Landmark
Prague Meridian
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The Prague Meridian is a brass line embedded in the cobblestones of Old Town Square, near the Týn Church. It marks the 15th meridian east of Greenwich, which was historically used for local timekeeping in Prague. The meridian was established in the 17th century by the astronomer Tycho Brahe, who worked in Prague under Emperor Rudolf II. Today, it's a subtle yet fascinating feature that many visitors walk over without noticing. The meridian is aligned with the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and at noon, the shadow of the church's spire falls exactly on the line. This spot offers a unique connection to Prague's scientific history and is a quiet contrast to the bustling square. Visitors can stand on the meridian and imagine the precision of early astronomy.
Don't miss
- Find the brass line near the Týn Church and stand on it at noon to see the shadow alignment.
- Learn about Tycho Brahe's astronomical work at the nearby Tycho Brahe House (no. 1 on Old Town Square).
- Combine with a visit to the Old Town Hall and its astronomical clock.
- Take a photo of the meridian with the Týn Church in the background.
- Explore the Old Town Square's other landmarks, including the Jan Hus Monument.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Prague Meridian
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Prague Meridian with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inShared Departure Transfer: Prague Hotel to Prague Airport4.2★ · 137 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →
Most bookedPrague Old Town, Medieval Underground and Dungeon Historical Tour4.6★ · 4,660 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$31 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleScenic Private Transfer from Prague to Vienna or Vienna to Prague5★ · 10 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$256 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- The meridian is easy to miss; look for a thin brass line near the Týn Church's west facade.
- The shadow alignment is best on sunny days; clouds may obscure it.
- Read about Tycho Brahe before visiting to appreciate the history.
- The meridian is not the same as the Prague astronomical clock; both are worth seeing.
A bit of history
The meridian was installed in the 1650s by Jesuit astronomers to determine local noon. It was used for calibrating clocks and astronomical observations until the 19th century. Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler worked nearby.
Common questions
Where exactly is the Prague Meridian located?
It's in Old Town Square, near the Týn Church, running north-south across the cobblestones.
Can I see the meridian at night?
Yes, it's always visible, but the shadow alignment only works during daylight.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it's a public outdoor landmark and free to view.
Why is it called a meridian?
A meridian is a line of longitude. This one marks the 15th meridian east, used for local time.
How was it used historically?
It was used to determine local noon by the shadow of the Týn Church spire, helping calibrate clocks.
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