Old Town Square

Old Town Square is one of the oldest and most famous squares in Prague. The area has been known since the 12th century, when there was a market that collected merchants and artisans from many countries.

History of the square

Since ancient times, trade routes have passed through Prague to fill the treasury of the city. One of the centers of trade was Old Town Square, in the 13th century it was called the Old Market, in the 14th Old Town Market. In the following centuries, the square changed many names until in 1895 the current name was fixed for it. Over the years, the square has seen both royal celebrations and bloody times, when those who disagree with the authorities were executed here. After the execution of preacher and reformer Jan Gus in 1415, his followers rallied and opposed the Catholics and the Holy Roman Empire. Then followed by the Gusit Wars, dragging on for 15 years. In 1437, the last Hussite leader Jan Rogach was executed here. Later, Yana Gus is recognized as a national hero and will establish a monument in 1915 in the center of Old Town Square, and on the day of his execution on July 6, bonfires are lit in the Czech Republic in memory of Jan Gus. In 1621, the instigators of the Stavovsky uprising against the ruling dynasty were executed here. Later, 27 crosses in their honor will be delivered near the town hall.

In 1410, the famous Prague currants were installed on the city hall, showing the position of the Moon and the Sun, their time of setting and sunrise, as well as star, Old Town and European times. In 1591, they put up the Krotsinov Kashna fountain. Today, the square is surrounded by many buildings made in different architectural styles. In Old Town Square you can always see leisurely walking tourists. Many go into numerous cafes and pubs to try real Czech beer. Old Town Square is surrounded by cultural monuments of the Czech Republic: Tynsky Temple ( built back in 1365 ), city hall, Kinsky Palace. Also no less interesting is the Church of St. Nicholas, Tynsky Dvor, Goltz-Kinsky Palace.

Over the centuries, the area has changed, some monuments have not survived to this day. World War II was the biggest test, the city hall was one of the defense centers of the Czech rebels. During the fighting, the wing of the building was destroyed by fire and the facade was badly damaged. Today, the square and the Old Town Hall delight everyone with their greatness, attracting a lot of citizens and visitors of the city during holidays and festivities.