This historical treasure of Prague consists of a maze of narrow cobbled streets and is situated between the Vltava River and the central business district. It is a popular part of town for both Czechs and visitors from abroad and offers plenty of restaurants, pubs, shops, entertainment, galleries and museums. There are beautiful pastel-coloured buildings of Romanesque or Gothic origin with fascinating signs. Some of the most prominent examples include the Kinsky Palace, the House of the Stone Bell and the Storch House. If you fancy a horse drawn carriage ride at twilight through streets, Old Town Prague is the place for you.
In the heart of the Old Town is the Old Town Square where centuries of entertainment has taken place and where a feeling of this dramatic history permeates the atmosphere. The Jan Hus statue is the centrepiece among a variety of surrounding historical buildings. The statue was erected on July 6th 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformer’s death. The groundswell of supporters for his beliefs during the 14th & 15th centuries eventually led to the Hussite wars. Despite the initial outcry at the modern style of the sculpture the statue stands as a symbol of Czech identity.
More recently, on the 8th of May 1945, a large part of what is now the town hall, was destroyed by German tanks as they departed in defeat and lies preserved as reminder of this atrocity. One day before the end of the War 5000 Czechs were killed, as they fought against the Nazis shortly before they final liberation came and the soviet troops heralded over 40 years of communist rule.
Fortunately today the square is much more peaceful ,although it is still a popular space for political speeches, Christmas festivities and large public gatherings. The most notable sights here, easily viewed from the comfort of one of the out door cafes, are the Church of our Lady at Tyn, the Astronomical Clock Tower (now part of the town hall. The Town Hall was founded in 1338 while the Astronomical Clock dates from 1410, twelve apostles appear every hour in its upper section, (historic rooms of the Town Hall, a tower and a Gothic chapel are open to the public). A minutes walk down the famous, and most expensive street, Pariska will lead you to the Jewish Quarter. |
