Offbeat Traveler: Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock began maintenance earlier this month as four exterior wooden figures were removed for cleaning. Built in 1410, the apparatus is the world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock. It adorns the facade of the Old Town Hall of Prague’s Old Town Square.

The clock’s astronomical dial tracks the motion of the sun, moon and stars. Above the dial, statues of the 12 apostles appear at the hour every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

-- Jason La, Los Angeles Times

A worker removes the statue of Death for repairs. Death tolls the bell at each hour.  (Stanislav Zbynek / Associated Press)

The statue of Death lies in a car after being removed from the clock.  (Stanislav Zbynek / Associated Press)

Otakar Zamecnik works on parts of the astronomical clock during maintenance in 2005.  (Michal Cizek / AFP/Getty Images)