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The Old Town Square is the first place to go to when in Prague. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the magnificent medieval square with its wonderful architecture, including the famous Astronomical clock of the town hall and the striking gothic Tyn Church. You can enjoy alfresco dining and drinking while watching the world go by and go rummaging the souvenir shops nearby. Also, the square is only a few minutes walk to the famous Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square.
The Old Town has been a world heritage site since 1992, and the Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí) lies at its centre. This magnificent medieval square began life in the 11th century as a market place, and rapidly grew in commercial and political power as it became one of the main focal points of the city, especially with the building of the Old Town Hall in the 14th century.
The Commercial and political life of Prague has long since moved from the Square, however it still remains a focal point of the city for any tourist, who will no doubt find themselves drawn here many times during their visit to Prague.
At the centre of the square sits the Jan Hus Memorial statue. This massive bronze statue was sculpted by Ladislav Saloun and was erected in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martydom. Jan Hus was one of the forefathers of the protestant reformation - and his struggle for religious freedom has made him a national hero in a country that has often had to fight for its independence.
The Town Hall, built in 1364, with its 70m high tower (Now offering tourists panoramic views of the square), is most famous for the 15th century Astronomical Clock that is mounted on its south wall. The clock has three main sections. At the very top of the clock are two small window's where the figures of the twelve apostles are paraded every hour, during the hours of sunlight. This display has become known as "The Walk of the Apostles."
Beneath this is the astronomical and clock dial, which is the oldest part of the time piece. If you struggle to read the time, it is because it displays 'Old Czech Time,' 'Central European Time' and 'Babylonian Time.' It also tells the positions of the planets, and where the sun and the moon are in relation to the signs of the Zodiac. This incredible time piece is the only one of its type in the world.
Below the astronomical dial is the Calendar Dial, which is the newest part of the clock. Erected in 1866 by Josef Mánes, this tells the date and the saint day, and is decorated with medallions that represent each month and the signs of the zodiac.
The clock is the Old Town Square's main tourist attraction, and crowds gather to see the timepiece strike the hour. The show begins with the statue of death (On the top right column of the astronomical dial), pulling the rope in his right hand and then turning his head to look at the hourglass in his left. The twelve apostles then glide by the windows, while death, and the three vices - greed, vanity and hedonism, represented by statues - shake and jiggle. The show ends with the crowing of the Golden Cockerel as he flaps his wings.
One of the iconic images of the City of Prague are the towers of the gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn (Kostel Matky Boží pred Týnem). These magnificent 80ft multiple steeple towers dominate the skyline of the Old Square, even though the main body of the building is obscured by the houses built in front of it.
Two earlier Church's stood on this site. The present one was built between 1365 and 1511 by Matthias of Arrasand Petr Parler.
The Simple Gothic interior of the Church was replaced in the 17th century in baroque style. The now highly decorative columns are mounted by statues and the church is full of art. Of particular note is the tombstone of the astronomer Tycho de Brahe; the 1673 pipe organ built by Heinrich Mundt - the largest in the country; a 15th century pewter baptismal font - the oldest in Prague, and the altar paintings by Karel Skreta - specifically the one of the Virgin Mary being assumed into heaven that hangs above the main altar.
OPENING TIMES & PRICES...
Our Lady Before Týn Chuch
Tue - Sun 10am - 1pm & 3pm - 5pm
Price: Free
Astronomical Clock
View freely from the square. You can pay to go up the clock tower, where you can see inner workings as well as nice views of the square. (see below)
Old Town Hall
Clock Tower Opening Hours...
Nov - Mar: Mon 11am - 5pm, Tue - Sun 9am - 5pm
Apr - Oct: Mon 11am - 4pm, Tue - Sun 9am - 6pm
Price: tbc
HOW TO GET THERE...
Metro: Staromestska (line A)
Namesti Republiky (line B)
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