What makes  Old Town Square so special?

Prague is a place where all the architectural styles beautifully melt. And it is especially true for the Old Town Square.
It has attracted visitors for centuries. It has a bustling atmosphere and fascinating historical stories. It used to be the site where vibrant markets were taking place every day.

Explore Prague’s Old Town Square. You will fall in love

1. Discover stories of houses through house symbols.

• Each of the prestigious houses surrounding the square has its own story about its owners. Generally, these huge beautiful homes belonged to rich Old Town Square citizens. Many even to the members of the Czech nobility. Not everyone could afford to live near the markets with all their hustle and bustle.
• Foreign merchants used to bring to Prague a lot of luxurious items to sell. Expensive fabrics, spices, and, in older times, also slaves. Owning a house directly at the Old Town Square was always considered something special and only respectable rich citizens could afford it.
• The silent proofs of the lives of past residents with their families are house symbols on the front doors of many buildings on the square. We can find them also in the surrounding streets. Especially in Celetná Street. These symbols were used to serve as delivery orientation in times when post addresses were yet to be known.

2. Admire the Stone Bell House

• Placed right next to the Tyn church. It was a great surprise for all the architects, scientists, and everyone else when during its reconstruction in the 20th century the beautiful Gothic facade of this house was discovered. No one was expecting this building to be like an onion covering its original appearance under multiple layers.
• Historians believe this was the birthplace of the most important king in Czech history- Charles the Fourth. Charles the Fourth was, except for other things, the creator of Charles University, New Town, founder of the Cathedral in Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge. The man for whom Prague represented the true home in the heart of the Roman Empire. At the beginning of the 14th century, when Charles was born, the Prague castle was an uncomfortable (we can call it almost uninhabitable) place without any proper royal residence. So it seems very probable that the little heir to the throne was born somewhere else. The Stone Bell house in the Old Town Square seems like the perfect option.
• Today it serves as one of the branches of the Prague Gallery.

2. The Astronomical Clock:

• Dating back to the 15th century, this masterpiece tells us about the exact time
• it showcases the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
• It comes to life every hour with figures of 12 apostles parading in the main window. Performance is complemented by the movements of little figures around it. The skeleton symbolizes that everything has its end. The man shaking his money represents greed and the person admiring himself in the mirror shows us a sin of vanity. The little rooster on the top reminds of Saint Peter betraying Jesus.
• The machine itself is very complex. It has countless symbols. These, although used by artists in the far middle ages, talk to us about topics perfectly applicable to our life in 21. century. It is hard to imagine how the clock must have been constructed centuries ago lacking today’s resources.
• Although we can find a few similar clocks in the cities around Europe, this one is very unique. It is the oldest, still-working astronomical clock in Europe.
• Every hour is extremely crowded but, unfortunately, that is the only time when you can watch the whole show. So grab your beer ( in winter months hot wine) and find yourself a good spot.

3. The Church of Our Lady before Týn:

• an architectural beauty that dominates the Old Town Square’s skyline. Its soaring Gothic spires and intricate facade make it one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks.
• The two towers- unofficially called Adam and Eva, are of different sizes. It is a consequence of a big fire centuries ago. One of the towers was completely burned down and rebuilt later.
• Upon stepping inside you discover an exquisite altar, vibrant stained glass windows, and awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. It is the place where a human being feels small and insignificant while looking up ( at least I always get that feeling instantly in gothic churches)
• Interesting is also the life story of a world-famous astronomer Tycho de Brahe buried inside the church. A popular legend says that those who touch his grave never experience a toothache anymore. Please let me know if that works for you.

4. St. Nicholas Church:

• a splendid example of Baroque architecture.
• It is adorned with magnificent frescoes, dazzling chandeliers, and an organ that fills the air with sweet melodies. It is fascinating how different its atmosphere feels if compared with the Tyn Church. This is one of Prague’s big wonders- as it was never massively bombarded ( except for a few relatively small, although no insignificant episodes), buildings in gothic and baroque style coexist next to each other naturally. Like if there were no centuries setting them apart.

5. Old Town Hall Tower:

• built in 1338, is one of Prague’s most famous landmarks. Its 70-meter Gothic tower offers stunning views of the city. From the top, you can see Týn Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, Prague Castle, and many spires and domes. It’s also the only medieval tower in Prague that is fully wheelchair accessible.

• The Old Town Hall is rich in history. It was the seat of Prague’s government and played a key role during the Prague Uprising in World War II.
• Though damaged during the war, it was carefully restored.
• Today, visitors can explore the beautiful Chapel of the Virgin Mary, the underground rooms, and the famous Astronomical Clock. And for all the sunset lovers out there…this is THE PLACE.

6. Palace Kinsky

 A Rococo Gem in Prague

• also known as the Goltz-Kinský Palace, is a stunning Rococo building constructed between 1755 and 1765 on medieval foundations.
• The site blends history and architecture, with Romanesque and Gothic cellars dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Originally comprising separate houses, the property was unified by Count Jan Arnošt Goltz and completed with designs by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, featuring stucco by Carlo Guiseppe Bossi and sculptures by Ignác František Platzer.

• The palace has hosted key historical events, including Communist leader Klement Gottwald’s 1948 speech.
• Now managed by the National Gallery, it offers exhibitions, a museum shop, a café, and Kafka’s bookshop, making it a cultural and historical treasure in Prague’s heart.

7. Crosess on the pavement

• In Prague’s Old Town Square, 27 white cobblestone crosses mark the execution of 27 men on June 21, 1621, following the failed revolt against the Habsburg Empire. But there’s an intriguing detail: a 28th cross.

• This tragedy began after the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, which marked the start of violent re-Catholicization in Bohemia. Rebels were arrested, tortured, and put on trial without a defense. Of the 30 sentenced, 27 were executed, and their deaths were brutal—hanging, beheading, and mutilation. The executioner, Jan Mydlář, became infamous, and severed heads were displayed on the Old Town Bridge Tower for ten years.

• The 28th cross honors Martin Fruwein, who died trying to escape imprisonment. Though already dead, his body was posthumously mutilated to match the others. This cross, added by the art group ZTOHOVEN, serves as a modern tribute to his untold story. These crosses are a somber reminder of Prague’s turbulent past and the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.

8. Jan Hus statue

• The Jan Hus Memorial (Czech: Pomník mistra Jana Husa) honors Jan Hus, a Czech reformer whose ideas influenced the Protestant Reformation.
• Designed by Ladislav Šaloun and funded by public donations, it was unveiled in 1915 on the 500th anniversary of Hus’s execution. The monument features Hussite warriors, exiled Protestants, and a young mother, symbolizing national renewal, with Hus standing defiantly, a subtle protest against church authority.

• Born in 1369, Hus criticized the Catholic Church’s corruption and advocated for religious services in the vernacular, drawing inspiration from John Wycliffe. Condemned by the Council of Constance, he was burned at the stake in 1415, sparking the Hussite Wars. Later, Hus became a symbol of Czech resistance, particularly against Habsburg rule in the 19th century.

• The memorial, a quiet site of defiance during Communist rule, remains a powerful emblem of Czech resilience and was restored in 2007, preserving its significance in the heart of Prague.

9. Marian Column

• it is a beautiful and historic monument topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
• It was originally built in 1650 to celebrate Prague’s victory in the Thirty Years’ War.
• Designed by sculptor Johann Georg Bendl, it was one of the oldest Marian columns in Europe and featured statues of angels representing virtues like courage and wisdom.

• In 1918, after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the column was taken down as it was seen as a symbol of foreign rule and Catholic dominance. For years, parts of the original column were kept in museums, and there were many debates about whether it should ever be rebuilt.

• Finally, in 2020, the column was lovingly restored using traditional methods and materials, and it was completed on August 15. Today, it’s more than just a monument—it’s a piece of Prague’s rich history and a reminder of the city’s resilience and cultural heritage.

10. Marketplaces and Festivals:

• Throughout the year, the Old Town Square comes alive with vibrant markets and festive celebrations. They can add an extra dose of magic to your visit. It feels like you are in a fairytale. Wander through the enchanting Christmas market, adorned with twinkling lights, aromatic mulled wine, and an array of handcrafted gifts. Keep an eye on the local events calendar for other local festivities, such as music festivals or cultural exhibitions, that may coincide with your visit.
  Museums and Galleries:
  If you love history and art, you’ll find several museums and galleries around Old Town Square. For example, the Museum of Communism will help you to gain better insight into Czechoslovakia’s communist era.
  In the Kinsky Palace, you can admire a remarkable collection of Czech art.
  These cultural institutions offer a glimpse into Prague’s rich history and vibrant art scene.
  The old town square is and always was the heart of the city. It is essential to visit when discovering Prague and Czech culture. And afterward, if you would like to explore the city more behind the scenes, and uncover some funky residential neighborhoods have a look at selection of our alternative tours.