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Prague Meridian: A Line Through Time

Discover the Prague Meridian in Old Town Square, a subtle marker of the city's historical timekeeping and rich cultural heritage.

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Embedded in the cobblestones of Prague's Old Town Square, the Prague Meridian marks the line that once determined the city's local time. A subtle yet historically significant marker, it offers a glimpse into pre-standardized timekeeping methods.

A brief summary to Prague Meridian

  • Staroměstské nám., Josefov, 110 00, CZ
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Look closely; the meridian is easy to miss amidst the bustling square.
  • Visit at noon to imagine how the Marian Column's shadow once marked the time.
  • Combine your visit with other Old Town Square attractions like the Astronomical Clock.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Prague Meridian is located in Old Town Square, easily accessible on foot from most central Prague locations. From the Old Town Square, locate the Old Town Hall and look for a brass strip in the cobblestones in front of the building. It is near the Marian Column replica.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Prague Meridian via public transport, take Metro Line A to Staroměstská station. From the station, it's a short walk to Old Town Square. Alternatively, trams 2, 17, and 18 stop at Staroměstská. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket is 40 CZK.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at Old Town Square, though traffic restrictions may apply. Expect to pay around 150-250 CZK for a short ride from other parts of central Prague. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours.

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Discover more about Prague Meridian

Located in the heart of Prague's Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), the Prague Meridian is a subtle yet fascinating historical marker. This brass strip, inlaid in the cobblestones, marks the meridian used to determine Prague's local time before the introduction of standardized timekeeping. Originally, the meridian's function was linked to the Marian Column, erected in 1650 to celebrate the city's defense against Swedish forces. The column's shadow, when aligned with the meridian line at noon, indicated the precise midday. This system was crucial in an era where public clocks were unreliable or inaccessible. The Marian Column was torn down in 1918, shortly after Czechoslovakia gained independence. However, in 1990, during resurfacing work on the Old Town Square, the meridian was re-marked with a brass strip and an explanatory plaque in both Czech and Latin. In 2020, a replica of the Marian Column was erected near its original location. Today, the Prague Meridian serves as a reminder of Prague's rich history, its innovative approach to timekeeping, and the blend of science and culture that defines the city. It invites visitors to reflect on the evolution of time measurement and the historical context of daily life in Prague.

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