Prague Astronomical clock figures being repaired

The statue of the Death lies in a car after being removed by restorers from the unique 600-year-old astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall's facade in the historical centre of Prague Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. The statues on the clock, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Prague and a national cultural heritage sight, will be restored. Four figures at Prague's Astronomical Clock - one of the major historical landmarks in the Czech capital - have been removed for repairs work. Clock keeper Petr Skala said Friday the wooden figures, including the one that represents the death, need a regular fix of their paint to prevent humidity from damaging them. After the four, four others will follow during a repair work that takes about two months. The clock won't be shut down during the period. A legend says that when it stops, the capital faces a catastrophe. Recently, Prague was hit by record flooding in 2002 just after the clock ceased to operate. Crowds of tourists watch a show of 12 apostles and other figures moving on the clock hourly from morning to evening every day. (AP Photo/CTK, Stanislav Zbynek)

January 13, 2012

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PRAGUE—Four wooden figures on the Czech capital's famous medieval astronomical clock have been removed for repairs.

Clock keeper Petr Skala said Friday that the figures need a regular fix of paint to prevent humidity damage.

Skala said the clock -- installed on Prague's old-town hall in 1410 -- won't be shut down during the restoration. Legend has it that when the clock stops the capital faces catastrophe.

The figures being repaired include the clock tower's famous figure of Death -- represented by a skeleton.

The repairs will take about two months. On return, another four will be repaired.

Prague was hit by record flooding in 2002 just after the clock last ceased to operate.