Prague's Old Town: a haven in the Czech Republic's capital
Having become one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations since the end of the Cold War, Prague is now considered by many as being overrun with stag parties and hen weekends. However, this image overlooks the inherent cultural and scenic beauty of Prague that made it such a superb holiday destination in the first place. Whether you're just after the cheap beer or you want to immerse yourself in the sights, there's one place in the Czech Republic's stunning capital that's sure to leave you breathless - the Old Town Square.
The Old Town of Prague resides in the city's UNESCO-protected historic quarter and was the original place of settlement in Prague before the New Town was built in the fifteenth century. The Old Town Square in Prague forms its centre and is one of the city's most visited attractions. Located between Wenceslas Square (the centre of the New Town) and Charles Bridge, which crosses the Vlata River, the Old Town Square is streaming with tourists in the summer and plays host to Prague's popular Christmas market and its New Year's celebrations in winter.
Among the Square's most prominent attractions are the gothic Tyn Cathedral, which has occupied the site since 1256 and St Nicholas' Church, an example of Prague's ecclesiastical architecture that dates back to the baroque period. By far the most popular feature of the Old Town Square is the Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval astronomical clock that's mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall. Also known as the "Prague Orloj", the Astronomical Clock is said to date back to 1410 and is one of many astronomical clocks that were constructed during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries; other examples of which can be found in Strasbourg, Padua and even Norwich.
Also found in Prague's Old Town Square is a statue of the religious reformer, Jan Hus. Hus was an important fourteenth century Czech thinker, philosopher and religious reformer whose teachings were considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church at the time. His condemnation and resultant execution by burning at the stake in 1415 made him a martyr to the Protestant cause and a key influence on Martin Luther King. Every July 6th, the Czech Republic celebrates Jan Hus Day and the statue of him in Old Town Square was erected in 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of his death.
Prague's Old Town Square isn't just all history, however. Today, many important Czech hockey and football matches are shown on big screens in the square and the area is enveloped in a flurry of activity when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. And with so many flights to Prague departing from the UK on a regular basis, there's no reason not to visit. After all, you might not be able to shake-off the tourists, but there's no reason you won't succeed in losing yourself in Prague's historic wonders.
Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.
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