Complete Guide to Prague's Old Town Square

The Marian Column in Prague is a fascinating historical and religious monument located in Old Town Square. Originally erected in 1650, it was built as a gesture of gratitude for Prague’s successful defense against Swedish forces during the Thirty Years’ War. Designed by Johann Georg Bendl, the column featured a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary at the top, symbolizing protection and divine intervention. At its base were four statues of angels representing the cardinal virtues—wisdom, righteousness, bravery, and gentleness—fighting against evil.

The column stood as a prominent feature of the square for nearly 270 years until it was torn down in 1918 during the fall of Austria-Hungary. Its destruction was fueled by anti-Habsburg sentiment, as the column was seen as a symbol of Catholicism and the monarchy. Despite its removal, the Marian Column remained a topic of debate, with many advocating for its restoration.

In 2020, the column was reconstructed and reinstated in Old Town Square, marking a significant moment in Prague’s history. The new column features a replica of the original statue and serves as a reminder of the city’s resilience and cultural heritage.

The Jan Hus Memorial stands prominently in Old Town Square, commemorating the Czech religious reformer Jan Hus, who was martyred in 1415. Designed by Ladislav Šaloun, the monument was unveiled in 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of Hus’s death. The memorial features a striking bronze and stone sculpture depicting Hus surrounded by victorious Hussite warriors and exiled Protestants, symbolizing the struggles for religious freedom and national identity. A young mother with a child represents the rebirth of the Czech nation. The memorial became a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes, including the Habsburg monarchy and later Communist rule.

The Prague Meridian is a fascinating historical feature of Old Town Square, marked by a slender brass strip embedded in the cobblestones. Established in 1652 alongside the Marian Column, the meridian was used to determine local time in Prague by observing the shadow cast by the column at noon. This method of timekeeping was vital before the advent of modern clocks and watches, showcasing the ingenuity of early Prague residents.

The meridian’s significance extends beyond its practical use; it represents Prague’s role as a center of scientific and cultural innovation during the early modern period. The Marian Column, which stood as a symbol of Catholic victory, was destroyed in 1918 during protests against the Habsburg monarchy. However, the meridian remains intact, serving as a subtle reminder of the city’s historical relationship with time and astronomy.

Today, the Prague Meridian is flanked by plaques in Latin and Czech, explaining its historical importance. Visitors can find it near the reconstructed Marian Column, which was reinstated in 2020. The meridian continues to intrigue those who stumble upon it, offering a glimpse into Prague’s past and its enduring legacy as a city of innovation and resilience.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a Gothic masterpiece that has stood as a symbol of Prague’s medieval heritage since the 14th century. Its twin spires, reaching heights of over 80 meters, are visible from across the city and have become an iconic feature of the Old Town skyline. The church’s interior is equally impressive, featuring intricate altarpieces, frescoes, and a Baroque organ that adds to its grandeur. Historically, the church was a center of the Hussite movement, reflecting the religious and political tensions of the time.

The church’s name, “before Týn,” refers to its location near the Týn Courtyard, a medieval trading center that was vital to Prague’s economy. The courtyard’s bustling activity complemented the church’s role as a spiritual and social hub. Today, visitors can explore the church’s rich history and admire its architectural beauty, which has been carefully preserved over the centuries.

Adjacent to the church is the Prague Meridian, a feature that connects the spiritual and scientific aspects of the square. The meridian’s placement near the Marian Column highlights the interplay between religion and astronomy in early modern Prague. It is a testament to the city’s innovative spirit and its ability to blend tradition with progress.

The House at the Stone Bell is a Gothic gem located in Old Town Square, between Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Kinský Palace. Its name comes from the stone bell embedded in its corner, which is believed to commemorate the arrival of John of Bohemia to Prague in 1310. The house dates back to the 14th century and was originally part of a larger residence. It served as a temporary home for Elizabeth of Bohemia and John of Bohemia after their move to Prague. Over the centuries, the building underwent significant renovations, losing much of its Gothic character until a restoration in the 1970s and 1980s uncovered its original façade.

Today, the House at the Stone Bell is managed by the City of Prague Gallery and hosts exhibitions of Czech and international contemporary art. Visitors can admire preserved Gothic arches and niches while exploring the art displays. The venue also includes a charming courtyard café and a bookstore specializing in art and architecture publications.

The Kinský Palace, also known as the Goltz-Kinský Palace, is a stunning example of Rococo architecture. Built between 1755 and 1765, it features a pink-and-white stucco façade adorned with statues representing classical elements. The palace was originally constructed for the Golz family but was later purchased by the Kinský noble family in 1768. It has a rich history, serving as the birthplace of Bertha von Suttner, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and as the site of Franz Kafka’s father’s haberdashery store.

In modern times, the palace is managed by the National Gallery Prague and houses art exhibitions. Its cellars preserve Romanesque and Gothic elements, offering a glimpse into Prague’s medieval past5. The palace also played a role in Czech history, as Klement Gottwald addressed the crowd from its balcony during the 1948 communist coup.

The Church of St. Nicholas, located in Lesser Town Square, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Built between 1704 and 1755, it was designed by Christoph Dientzenhofer and later completed by his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. The church’s interior is adorned with elaborate frescoes, a grand organ, and intricate sculptures. It served as a Jesuit church and played a significant role in Prague’s religious and cultural history. Today, it hosts classical music concerts, allowing visitors to experience its acoustics and artistic beauty.

The 1621 Memorial Crosses in Prague’s Old Town Square commemorate one of the darkest chapters in Czech history: the execution of 27 leaders of the Bohemian Revolt on June 21, 1621. These men, including noblemen, knights, and burghers, were executed by the Habsburgs following their defeat at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, a pivotal event in the Thirty Years’ War. The executions marked the suppression of Protestant resistance and the beginning of a period of forced re-Catholicization in Bohemia.

The memorial consists of 27 white crosses embedded in the cobblestones in front of the Old Town Hall, symbolizing the lives lost. A nearby plaque lists the names of the executed, serving as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice. The crosses were installed after World War II to honor these Czech martyrs and their fight for religious and political freedom.

The executions were brutal and public, intended to send a clear message of Habsburg dominance. Some of the victims’ severed heads were displayed on the Old Town Bridge Tower as a warning to others. Today, the 1621 Memorial Crosses stand as a solemn tribute to those who fought for their beliefs and as a reminder of the resilience of the Czech people.

The Astronomical Clock Tower, located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall, is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks. Installed in 1410, the clock was created by Mikuláš of Kadaň, a master clockmaker, and Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy. The clock features three main components: the astronomical dial, which displays the positions of the Sun and Moon; the calendar dial, adorned with medallions representing the months; and the Walk of the Apostles, an hourly show of moving figures.

The clock’s intricate mechanism and Gothic sculptures make it a marvel of medieval engineering. Legends surround its creation, including the tale of its maker being blinded to prevent him from replicating his masterpiece. The clock has been meticulously maintained and restored over the centuries, ensuring its continued operation. Visitors can climb the Old Town Hall Tower for panoramic views of Prague and witness the clock’s hourly spectacle.

The Old Town Hall Tower, built in 1338, is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks. Originally constructed as the seat of local government, the tower was later expanded to include the Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410. The clock is a medieval marvel, featuring an astronomical dial, a calendar dial, and the famous hourly procession of the Apostles. The tower itself offers breathtaking views of Prague from its observation deck. Despite suffering damage during the Prague Uprising in 1945, the tower has been meticulously restored and remains a symbol of Prague’s resilience and architectural heritage.

To see this you may need to go to the corner of the square by the Old Town Hall Tower and look west.

The House At The Minute, located in Old Town Square, is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Originally built in the 15th century as a late-Gothic structure, it was later remodeled in the 16th century into the Renaissance style. Its façade is adorned with intricate sgraffito decorations, depicting biblical scenes, mythological figures, and Habsburg rulers such as Philip II of Spain and Rudolph II. These decorations were rediscovered and restored in 1919, adding to the house’s historical charm.

The house has a fascinating history—it was once called “At the White Lion” and served as a pharmacy. The name “At the Minute” derives from the diminutive pieces of tobacco sold there in the past. It is also famous for being the residence of Franz Kafka and his family from 1889 to 1896, during which Kafka’s sisters were born. Today, the house is part of the Old Town Hall complex and continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and artistic beauty.

The House at the Stone Virgin Mary, also known as Štorch’s House, is a striking building located in Old Town Square, Prague. It is celebrated for its Neo-Renaissance architecture and its beautifully decorated façade, which features frescoes designed by the renowned Czech artist Mikoláš Aleš. These frescoes depict Saint Wenceslas on horseback, accompanied by the words: “Saint Wenceslas, Duke of the Czech Land, pray for us.” The house also displays other symbolic elements, including the Prague coat of arms and a small statue of the Virgin Mary above the entrance.

The house was reconstructed in 1896–1897 by Alexandr Štorch, a bookseller and publisher, who transformed it into a bookstore and publishing house. During the renovation, Gothic elements of the original structure were preserved, and a hidden Gothic chapel was reportedly discovered inside, adding to the building’s mystique. The house became a cultural hub, with its bookstore serving Prague’s literary community for over a century.

Despite being damaged during the Prague Uprising in 1945, the house was restored and remains a prominent feature of Old Town Square. Today, it is privately owned and continues to captivate visitors with its historical charm and artistic significance.