Wenceslas Square in Prague

Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti, former Horse Market) in Prague is really a boulevard, measuring 750m long by 60m wide. Wenceslas Square is one of the two main squares in Prague, so is a popular place for visitors to stay. In 1348, Bohemian King Charles IV founded the New Town (Nové Město) of Prague. The project included several open areas for markets, of which the second largest was the Horse Market. Its name changed to Wenceslas Square during the Czech national revival movement in the 19th century while a more noble name was requested.

Wenceslas Square is lined by hotels, offices, money exchange booths and restaurants. The street is also a popular location for prostitutes and a lot of strip clubs exist in the area, making Prague a popular location for bachelor parties.

At the top of Wenceslas Square a statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse cuts a striking figure. In front of St. Wenceslas are two plaques in memory of those killed during the communist era. One is dedicated to Jan Palach, who set himself on fire in protest at the Soviet invasion. Behind St. Wenceslas is the monumental National Museum, built 1818-1891.