Perhaps the most famous thing in Old Town Square is the Astronomical Clock.
One of the popular origin stories is that it was built by Master Hanus in 1410. The mechanical procession of apostles was a wonder of the Middle Ages and the city elders were afraid that Master Hanus would build similar clocks around Europe. The story goes that they had him blinded to ensure that Prague would remain the only city with such a marvelous clock.
The clock dial can tell you the day, the position in the week, month, year, and the astrological sign. It also tracks Central European, Babylonian, and Sidereal time.
Basically, the mechanics of the clock are pretty awesome scientifically, but the "show" at the top of every hour is pretty underwhelming.
Old Town Square is pretty "touristic" (Side note: Europeans tend to use touristic instead of touristy, and I like it better so plan on hearing it in my regular vocabulary from here on out!) so every time I've been there it feels like a street fair/carnival. Also, everything is far more expensive in this area than anywhere else in Prague (except Prague Castle!).
I thought it was funny that the "white" street performer was standing directly in front of a "blue" sign.
The whole square was lousy with newlyweds. This must be "the place" in Prague to do wedding photos. I saw at least 6 couples on this day.
Look at these buildings! I love Prague!
In keeping with the carnival feel there are food vendors set up around the edge of the square.
One potato -spiral cut
You want some meat? Let me just carve a chunk off this bit here.
These are like donuts only not so much. They are donut-like dough with almonds and sugar in a spiral shape. The bees love them - there are always swarms around this stall.
They have these places all over Czech; to me they will always be known as "Change Weasels"
And this made me think of Emma Jo
