Prague clock away for repairs

This item appears on page 4 of the February 2018 issue.

Orloj, the 15th-century astronomical clock mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague, Czech Republic, was removed from its setting on Jan. 8, 2018, for repairs and is scheduled to be returned in August 2018. The Town Hall reopened on Dec. 18 after being closed six months for restoration.

The clock and tower were badly damaged during the 1945 bombing of Prague, after which the clock was minimally repaired, with an electric motor installed. The motor will be replaced with a mechanical pulley system similar to the clock’s original workings. For info, contact Prague City Tourism (phone +420 221 714 714, www.prague.eu).