The Old Town Square, without exaggeration, can be called the "heart of Prague". Surprisingly, tourists spend several days exploring this relatively small object. There are so many sights here and they make such a great impression on the guests of the Czech capital.
History of the Old Town Square
Back in the 12th century. on the site of the present-day square, there was a noisy market, where artisans and merchants, both Czech and overseas, traded. At the beginning of the 14th century. King Yang, financially very dependent on the local nobility, granted this area of Prague the right to self-government. In the same century, the merchant Kamene presented the town with a beautiful town hall building, which is now the main attraction of the Old Town Square. Over the years, a spacious meeting room was completed here, the town hall united 5 nearby houses. A clock also appeared here, because it was important for those who traded on the square to know the time. However, the watchmaker made it so that it not only fulfills its direct function, but is also a work of art. During the Second World War, due to the bombing, the Town Hall was badly damaged, but in the post-war period it was rebuilt.
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Today, many events take place on the Old Town Square. Before, there were even more of them, so some of them even had to be moved to other places. Here you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to street musicians, and admire the procession of residents in national costumes. Buy souvenirs (though here, in the city center, they are more expensive), taste delicious pastries and drinks. The Old Town Square is especially impressive at Christmas and New Years. A large, festively decorated Christmas tree is installed in the center. Citizens and guests of Prague are congratulated with songs and dances by adults and young artists. And the old houses and streets that spread around give the impression that you are in a fairy tale. On Christmas days, you will be treated to excellent fish soup for free, and you can also taste hot fragrant mulled wine and taste national Czech sweets. And, of course, you will take a lot of photos - there are so many sights around!
Attractions of the Old Town Square
First of all, it is, of course, Orloi, or chimes on the building of the town hall. They show both the current time and the old Czech time, introduce you to the phases of the moon, notify you when it will rise today and when it will set. At noon, the real show begins - inside the clock, figures are moving, symbolizing human vices, as well as such important images as Death and the Angel. Many tourists come to see this spectacle every day. After visiting the city hall itself, you can explore its ancient halls, sit in the mayor's chair, admire the sculptures, among which there is the goddess of justice. And also go up to the observation deck, from where a magnificent view of the city opens. Another interesting route is in the dungeon where the prisoners were kept.
In addition, when you come to the Old Town Square, you must definitely go to the Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn, whose history begins in the middle of the 14th century. Until now, there is an organ on which the great composer Gluck once played. At the beginning of the 20th century. a beautiful monument to Jan Hus, one of the main heroes of the Czech people, appeared on the square. The monument is a whole composition of sculptural figures. It is also worth visiting the church in honor of St. Nicholas. The luxuriously finished building and masterfully executed sculptures make tourists grab their cameras.
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How to get there on your own
The most convenient way to get here is by metro, the stop you need is called "Mustek". If you decide to take a tram, get off at the Staromestska stop. Trams No. 2, 17 and 18 run here during the day, and 93 at night.
