A massive statue of St. Wenceslas on horseback (the patron saint of the Czech Republic) watches over this long rectangular heart of New Town. Serving as a public center of historical revolution and resistance, Václavské náměstí (the Czech translation) still draws crowds of public outcry and civil disobedience. Jan Palach publicly lit himself on fire to protest the Communist crackdown in 1968. Residents gathered here in 1989 to jingle their keys in the air as a symbol for the Communist leaders to leave town as Czechoslovakia gained its independence in the Velvet Revolution. A guided walking tour to explains the personal stories that these stones have witnessed will enhance the experience.
Time Out tip: Wenceslas Square is like the Times Square of Prague – interesting history, but you can see it in minutes. Revitalization proposals are in the works to revamp this largely commercial shopping area to a more pedestrian-friendly public space.
Nearby:
Palac Adria: For a sophisticated café housed in eye-catching architecture
Hotel Jalta: For a modern hotel with an original Andy Warhol screen print of Franz Kafka
Lucerna Music Bar: For retro weekend dance parties and live music during the week