Wenceslas Square is the heart of the city and a symbol of its recent history. The square is 750 meters long and 60 meters wide. It was initially called the Horse Market. The name Wenceslas began to be used only in 1848.

Statue of Saint Wenceslas in front of the National Museum, Prague

St. Wenceslas, one of the first Christian dukes of the Czech lands, is the patron saint of the Czech Republic. In 1913, an equestrian sculpture of the saint was installed in the upper part of the square in front of the National Museum.

Most buildings around the square date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Do not miss Hotel Europe. It was built in 1903 - 1906 in the Art Nouveau style. Take a look at the Neo-Renaissance Wiehl House. Its facade is decorated with murals by Mikoláš Aleš. isit Lucerna Palace, one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in Prague, commissioned by Václav Havel, grandfather of the former Czech president.

In the Lucerna Palace passage, you can see a modern sculpture of St. Wenceslas created by David Černý. The saint sits on a turned upside down and tied to the ceiling horse.

Statue of Saint Wenceslas by David Cerny, Prague

In the 20th century, Wenceslas Square became the center of public life. It was here that student Jan Palach burned himself in 1969 in protest against the restriction of freedoms after the troops of the Warsaw Pact countries were brought into Czechoslovakia. The main demonstrations of the Velvet Revolution also took place on Wenceslas Square. Today, the square continues to host public gatherings and demonstrations.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Prague, there are plenty of exciting activities and tours to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture. From guided walking tours through the Old Town to boat trips along the Vltava River, you can discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Check out a curated selection of top Prague experiences on the GetYourGuide platform to plan an unforgettable trip.