Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is a shopping avenue in the heart of Prague that has seen hundreds of years of history. Despite its name, the area is more of a long, broad boulevard than a square. It was originally titled "Horse Market" in the fourteenth century under King Charles IV's reign, but was renamed "Wenceslas Square" in the nineteenth century after the patron saint of Bohemia, Saint Wenceslas. During this age of heightened nationalism, the majestic statue of Saint Wenceslas on horseback was constructed in the square. The statue is surrounded by statues of other Bohemian saints.

Following a harsh police raid on a student demonstration in 1989, Wenceslas Square became a focal point for enraged locals. The statement of the end of communism in Czechoslovakia was made in the Melantrich Building on the square.

In the square, there is a small memorial to the victims of communism, which can feel out of place given the square's capitalist takeover. Expect to encounter at least as many residents as visitors at Wenceslas Square today, and keep an eye out for any potential political protests, as they frequently end up here.

Location: New Town of Prague