What is the history of Wenceslas Square in Prague? What to see? What is the map? Why is it connected to the Prague Spring?In this article we discover together all the information about one of the most important squares in the Czech capital.
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Wenceslas Square Prague
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is a tourist destination of some significance for anyone who decides to visit Prague’s New Town.
Contrary to what one might imagine, the square is actually a large boulevard that leads to the National Museum and the equestrian statue of St. Wenceslas.
This city artery, a place of undisputed historical importance, nowadays shows a purely commercial vocation.
There are also many administrative offices here, not to mention dining outlets, accommodation facilities and nightclubs.
It is therefore not difficult to imagine how crowded this place in the city can be, no matter if it is day or night.
Wenceslas Square Prague: history
The little Champs-Elysées, this is the name the people of Prague give the avenue not surprisingly, was once used to house a prestigious Horse Market.
Built in 1348 at the behest of Charles IV, this avenue did not take long to change its appearance and “intended use.”
Thus, in a few years the Horse Gate and then the statue of St. Wenceslas were added to the original urban design.
It was also not long before palaces and even a city theater were erected.
It was here that some of Prague’s most important historical and civic events took place: from the split from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the Prague Spring via the Communist collapse.
What to see in Wenceslas Square
The best-known boulevard-square in Prague’s New Town offers several attractions to locals and passing tourists alike, attractions spread out over its 700-plus meter length.
From architectural wonders to historic buildings, from stores to pubs: no traveler is likely to be disappointed here.
National Museum
Prague’s National Museum stands out on the southwest side of Wenceslas Square.
The building, a jewel of neo-Renaissance art, was handed over to the people of Prague in 1891.
Unfortunately, however, the historical events that affected the city between then and now somehow affected the fate and appearance of the building.
Suffice it to say that the palace was first occupied by Nazi garrisons, bombed later, and even targeted by Warsaw Pact troops.
Restorations in the short history of this building have followed one another rather casually.
However, anyone lucky enough to admire the Museum could not help but appreciate the beauty of this grand Prague palace.
At the entrance to it, set into the sidewalk, a large cross can be seen. On that exact spot Jan Palach, a local student, sacrificed his young life to begin what history textbooks call “The Prague Spring” (a period during which the citizens of then-Czechoslovakia were granted greater freedoms).
Inside the building, the former federal assembly was also housed.
Various speakers then edited the broadcasts of Radio Free Europe, which was active from these rich halls in the years between 1994 and 2002.
Today an interesting collection of medieval codices is housed here, cultural events are organized periodically, and an exhibition on Bohemian prehistory has been set up.
Statue of St. Wenceslas
St. Wenceslas Square could not miss a statue dedicated to this important religious figure.
The patron saint of Bohemia was a Catholic nobleman who lived in medieval times (900).
Brutally attacked by his brother Boleslas, he managed to save his skin.
Despite the cowardly betrayal, Wenceslas wanted to spare his attacker’s life.
It was a matter of misplaced pity and trust. In fact, Boleslas had his brother assassinated at a later date.
The statue dedicated to the saint was placed in the square in 1680.
Later, this is the late 1800s, the work was removed and transported to Prague Castle.
What can be seen today at the end of the avenue therefore is a second version of the work, dating this time from the early 1900s. The sculpture depicts St. Wenceslas on horseback.
In close proximity to the saint are also the other patron saints of the Czech Republic: on one side Adalbert and Agnes, on the other Ludmilla and Procopius.
The sculpture complex is accompanied by a small epigraph placed under the horse’s hoof.
Here is written “Let us and our descendants not perish.”
This is obviously a heartfelt prayer addressed by the people of Prague to their patron saint.
Palaces of Wenceslas Square
What else to visit once you get to Wenceslas Square? There are so many palaces that time should be devoted to.
One of them currently houses the Grand Hotel Europa and is distinguished by its use of a fine Art Nouveau style.
The same can be said for the Koruna Palace, flanked by, moreover, a tower at the top of which is fixed a curious crown of pearls.
Also interesting is the Wiehl House, a place where a rich collection of neo-Renaissance paintings can be admired.
Finally, the Lucerna Gallery, also known as the Lantern, the Lindt Palace and the Melantrich Palace are also worth a visit.
Wenceslas Square: useful information
Wenceslas Square ticket prices
You can visit Wenceslas Square for free, every day of the year and at any time of the day or night. However, if you wish to visit the National Museum, you need an entrance ticket.
If, during your visit to Prague, you want to enter several attractions and museums, I recommend purchasing the Prague Card, which gives free and discounted access to almost all the sights in the Czech capital. You can purchase the Prague CoolPass by clicking on the button below.
Prague CoolPass: access to over 60 attractions and discounts
Buy the official Prague tourist card and get access to over 60 attractions for free or at a discounted price.
Wenceslas Square Opening Hours
The square is open every day of the year, at all hours. The National Museum, on the other hand, is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed only on the first Tuesday of each month.
Length of visit
How long does a visit to Prague’s Wenceslas Squarelast? The square has a total length of about 700 meters, and takes about 15 minutes to traverse. However, if you wish to stop at the stores and visit the National Museum, you will need at least 2 hours.
Getting there
Muzeum is the Prague Metro station that provides the interchange between the A and C lines and serves the National Museum. It is located at the upper end of Wenceslas Square.
Prague’s Wenceslas Square: frequently asked questions
Visiting Wenceslas Square during your visit to Prague is not essential, especially if you only have a few days to spare. However, if you have time and have finished your list of things to see in Prague, you might consider visiting it. It is a large square lined with stores and restaurants on both sides. At one end of the square is one of the most famous museums in the Czech Republic.
The square is named after St. Wenceslas I (Czech: Václav), duke of Bohemia. He was assassinated in 935 and is considered the patron saint of Czechia.
Wenceslas was assassinated by his brother Boleslaus. Facing German invasions in 929, Wenceslas submitted to the German king Henry I. His submission provoked a conspiracy by some nobles against him, which prompted his younger brother, Boleslav (Boleslaus), to kill him. Trapped by Boleslav on his way to mass, Wenceslas was killed at the church door.
This square is the commercial and administrative center of the city as well as the site of important social and historical events. Here you will find cinemas, theaters, banks, hotels, restaurants, dozens of small and large stores and administrative centers.
There are several fashionable stores in this square, including Van Graaf, Boss Orange, Tommy Hilfiger, Esprit, Marc O’Polo, Gerry Weber, and other major brand stores.
Although it is generally safe to visit Wenceslas Square in Prague, I recommend that you watch out for pickpockets during the day and for some criminals who may roam the square at night.
My advice is to access the square in the early morning hours or during the late afternoon, times when you will not find the crowds of tourists. Avoid the 12-3 p.m. time slot, when the square is generally more crowded, and during the night, when you might encounter some annoying characters.
Spring and fall (April, May and September, October) are the best times to visit Prague and its Wenceslas Square. The spring and fall months attract fewer crowds but offer the possibility of sunny days and warm weather (remember to bring a jacket and umbrella just in case). April and May are especially beautiful as trees and flowers bloom.
The square is 750 meters long and 60 meters wide.
Wenceslas Square can be visited for free, every day of the year and at any time. However, if you want to visit more of Prague’s attractions, I recommend purchasing the Prague Card, which gives free access to most of the sights in the Czech capital.
Prague CoolPass: access to more than 60 attractions and discounts
Buy the official Prague tourist card and access over 60 attractions for free or at a discounted price.
