PRAGUE GUIDE

The Lennon Wall was an ordinary wall in Prague, but since John Lennon's death Prague's youth have covered it with John Lennon inspired graffiti and Beatles lyrics. From famous quotes like “give peace a chance” through to personal sentiments from the individuals living through this period, the wall was a pertinent reminder of the way things used to be.

In 1988 the wall was a source of irritation for the then a communist regime of Gustav Husak. Young Czechs would write grievances on the wall and a government report written of it at this time led to a clash between hundreds of students and security police on the nearby Charles Bridge. The movement these students followed was described ironically as Lennonism and the Czech authorities described these educated peaceful people as alcoholics, mentally deranged, sociopaths, and agents of Western capitalism.

The wall continuously undergoes change and the original portrait of Lennon is long lost under layers of spray-paint.  The wall is owned by the Knights of the Maltese Cross, who graciously allow graffiti to continue on what is actually a lovely Renaissance wall. It is located at Velkoprevorske namesi (Grand Priory Square), Mala Strana.