Old Town Square
Historic square with the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church.
Ideal: Ideal for first-time Prague visitors, city squares, history, and photography.
The Astronomical Clock on the town hall wall was installed in 1410 and remains the oldest still working; legend says its maker Hanuš was blinded so he could not build a similar clock elsewhere. The Apostles procession was added only in 1865–66, meaning the show's most famous part is the newest. Twenty-seven crosses set into the square's stones mark the 1621 execution here of Protestant leaders who rebelled against the Habsburgs. The Jan Hus monument in the center was erected in 1915, the 500th anniversary of the reformer's burning.
Why go?
- To see Prague's liveliest historic square
- To experience icons like the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church in one area
- To start an Old Town walk from a strong central point
Travel tip
The square fills up before the Astronomical Clock show; arrive a little early for a good view.
