Old Town Square

The most famous square in the old Prague originated in the 11th century when the very first inhabitants of the right shore of the Vltava river came to settle this land. The square went through many changes during the ages, which has actually reflected even on its names. At the beginning it was called Market or Old Market because of the fact that there were regular markets organized there. Then, since the 14th century, it was changed to Market Place or Old Town Market Place. For a little while it was called Old Town Ground, Big Old Town Square or simply Big Square, but then the year 1895 came and from that moment on, the name Old Town Square is used. During the 19th century, even a tram line was built there. It didn’t, however, last very long for it was removed in 1966 and it became a pedestrian precinct once again.

Today it spreads over the area of about 9000m2 with its coordinates being 50° 5’ 14’’N and 14° 25’ 17’’E. In the middle of the square, there is the Memorial to Master Jan Hus, a religious reformer of the turn of the 14th and 15th century, which was sculptured by Ladislav Saloun. Not far from it, you can see the Prague Meridian. Plus there are of course many and many interesting and important buildings, such as the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the baroque St. Nicholas Church, the Stone Bell House and many others.
The Old Town Hall was founded in 1338 on the basis of a privilege that was given to the people by John I of Bohemia (also called John the Blind). The southern wall of the Hall includes one of the most famous astronomical clock in the whole world – the Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as Prague Orloj. The oldest part of the Orloj dates back to 1410 when it was made by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň. The Hall as well as the whole square suffered heavy damage on May 7 and especially on May 8, 1945, just a few hours before German capitulation in Prague was forced by the approaching Red Army.

The Old Town Square has witnessed a lot of other important moments through its existence. Namely, for example, the decapitation of Jan Želivský in 1422, the election of George of Podebrady in 1458 or the execution of the 27 Czech gentlemen on 21st June 1621, as a consequence of which you can see twenty-seven stone crosses in the pavement.