DK Travel : Prague : Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square

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This former medieval horse market began to be redeveloped in the 19th century, fast becoming the commercial hub of Prague – in 1848 it was renamed Wenceslas Square, in honour of Bohemia’s patron saint. The majority of the buildings seen today date from the early 20th century, and their beautiful Art Nouveau façades illustrate the embracing of this style by Czech architects of the time. Often the scene of historic events, the most recent was in 1989, when crowds gathered to celebrate the end of Communism (see Velvet Revolution).

Top 10 Sights

1. National Museum

Invading Warsaw Pact troops shelled the Neo-Renaissance building in 1968, assuming it was the Czechoslovak Parliament. The small entry fee is worth it, if only to see the museum’s marble stairway and pantheon of Czech cultural figures (see National Museum).
2. St Wenceslas Statue

2. St Wenceslas Statue

The Přemyslid prince sits astride a horse flanked by other Czech patrons in Josef Myslbek’s 1912 sculpture. The area “under the tail” is a traditional meeting place.
3. Communist Memorial

In front of St Wenceslas is a memorial to the victims of Communism, such as two men who died in protest against the Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968.
4. Palác Lucerna

President Václav Havel’s grandfather designed and built this immense building on the square’s western flank. It is now home to an art gallery, cinema, cafés, shops and a ballroom.
5. Palác Koruna

5. Palác Koruna

Built in “Geometric Modernist” style in 1912, this “palace” became home to Turkish-style baths. Sadly, in 1997, it was taken over by a less romantic branch of Dunkin’ Donuts.
6. Hotel Evropa

It’s gone to seed over the years, but the Art Nouveau building at No. 25 preserves its original façade and some original decor.
7. Svobodné slovo Balcony

During the Velvet Revolution, Václav Havel addressed pro-democracy demonstrators from the balcony of the Svobodné slovo newspaper building. When the deposed Alexander Dubček joined him, the crowds knew that Communism was over.
8. Franciscan Gardens

A stone’s throw from the bustle of Wenceslas Square, these former monastery gardens provide much-needed peace from downtown.
9. Church of Our Lady of the Snows

9. Church of Our Lady of the Snows

Founded by Charles IV upon his coronation in 1347, this lovely church was to have been more than 100 m (330 ft) long, but it was never completed.
10. St Wenceslas

Hanging in the central passage of the Palác Lucerna is David Černý’s take on the Czech patron saint. Vandals repeatedly remove the horse’s tongue.

Practical Information

Enjoy the faded glory of the Hotel Evropa over a coffee in its charming café. Owing to the high volume of tourists, Wenceslas Square is home to many pick-pockets. Be especially wary at the square’s north end.