Wenceslas Square - the largest square in Prague

The heart of Prague - Vaclavak - a place that is loved not only by tourists, but also by the city's residents. Wenceslas Square is rather a boulevard on which life never stops, crowds of townspeople and tourists constantly intersect here and go about their own business.

History

In the XIV century, Charles IV founded Nove Mesto here. There was a horse market, horse fairs, grain, beer and weapons were sold. The criminals were immediately executed; for this, gallows were erected 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, the 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 Prague citizens.

Until the middle of the 19th century, the square remained a market. At this time, gas lamps were installed here, lighting was carried out, and soon the famous building of the National Museum appeared. By the beginning of the 20th century, the square began to gradually 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 were stationed here, and at the monument to Wenceslas, Prague students staged self-immolation - now a scorched birch cross is laid out on this place right on the pavement. Demonstrations are held here today, dates are made and victories of the national hockey team are celebrated in unison.

Attractions Wenceslas Square

There are many interesting places in and around the square. Almost every building is an example of a particular architectural style. Here you can find architectural structures of all styles and trends - from baroque to constructivism. Expensive restaurants and legendary hotels built at the beginning of the 20th century in Art Nouveau or Art Deco style, fashionable shops, casinos - there are a lot of people here even at night.

National Museum

The building of the museum was built in 1885-1890 by the Czech architect Josef Schulz in the neo-Renaissance style. This is the main museum in Prague, on the facade there are plaques with the names of prominent cultural figures. The museum houses the country's national library, which contains more than a million books and 8,000 historical manuscripts.

Hotel "Europe"

Known even to those who have never been to Prague. The interiors of his Titanic café are featured in Mission Impossible. The hotel building itself was built in 1889 and is an example of the Art Nouveau style. At that time it was called "At the Duke of Stefan". Today it is one of the most famous and fashionable hotels in the city.

Lucerne Passage

An imposing shopping mall located next to Wenceslas Square. It got its name "Lucerne", that is "lamp, lantern, lamp" thanks to the wife of the chief builder. Seeing this building of glass and concrete, 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 was 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 caricatured copy of the monument to St. Wenceslas, which is installed here. The patron saint of the city sits here on the belly of his horse turned upside down. The statue was made by David Cherny. Today, there are many shops, cafes, restaurants, a cinema and even an ice palace.

[leveltravel country = ”CZ” city = ”Prague”]

GuruTurizma recommends the following hotels in 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 Mustek station - the yellow and green lines). If you are traveling by tram, you need routes 3, 9, 14 and 24. The stop is called Vaclavske namesti.

Wenceslas Square on the map