Old Town Square

"The Old Town Square in Prague is a stunning tapestry of architectural styles, showcasing significant historical landmarks. Dominating the square is the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, which has served as the main church in this area since the 14th century, characterized by its impressive 80-meter-high towers. Nearby, the Baroque St. Nicholas Church adds to the square's rich ecclesiastical heritage. One of the most iconic features of the square is the Prague Orloj, a medieval astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall. Installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock globally and the oldest still in operation. Visitors can ascend the tower of the Old Town Hall for breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town. The Kinský Palace, which houses an art museum of the Czech National Gallery, further enriches the cultural significance of the square. At the center of the square stands the Jan Hus Memorial, honoring the religious reformer Jan Hus, who was executed in 1415 for his beliefs, an event that sparked the Hussite Wars. The memorial was erected on July 6, 1915, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his death. Additionally, a memorial to the "martyrs" executed on the square during the Old Town Square execution by the Habsburgs after the Battle of White Mountain features twenty-seven crosses embedded in the pavement, installed during post-World War II repairs. A plaque listing the names of all 27 victims dates back to 1911 and is respected by Orthodox Czechs, who refrain from trampling on the crosses. In a historical turn, on November 3, 1918, the Marian Column, erected shortly after the Thirty Years' War, was demolished in celebration of independence from the Habsburg Empire. In a recent development, the column was re-erected in 2020, symbolizing a renewed appreciation for Prague's historical narrative."

"The most important square of historic Prague was created in the 12th century and witnessed many historical events. Next to the Old Town Hall and the Church of the Matky Boží před Týnem, the square is dominated by the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the Rococo Kinsky Palace, the Gothic City Palace House U Kamenné zvonu and the monumental monument of Master Jan Hus. It is the place of execution of 27 Czech lords in 1621 and the Prague meridian are marked in the pavement of the square."