The Old Town Square: A place of history, culture and inspiration

Imagine yourself standing in a picturesque square in the heart of Prague. You are surrounded by over a thousand years of history and culture. The Old Town Square is a place of inspiration and fascination.

A story that spans centuries

The Old Town Square was founded in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest squares in Prague. It was the scene of important events in the city’s history, including the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years’ War. Today, Old Town Square is a popular tourist destination and an important center of cultural life in Prague.

A place of culture

Old Town Square is home to some of Prague’s most famous landmarks, including the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and St. Nicholas Church. The square is also a popular venue for art exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.

A place of inspiration

Old Town Square is a place of inspiration. It is a symbol of Prague’s history, culture, and beauty. If you have the opportunity to visit this unique place, you shouldn’t miss it.

Here are some of the main sights of the Old Town Square:

• Old Town Hall: The old town hall, an impressive 13th-century building, has preserved its oldest parts despite partial destruction during World War II. Today, it houses art and photography exhibitions, as well as a gallery with a magnificent view. Numerous weddings also take place here, as evidenced by the confetti and flower petals scattered outside the door. The town hall’s history is rich and includes a 1621 monument to the 27 noblemen and rebels associated with the Protestant side of the Thirty Years’ War.
   
• Church of Our Lady before Týn: The Church of Our Lady before Týn is another striking landmark in Old Town Square. Originally a Czech Hussite (Protestant) church, it switched sides during the Thirty Years’ War after the Battle of White Mountain in 1620 and has been an important Catholic church ever since. It is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe and its interior is simply breathtaking.
   
• St. Nicholas Church: St. Nicholas Church, an imposing Baroque building dating from the 1730s, rises as the third dominant feature of the Old Town Square. Despite its regular services and weddings, it was closed for 90 years in the past and changed its religious denomination three times during that period.. 
   
• Kinsky Palace: The Kinsky Palace, a bright orange Baroque masterpiece, dominates the northeast side of the square. It was once the seat of the Kinsky family, the site of important speeches, the birthplace of a Nobel laureate, Franz Kafka’s school, and a collection of other stories. Please note that the Kinsky Palace is now only accessible when visiting one of the temporary exhibitions at the National Gallery in Prague.
   
• Jan Hus Monument: The Jan Hus Monument is a monument dedicated to the Czech reformer Jan Hus. It was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Hus’s death.
   
• Marian Column: Aside from these main attractions, there are other historic buildings around Old Town Square. The newest highlight, however, is the Marian Column. Originally built in the 17th century, it was renovated in 2020 and is now part of the Prague Meridian, which measures time in the city.

  Prague’s Old Town Square is not only a place steeped in history, but also a vibrant stage for present-day life. It tells the story of the city and its people, radiating unparalleled splendor and beauty. Visit this unique place and immerse yourself in Prague’s cultural heritage.