Old Town Square

Old Town Square is the central square of the Stare Mesto district (until 1784 it was a separate city). From the very beginning, the territory of the square was the largest trading market. In the middle of the XIV century, by order of Charles IV, not only this, but also other markets were transferred from the center of Old Town to the outskirts or in Nové Mesto. This made the city more attractive for the construction of cultural, historical, spiritual and artistic buildings. At all times the square was the center of social life. Here important decisions were made and judgment was made. The Prague Meridian, marked with a bronze plaque, runs through the square. At noon sharp, the shadow of the Mariana Column fell on the meridian line. It was established in honor of the liberation of Prague from the Swedes in 1648 (Thirty Years War), but for the inhabitants it was a symbol of Austrian-Habsburg oppression. In 1918, as soon as the Czech Republic became independent, the column was demolished. At the same time, the central place was dedicated to the national hero of the Czech people, preacher and reformer Jan Hus.