The Old Town Square is part of the Old Town in the Prague 1 municipal district and one of Prague’s most sought-after and attractive squares. It is often referred to as the most beautiful square in Europe. The square is closely connected with important Czech historical events.
There are a number of historical monuments: the Old Town Hall, the Stone Bell House, the Storch House, the House at the Golden Unicorn, the House at the Minute and many others. The medieval Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square is undoubtedly the greatest tourist attraction.
History
The Old Town Square was known by many names in the past – for example, the Great Square, the Old Market, and the Staroměstský Rynk. Markets were held in the square already in the 11th century. In the mid-14th century, permission was granted to build a town hall on the square. The Old Town Hall is connected with a very important event in Czech history – 27 Czech noblemen were executed in front of the town hall in 1621. There are 27 crosses set into the pavement outside the Old Town Hall, to honour them.
By the end of the 19th century, trams started to run through the square. However, in the 1960s the Old Town Square became a pedestrian area and also a national cultural monument. Today, traditional markets and other cultural events are held in the square.
Places to see in the Old Town Square
Old Town Hall
The Astronomical Clock along with the Old Town Hall and the Old Town Tower are the greatest tourist attractions. The clock is mounted directly on the Old Town Hall. The clock machine and the dial are the oldest components, dating back to the early 15th century. The procession of the Twelve Apostles appears in the windows above the clock at the top of every hour.
Churches and buildings
Other dominant features of the square include the Baroque St Nicholas Church, the Church of Mother of God before Týn, the Rococo Kinsky Palace with the graphic collection of the National Gallery and the Stone Bell House, a Gothic town palace of the 14th century, which is presently used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions at present.
The Gothic House at the Minute, decorated with graffito with biblical motifs, is another notable building, just like the Late Gothic Storch House of the late 19th century, the Týn School – a medieval parish school, the House at the Golden Unicorn and the House of Lazarus.
In the middle of the square, the Prague Meridian is marked by a bronze plate with Czech and Latin inscriptions.
Jan Hus Memorial
The Jan Hus Memorial was installed in the square in 1915. Master Jan Hus was a Czech reformer who was burnt by Church authorities for his opinions in 1415.
Markets in the Old Town Square
Christmas and Easter markets are regularly held in the Old Town Square. The markets have a medieval atmosphere, with stallholders offering traditional products. The Christmas market on the Old Town Square is the biggest market in the Czech Republic.
Where to eat
Staroměstská Restaurant offers a nice view of the Old Town Square and traditional Czech cuisine. Mincovna serves Czech cuisine as well. There are also Italian pizzerias in the centre of Prague – Pizzerii Pulcinella and Oliva Verde Ristorante.
White Horse restaurant is a perfect choice if you like some live music in the evening, good wine and a nice view of the Astronomical Clock.
Maitrea is a restaurant that specializes in vegan and vegetarian food. Nuance Restaurant is also an excellent choice for gourmets.
Coffee
Café La Torta is a few steps away from the Astronomical Clock. Chocolate lovers should definitely pay a visit to the Prague Chocolate Manufacture in Michelská Street.
Café Mozart is situated on the ground floor of Grand Hotel right on the Old Town Square. With its atmosphere, interior and selection, it resembles a traditional Viennese café.