Wenceslas Square in Prague – attractions, photo, description, address, map
The heart of Prague is Vaclavak, a place that is loved not only by tourists, but also by the inhabitants of the city. Wenceslas Square is rather a boulevard where life never stops, crowds of citizens and tourists constantly cross here and go about their business.
Story
In the 14th century, Charles IV laid the Nove mesto here. There was a horse market, horse fairs were held, grain, beer and weapons were sold. Criminals were immediately executed, for this, gallows were installed on both sides of the square. Gradually, houses began to be built around, in which merchants settled, artisans opened their workshops. Back in 1680, a monument was erected here to the patron saint of the city – St. Wenceslas, a prince who was treacherously killed by his brother in the 10th century. In 1812, a new monument was erected on this site, which still stands today and remains one of the most beloved monuments among the citizens of Prague.
Until the middle of the 19th century, the square remained a market. At that time, gas lamps were installed here, lighting was provided, and soon the famous building of the National Museum appeared. By the beginning of the 20th century, the square gradually began to take on a modern look. The square has witnessed all the dramatic moments in the history of the Czech people. Here in 1918 they celebrated the liberation from the Austro-Hungarian oppression, and in the spring of 1945 they rejoiced at the end of the war; in 1968, Soviet tanks stood here, and Prague students set themselves on fire near the monument to Wenceslas – now a scorched birch cross has been laid out right on the pavement at this place. Demonstrations are held here today, dates are arranged and the victories of the national hockey team are celebrated together.
Sights of Wenceslas Square
There are many interesting places on the square and around it. Almost every building is an example of a certain architectural style. Here you can find architectural structures of all styles and directions – from baroque to constructivism. Expensive restaurants and legendary hotels built in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau or Art Deco style, trendy shops, casinos – there are a lot of people here even at night.
National Museum
The museum building was built in 1885-1890 by the Czech architect Josef Schulz in the Neo-Renaissance style. This is the main museum of Prague, on the facade there are boards with the names of prominent cultural figures. The museum houses the national library of the country, which stores more than a million books and 8,000 historical manuscripts.
Europe Hotel
Known even to those who have never been to Prague. The interiors of his Titanic Cafe are featured in Mission: Impossible. The hotel building itself was built in 1889 and is an example of Art Nouveau style. At that time it was called “At Duke Stefan's”. Today it is one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the city.
Passage “Lucerne”
A grandiose shopping complex, which is located next to Wenceslas Square. It got its name “Lucerne”, that is, “lamp, lantern, lamp” thanks to the wife of the main builder. Seeing this glass and concrete building, she exclaimed: “It's just a lantern!” The architect of the building was Vaclav Havel, the grandfather of the future president. The palace was built from 1906 to 1927 and later modernized several times. At the beginning of the century, in addition to shops, there was also one of the most famous art studios in Europe. Exhibitions were held here, Max Shvabinsky had his own school of graphics, who at that time was a professor at the Academy of Arts. The passage is famous primarily for the caricature copy of the monument to St. Wenceslas, which is installed here. The patron saint of the city sits here on the belly of his upside down horse. The statue was made by David Cherny.
tourism.com.de recommends the following hotels on Wenceslas Square:
How to get to Wenceslas Square
You can get to Wenceslas Square by metro (to the Museum stop – these are the red and green lines, or the Mustek station – the yellow and green lines). If you get by tram, then you need routes number 3, 9, 14 and 24. The stop is called Vaclavske namesti.