Embedded within the cobblestones of Prague’s Old Town Square lies a historical treasure that many visitors overlook—the Prague Meridian. This thin brass strip, marked by plaques in both Czech and Latin, once played a crucial role in determining the local time in Prague. From 1652 until 1918, the meridian helped the city’s residents track the precise moment of high noon, using the shadow of the now-absent Marian Column. Today, it stands as a subtle reminder of a bygone era when the sun, not technology, governed the rhythm of daily life.
A Century-Old Story of Timekeeping
Before modern clocks and watches became widespread, Prague relied on the Prague Meridian for its official timekeeping. The brass strip, aligned with the meridian of 14°25’17″ East. It was originally positioned next to the Marian Column, erected by the Catholic Church in 1650. Each day at noon, the column’s shadow would align perfectly with the meridian, allowing the city’s residents to set their clocks and organize their lives.
This method of timekeeping continued until 1918 when the Marian Column was destroyed during a protest against the Habsburg Monarchy. However, the meridian remains, flanked by plaques that loosely translate to, “Meridian, according to which time in Prague was determined.” These plaques were added in the 1990s, ensuring that this piece of Prague’s history would not be forgotten.
A Modern Revival
In 2020, a new Marian Column was reconstructed in the Old Town Square, reviving the connection between the meridian and the column. Although the meridian no longer serves as the city’s official timekeeper, visitors can still witness the shadow of the new column aligning with the strip, just as it did centuries ago.
The Prague Meridian might not be as famous as the Astronomical Clock, but it offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history. Take a moment to find this hidden gem and step back in time to when the sun’s shadow ruled the day.
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