Easter market in Prague's Old Town in front of the Astronomical Clock (Orloj)

Prague’s Astronomical Clock (the Orloj) is bolted to the Old Town Hall like a medieval science-fantasy dashboard. The big upper dial is an astronomical model that shows time plus the Sun and Moon’s positions, zodiac signs, and old-style “Czech” time markings, all in one ornate, gold-and-ink-blue face. Every hour it puts on a tiny street-theater: figures animate and the Apostles appear in the windows, which is why crowds cluster beneath it. The Easter Market in Old Town Square turns that same space into a spring folk festival: wooden stalls, ribbons, floral garlands, and traditional crafts. You’ll see kraslice (hand-painted eggs) as gifts and decoration, embroidered textiles with regional patterns, and pomlázka (braided willow switches) tied with ribbons, a playful Czech tradition meant to “bring health and freshness” in spring. Add a light drizzle and the cobblestones become mirrors, doubling the tower in puddle-reflections.