housed in a specialized stone chamber located at the tower’s southern end. The astronomical clock has many moving parts, including a calendar, an astronomy desk, and the “twelve apostles” system. In 1865, Josef Manes put the zodiac’s twelve constellations on the clock’s face.

The Gothic-style front of the Old Town Hall was remodeled in 1470, and additional integration work was done inside the building the same year.

The Prague Uprising of May  1945 saw the destruction of the Town Hall. The tower, along with the astronomy clock and the church on the top floor, were badly damaged but were later totally rebuilt. The eastern and northern sides of the town hall, that stood across the Tyn Temple, were destroyed and were never restored.

Today its primary function in the Czech Republic’s capital city is ceremonial. Five medieval buildings form the historic town hall, which features a tall rectangular tower, an ornate Gothic oriel window, and an antique astronomical clock. The best view of Prague may be enjoyed from the observation deck atop the town hall tower. 

The Old Town Hall offers a one-of-a-kind historical tour. The elaborately furnished rooms from different eras showcase the incredible evolution of the town hall building. There are hourly tours with guides available in several languages.

The Old Town Hall Tower, Prague was originally built in 1338, and later joined to the home of a wealthy merchant. It was used as the seat of local government, and over the years other buildings were added: the Gothic tower and clock, a chapel, council halls, (now used for weddings), and another house.

Old Town Hall includes a Prague tourist information center, which includes info on city attractions, events, history, museums, and transportation options. Maps of Prague are also available. 

When visiting Prague, be sure to include a visit to Old Town, and especially Old Town Hall Tower! For more info about the astronomical clock click here.

Location & How to Get to The Old Town Hall Tower, Prague

As the name suggests, Old Town Hall Tower is connected to the Old Town Hall, an interesting maze of historical Gothic buildings. This site is located in Old Town Square, a very popular tourist area and easy to access via the metro (stop Staroměstská line A), tram (Staroměstská trams 2, 17, 18) and public bus (Staroměstské náměstí) systems. 

Opening Hours & Entry to the Old Town Hall Tower Prague

From January through September, the tower is open until 10 pm 7 days a week. In fact, it is one of the few Prague attractions open so late. It opens at 11 am on Monday, and at 9 am all other days of the week (Tuesday through Sunday). However, during the months of October, November, and December, the site closes at 8 pm. The entry fee ranges from 250 CZK to 500 CZK for a family, and offers a variety of options.

How much does the Old Town Hall Tower tickets cost

The Old Town Hall Tower Prague entrance fee ranges from 250 CZK to 500 CZK for a family, and offers a variety of options.

Visiting the Old Town Hall Tower

One of the most striking features of the Prague Old Town Hall Clock Tower is the gorgeous Prague Astronomical Clock, a mechanical clock that is over 600 years old. Every hour on the hour, from 9 am to 11 pm, the twelve apostles appear. A door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, to the bell toll of the skeleton of death. Below the clock are 12 medallions with the zodiac signs, added by Josef Manes in 1865.

The Old Town Hall Tower Prague has both a staircase and an elevator, allowing access to the top for beautiful views of Old Town Prague, including several Gothic churches and even Prague Castle on the horizon. In fact, Old Town Hall Tower is the only historical tower in Old Town accessible by wheelchair.

Inside the Old Town Hall, the walls are covered with beautiful historical artwork. An exhibition called “Old Town Hall Down the Centuries” features photographs and a detailed history of the construction and events of the site. There is also a network of Roman-style underground chambers, as well as a Gothic chapel which provides a view of the 12 Apostles of the clock.

Our Team Tips for Old Town Hall Tours

Make sure to get your tickets in advance to visit the famous astronomical clock at Prague’s Old Town Hall Tower, a historic structure home to the world’s oldest working clock. It was constructed as a monument in 1410, and its history is chronicled inside. And while you’re there, check out the astronomical clock’s inner workings, and explore the huge underground passageways, the Medieval chapel, and the old staterooms.

Highlights

• Visit the lavish staterooms on the ground floor.
• No cost for cancellation
• Starting at € 10 per head
•  Keep on to the halls and the renowned Gothic chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• Ascend the tower’s stairs to the third-floor observation deck for breathtaking panoramas of the Czech capital.
• Your admission to the Old Town Hall includes a guided tour of the medieval underground, so take advantage of it!
• The tower gallery offers breathtaking views of Prague.
• Explore the inner workings of the historic Prague astronomical clock.
• Participate in a multilingual underground walk of the famous Old Town Hall.
• To reach the agreed-upon meeting point, enter either the ground-floor information center or the impressive wooden entrance to the left of the clock.

What is Included

• Entrance charges
• Tour of the medieval underground led by a guide
• A host or greeter who speaks Czech or English
• The excursion lasts one day.
• Wheelchair is available

Exploring Prague’s Treasures: From Old Town Hall Tower to Charles Bridge

No exploration of Prague would be complete without a walk across the iconic Charles Bridge. This historic bridge, adorned with statues and offering breathtaking views of the Vltava River, exudes an aura of romance and splendor. Together, the Old Town Hall Tower, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the lively amusement park, and the majestic Charles Bridge showcase the diverse and captivating attractions that make Prague a truly unforgettable destination.