Prague

What to see in the Old Town Square in Prague

The Old Town Square in Prague is considered by many to be the most beautiful square in Europe and is usually the first place that everyone who comes to Prague wants to visit.

All the buildings that surround the square form a unique ensemble with a wide variety of architectural styles that coexist in harmony.

Without a doubt, the Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful places in Europe and if you visit it you will never forget it.

A little history of the Old Town Square

Prague - Old Town Square - Tyn ChurchThe origins of the Old Town Square date back to the 11th century when the city spread from the Castle to the other bank of the Vltava River.

Over time the square became the center of public life in Prague and the busiest market in Bohemia was held there.

It has also witnessed important historical events such as the execution of Protestant leaders who rebelled against Emperor Matthias in 1621.

Or more recently the proclamation of the Republic of Czechoslovakia in 1918 or the destruction of a large part of the square in 1945 during World War II.

What to see in the Old Town Square in Prague

Prague - Old Town Square - Astronomical ClockIn the Old Town Square of Prague you will almost always find people and walking through it will be very pleasant.

During every day you visit Prague you will almost certainly want to go to it as it happened to us and some days even several times.

The most important building in the Plaza is the Town Hall and it is the one that attracts the most attention, especially the Astronomical Clock that strikes the hours in a very peculiar way.

It is the best known medieval clock in the world and dates back to 1490 and if you are in the area every hour on the hour you will be able to see the parade of the twelve apostles and other figures telling the time.

It is also possible to access the Town Hall Clock Tower. You can go up by elevator and it is completely worth it to have wonderful views of Prague, especially from the Church of Our Lady of Tyn, a church located between narrow streets and with a spectacular Gothic style.

Prague - Old Town Square - NightMore unnoticed is the Church of San Nicolás, located on one of the sides of the square but which is also worth visiting.

Not to be confused with the other Church of Saint Nicholas which is located very close to Prague Castle.

In the center of the Old Town Square we have the Monument to Jan Hus, a heretic condemned at the stake in 1415 and around it some beautiful buildings of different colors that you can never stop admiring.

Around the square we can find many narrow streets full of shops and restaurants where it is worth getting lost.

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