Old Town Square

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

History of the square

Since ancient times, trade routes passed through Prague, filling the city's treasury. One of the trade centers was the Old Town Square, in the 13th century it was called the Old Market, in the 14th it was already the Old Town Market. In the following centuries, the square changed many names, until its current name was assigned to it in 1895. 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 the preacher and reformer Jan Huss in 1415, his followers rallied and opposed the Catholics and the Holy Roman Empire. This was followed by the Hussite Wars, which lasted for 15 years. In 1437, the last Hussite leader, Jan Rogach, was executed here. Later, Jan Hus was recognized as a national hero and a monument was erected in the center of the Old Town Square in 1915, and bonfires were lit in memory of Jan Hus on the day of his execution on July 6 in the Czech Republic. In 1621, the instigators of the Stavovsky uprising against the ruling dynasty were executed here. Later, 27 crosses will be erected in their honor near the town hall.

In 1410, the famous Prague chimes were installed on the city hall, showing the position of the Moon and Sun, their sunset and sunrise times, as well as starry, Old Czech and European time. In 1591, the Krocinov Kashna fountain was erected. Nowadays, the square is surrounded by many buildings made in different architectural styles. Tourists can always be seen leisurely strolling in the Old Town Square. Many people go to numerous cafes and pubs to taste real Czech beer. The Old Town Square is surrounded by cultural monuments of the Czech Republic: Tyn Temple (built back in 1365), city hall, Kinsky Palace. Also no less interesting are the Church of St. Nicholas, the Tyn Courtyard, and the Golts-Kinsky Palace.

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