Old Town Square in Prague – photo and description, how to get there, map
The Old Town Square, without exaggeration, can be called the “heart of Prague“. Surprisingly, tourists spend several days exploring this relatively small object. There are so many attractions here and they make such a big impression on the guests of the Czech capital.
History of the Old Town Square
Back in the 12th century on the site of the modern square, there was a bustling market, where artisans and merchants, both Czech and foreign, traded. At the beginning of the 14th century King Jan, materially very dependent on the local nobility, granted this area of Prague the right to self-government. In the same century, the merchant Kamenė presented the town with a beautiful town hall building, which today is the main attraction of the Old Town Square. Over the years, a spacious meeting room was completed here, the town hall united the 5 nearest houses. Clocks also appeared here, because it was important for those who traded on the square to know the time. However, the watch masters made it so that they not only fulfill their direct function, but are also a work of art. During the Second World War, due to the bombing, the Town Hall was badly damaged, but after the war it was restored.
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Today, the Old Town Square hosts many events. Before there were even more of them, so some even had to be moved to other places. Here you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to street musicians, admire the procession of residents in national costumes. Buy souvenirs (although here, in the city center, they are more expensive), taste delicious pastries and drinks. The Old Town Square makes a particularly strong impression at Christmas and New Year. A large, festively decorated Christmas tree is installed in the center. Citizens and guests of Prague are congratulated by songs and dances by adults and young artists. And the old houses and streets that stretch around give the impression that you are in a fairy tale. On Christmas days you will be treated to excellent fish soup for free, you can also taste hot fragrant mulled wine and taste national Czech sweets. And, of course, you will take a lot of photos – there are so many sights around!
Sights of the Old Town Square
First of all, of course, this is Orloi, or the chimes on the town hall building. They show both the current time and the old Czech time, acquaint you with the phases of the moon, tell you when it will be sunrise today and when it will be sunset. At noon, the real performance begins – figures moving inside the clock symbolize human vices, as well as such important images as Death and the Angel. A lot of tourists gather to see this spectacle every day. Having been on an excursion in the town hall itself, you can see its ancient halls, sit in the chair of the mayor, admire the sculptures, among which there is also the goddess of justice. And also climb to the observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the city. Another interesting route is to the dungeon where the prisoners were kept.
In addition, when you come to the Old Town Square, you should definitely go to the Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn, whose history begins in the middle of the 14th century. Until now, there is an organ on which the great composer Gluck once played. At the beginning of the 20th century a beautiful monument to Jan Hus, one of the main heroes of the Czech people, appeared on the square. The monument is a whole composition of sculptural figures. It is also worth visiting the church in honor of St. Nicholas. Luxuriously decorated building and masterfully executed sculptures make tourists grab their cameras.
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How to get on your own
The most convenient way to get here is by metro, the stop you need is called “Mustek”. If you decide to take the tram, get off at the Staromestska stop. During the day, trams No. 2, 17 and 18 go here, and at night – 93.