Staromestske Namesti

Old Town Square, colloquially called Staromestske Namesti, is a charming and picturesque quadrangle in the heart of Prague. Located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge, the square dates back to the 10th century and once served as a marketplace for European traders. Spread over an area of 9,000 square metres, Staromestske Namesti is now a gathering hub for locals and tourists alike. The best time to visit is during Christmas and Easter when the square decks up in medieval-themed markets and music festivals are organised.

The place has been witness to several socio-political milestones in the history of Prague. One such is the Old Town Square execution of 27 martyrs by Habsbergs in the aftermath of the Battle of White Mountain - a tragedy marked by a memorial made of 27 crosses. At the centre of the square is the statue of religious reformer Jan Hus, whose death at a burning stake led to the Hussite Wars. Near Jan Hus Memorial lies the Prague Meridian, a metallic strip once used to determine time using the now-demolished Marian Column. The Gothic-style Church of Our Lady before Tyn and the Baroque-style St. Nicholas Church are the two cathedrals to visit. Prague Orloj, an iconic astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall, is a must-see as well. The Kinsky Palace, one of the many locations where The National Gallery of Prague displays its collections, is also present in the square.