Related articles

Prague's Orloj, or Astronomical Clock, is one of the city's major tourist attractions. But for the next two months some visitors may be disappointed to find the clock is out of action: it's about to undergo its first repairs for over a decade. Ludvik Hainz is a well-known Prague clockmaker - indeed, his family have been taking care of the Astronomical Clock since the 1860s. I asked him why the work was being done now, not during the winter when there are fewer tourists.

The famous astronomical clock on Prague's Old Town Square will be out of order for a couple of months. From September to mid-November experts will carry out maintenance work on the clockwork, dial and the decorative wooden statues. The cost of the repair work is estimated at 2.5 million crowns (100,000 dollars). The clock was made in the 15th century by clockmakers Mikulas of Kadan and Hanus of Ruze.