Prague Wenceslas Square

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Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is firstly a perfect place for going shopping, meeting friends or just hanging out. It is in fact one of Praguers’ favorite meeting places ("at the Horse’s tail") and a great spot to start your itinerary around the city. Firms’ administrative offices, luxurious shops, hotels, casinos, fancy restaurants and discotheques, exchange offices, food stands and hundreds and hundreds of tourists and locals passing by every minute make it one of the most crowded places in Prague. It seems to be the place where nobody ever sleeps. Except from that, one could take it for a normal, regulary square just like so many others on the palnet. But even so, it is already worthwhile seeing. Outdoor exhibitions, the tram café, the bronze equestrian statue of St. Wenceslas and the golden cupola of the National Museum dominating the horizon make the square even more interesting.

The history of the square goes back to 1348, when Charles IV (Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor) designed it as a horse market. After 600 years it is now a national symbol and the place where most demonstrations take place. St.Wenceslas was actually a loved Czech King propagating Christianity. He ruled over Prague in the 10th century. Legend says that he was murdered when he was going to the morning religious service, by the mercenaries sent by his brother Boleslav. He represents national Czech continuity and nationhood and he is celebrated every year on the 27th September. The legendary royal brothers Wenceslas (Václav) and Boleslav are the Czech correspondents of Cain and Abel from the Holy Bible or, in other words, of Good and Evil.