Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square, heart of the New Town

The Prague audio-guided tour takes you to Wenceslas Square, considered the centre of the New Town. Under its appearance of a great boulevard, this vast elongated esplanade has been the scene of many major events in the history of Prague.

A square laid out by Charles IV

Seven hundred and fifty metres long and sixty wide, the square was laid out by Emperor Charles IV in 1348, at the founding of the New Town. Originally bounded by two large gates now vanished, it then served as a horse market. In the twentieth century, it became the beating heart of Czech political life, witness to great gatherings and decisive moments in the history of the country.

What there is to see

Dominated by the National Museum and the equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas, the square is lined with palaces, hotels and buildings of great architectural value, including fine examples of Art Nouveau. Lively day and night, it brings together shops, cafés and covered passages. It is the living artery of the New Town, to be walked to grasp the pulse of the modern capital.

Practical information

Wenceslas Square is in the heart of the New Town of Prague, dominated by the National Museum. It is a public space freely accessible at all hours and on the level, served by the metro. It regularly hosts events, markets and gatherings.

Who created Wenceslas Square?

Emperor Charles IV, in 1348, at the founding of the New Town; it then served as a horse market.

What are the dimensions of Wenceslas Square?

It measures about seven hundred and fifty metres long by sixty wide, which gives it the appearance of a great boulevard.