Staré Mesto, the Old Town

Together with the Lesser Quarter, the Old Town (Staré Mesto in Czech) is the historical heart of Prague, inhabited as early as the 9th century AD.

This picturesque labyrinth of medieval alleys and lanes is crowded day and night with tourists, Prague locals, musicians and street performers. Follow the crowds in the direction of the river and cross the famous Charles Bridge, preferably at night or at dusk to be enraptured by the magic of the illuminated city. Along the banks of the Vltava note an interesting building, the Clementinum, now home to the National Library.

Old Town Square

The centrepiece of Staré Mesto is the Old Town Square, undeniably one of the most beautiful and liveliest squares in all of Europe. A visit to Prague must begin at its beating heart. Staromestské Námestí (the Czech name for the square) encapsulates part of Prague’s picturesque past and is a nerve centre of the present.

The square, which has always been a busy city landmark, is overlooked by colourful buildings and important monuments including two beautiful churches, the Church of St Nicholas and the Church of St Mary of Tyn with its famous spires, and the memorial to Jan Hus, a symbol of national identity.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the marvellous astronomical clock on the tower of the Old Town Hall, outside of which crowds of tourists wait in excitement for the spectacle that takes place at the stroke of every hour, when the figures on the clock come to life and the procession of the 12 apostles begins.

In addition to these important monuments, you will find numerous cafés, shops, tourist information centres and galleries on the square, but you could spend a whole day just watching the busy passers-by walking across the square. Come back and admire it at night, when the lights that illuminate it make this place even more magical.