Prague’s Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square is the heart of this grand historic city, capital of the Czech Republic.When you visit Prague, you are likely to cross this square many times and take in all its sights. Here’s a guide to the most notable places in the square.

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A brief history of Prague’s Old Town Square

The Old Town Square in Prague has been the site of many key events in Prague’s history and has evolved through the centuries. It dates back to the the 10th century, starting as a marketplace that served busy European trade routes. By the 12th century, the area had developed into a bustling center of commerce and culture, attracting merchants from all over Europe.

The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn

Dominating the square are the twin towers of the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. Built in the 14th century Medieval era, this has been the main church for this area ever since. The distinctive spires were completed in the late 15th century. They soar 80 meters into the air.

A close look shows that the two towers are not identical. The north tower is slightly larger than the south tower, symbolizing the masculine and feminine aspects of the world. The church in known for its rich Gothic interior, complete with vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and beautiful stained glass windows. The high altar and the 17th-century Baroque altarpieces add to the church’s splendor.

Today, the Church of Our Lady before Týn is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural beauty and historical significance. The Týn Church is more than just a historical monument. It is a symbol of Prague’s Medieval heritage and the city’s resilience through various historical upheavals. Its stunning architecture, historical artifacts, and ongoing role as a place of worship make it a central piece of Prague’s rich tapestry of history.

The impressive Jan Hus Memorial

Another feature of Prague’s Old Town Square is the Jan Hus Memorial, a statue of the martyr who was burned at the stake, leading to wars and exiles.

Jan Hus (1369–1415) was a Czech theologian, philosopher, and reformer who criticized the Catholic Church’s practices. He called for a return to the original teachings of Christ. His ideas influenced later reformers like Martin Luther. Hus was excommunicated and ultimately burned at the stake for heresy in 1415.

This large sculpture was unveiled on 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Hus. The Jan Hus Memorial has become a symbol of Czech national pride and resilience. It represents the enduring legacy of Hus’s fight for religious reform and justice.

The historic Astronomical Clock

A third and probably most well known resident of Prague’s Old Town Square is the Astronomical Clock, located on the southern wall of the Town Hall. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved astronomical clocks in the world, and it is a major historical and tourist attraction. The name refers to a style of clock that shows astronomy-related information. This one, built in 1410, features doorways above the clock. From 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. little doors open on the hour and all 12 apostles appear.

You will notice four figures flanking the clock, each representing something different. Vanity is represented by a figure admiring itself in a mirror. Greed is depicted as a miser holding a bag of gold.Death: Shown is shown as a skeleton that strikes the time upon the hour. And lust is represented by a Turkish figure.

A calendar was added below the clock in 1870.

You may have heard about crowds of tourists in Prague. Yes, it’s true. And they gather in front of the clock in anticipation of the hourly display. When I visited, scaffolding surrounded the clock, too. Here’s what it looked like. Be prepared to zoom in with your camera to take a photo without the distractions.

Don’t let this keep you from visiting, though. You can plan around crowds by starting out early. Or simply stand in the crown and look above everyone’s heads to the clock. You will definitely want to see Prague’s Astronomical Clock. It’s a marvel of Medieval engineering and artistry that shows the historical and cultural richness of the city. Its detailed craftsmanship, astronomical precision, and the hourly procession of figures make it a fascinating and enduring symbol this marvelous city.

Lovely buildings lining Prague’s Old Town Square

Look around from any direction as you visit Prague’s Old Town Square. Look up at the intricate designs of all of the buildings. This is an architectural dream. Soak it in and enjoy!

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Where I Stayed in Prague

The Hotel Jungmann, named after a man who ensured that Czech would remain the language of Prague, is located just a few long blocks from the main square. The rooms are large, and a little sidewalk cafe is right outside. My favorite part was the breakfast room down a winding stairway into a stone room. There’s some history here, right? The hotel is not fancy, but it was the perfect location and very comfortable.

Read these posts for more about Prague:

Visiting the Charles Bridge in Prague

Prague’s Old Jewish Cemetery

Prague Castle

How to Spend Two Days in Prague

Prague’s Heroes of WWII