Wenceslas Square, Prague
A prominent symbol of Czech identity, Wenceslas Square stretches like a lengthy rectangle, traversing from the northwest edge of the New Town to the neo-Renaissance-style National Museum at its southeastern tip.
Originating in the 14th century alongside the establishment of the New Town by Charles IV, the square initially served as a horse market. In the 19th century national revival, it received its current name along with a very fine statue of Saint Wenceslas (鈥淭he Good King鈥�) atop his steed, encircled by figures of Saint Agnes of Bohemia, Saint Prokop, Saint Adalbert of Prague, and Saint Ludmila.
Due to its historical significance and central location, Wenceslas Square has been a gathering point for various events throughout history, from Nazi demonstrations to national celebrations and pivotal moments like the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
Today, the square is as busy a spot is ever, attracting locals and tourists alike to visit landmarks such as the National Museum and Prague State Opera, as well as a plethora of offices, hotels, shops, clubs, and eateries flanking its sides.
Tip:
For the quintessential photo of Wenceslas Square, position yourself with Saint Wenceslas' statue behind you. Keep an eye out for the Marks & Spencer shop sign, too, as it marks the balcony where V谩clav Havel addressed the crowds during the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
Originating in the 14th century alongside the establishment of the New Town by Charles IV, the square initially served as a horse market. In the 19th century national revival, it received its current name along with a very fine statue of Saint Wenceslas (鈥淭he Good King鈥�) atop his steed, encircled by figures of Saint Agnes of Bohemia, Saint Prokop, Saint Adalbert of Prague, and Saint Ludmila.
Due to its historical significance and central location, Wenceslas Square has been a gathering point for various events throughout history, from Nazi demonstrations to national celebrations and pivotal moments like the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
Today, the square is as busy a spot is ever, attracting locals and tourists alike to visit landmarks such as the National Museum and Prague State Opera, as well as a plethora of offices, hotels, shops, clubs, and eateries flanking its sides.
Tip:
For the quintessential photo of Wenceslas Square, position yourself with Saint Wenceslas' statue behind you. Keep an eye out for the Marks & Spencer shop sign, too, as it marks the balcony where V谩clav Havel addressed the crowds during the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Wenceslas Square on Map
Sight Name: Wenceslas Square
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed 鈥渢he City of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Star茅 M臎sto (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na P艡铆kop臎 (literally 鈥淥n the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na P艡铆kop臎 (literally 鈥淥n the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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