Prague Attractions
Prague Old Town from Tyn Church
Old Town Square (Staromĕstské Námestí)
The heart of the old city and the market place since the 11th
century, the Old Town Square is Prague’s prettiest and
most lively square with historical facades and a cobbled surface.
It still hosts a variety of markets, especially the yearly
Christmas market which is enchanting. In the centre is the odd Art
Nouveau monument to the religious reformer, Jan Hus, a national
symbol for the Czech people. The Old Town Hall features an ornate
Gothic Astronomical clock showing three different times, in front
of which throngs of people gather on the hour to watch the brief
mechanical performance of apostles, Christ, a skeleton and a
rooster. Tourists can climb the tower for a behind the scenes look
at the mechanics as well as a view from the top. On opposite sides
of the square are two magnificent churches: Prague’s greatest
Baroque building, St Nicholas, with its distinctly visible dome,
and the more striking Týn Church, a fabulous Gothic structure
with its twin spires a noticeable feature on the Prague
skyline.
Address: Staré Mĕsto;
Transport: Metro to Staromestká;
Opening time: Town Hall tower open Monday 11am to 6pm; Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm, closing an hour earlier in winter;
Admission: Town Hall tour 50 Kc, concessions available
