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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 before clocks became commonplace.

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Embedded in the cobblestones of Old Town Square, the Prague Meridian marks the line that once determined Prague's local time using the shadow of the Marian Column. Though subtle, it's a fascinating reminder of pre-standardized timekeeping.

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

  • The Prague Meridian can be easily missed amidst the activity of Old Town Square, so keep an eye out for a brass strip in the cobblestones.
  • Visit at noon to see the shadow of the reconstructed Marian Column align with the meridian, recreating its historical function.
  • Take a moment to read the inscription on the ground plate, which explains the meridian's historical significance in Czech and Latin.
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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 Astronomical Clock, walk towards the Jan Hus Memorial; the Meridian is located on the pavement in that direction. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Prague Meridian via public transport, take Metro Line A to Staroměstská station. From there, it's a short walk to Old Town Square. Alternatively, numerous trams service the square. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK. Validate your ticket upon entering the metro station or tram.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at Old Town Square, though access may be restricted during peak hours or events. A short ride from areas around the city center should cost approximately 150-250 CZK. Be aware of potential surge pricing during busy times.

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Discover more about Prague Meridian

The Prague Meridian, a discreet yet historically significant marker, lies in the heart of Old Town Square. This brass strip, inlaid in the cobblestones, marks the meridian that, from 1652 to 1918, dictated Prague's time. Before the advent of widespread accurate timekeeping, the shadow cast by the Marian Column (originally erected in 1650) onto this line indicated solar noon. Following the consecration of the Marian Column in 1652, city authorities marked the Prague Meridian with a line of stones. This meridian was calculated to be 14 degrees, 25 minutes, and 17 seconds east. When the sun shone and the column's shadow aligned with this line, it was precisely midday in Prague. The Marian Column was torn down in 1918, shortly after Czechoslovakia gained independence. In 1990, during renovations of Old Town Square, the meridian was re-marked with a granite and brass strip, accompanied by a ground plate inscribed in both Czech and Latin. The inscription translates to: "Meridian, according to which time in Prague was determined". While the meridian no longer serves its original purpose, it stands as a testament to Prague's historical relationship with time and astronomy. Today, a replica of the Marian Column has been erected, and at noon, its shadow once again aligns with the Prague meridian.

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