Historical Background
Once upon a time, on the site of this Prague landmark, there was a huge horse market. Every year, large fairs were held here, attracting merchants and buyers from all over the country. In 1848, a national mass was held at the market, marking the beginning of the liberation movement against the Habsburg dynasty, under whose rule the Czech lands were at that time. In honor of this event, it was decided to rename the market to Wenceslas Square.
Architecture and Monuments
The square itself covers an area of 45,000 square meters and looks very picturesque. Architectural styles of various eras and movements are mixed here. Buildings from the early 19th century coexist with modern residential complexes, giving the entire square a unique style and character. People who have been to Paris often think of a comparison with the Champs-Élysées, and indeed, there is a certain similarity.
The first thing that catches the eye is the "Assicurazioni Generali" building, an architectural creation by renowned architects Osvald Polívka and Bedřich Ohmann, executed in the Neo-Baroque style. The former palace, now the Grand Hotel Europa, will not leave anyone indifferent with its perfect forms; the Neo-Classicist "House of Fashion" and the ensemble of the National Museum will also attract attention. In short, connoisseurs of architecture, as well as simply lovers of antiquity, have something to admire. The square itself does not quite match its definition. Václavák is more reminiscent of a boulevard, only much wider. At the very beginning of the square stands a monument to Wenceslas, a Czech prince canonized as a saint. The prince is depicted on horseback, surrounded by four saints, and, as befits a historical figure, proudly looks into the distance, holding a spear in his hand.
Upheavals and Events
Václavák is known not only for its monuments and architecture. This place remembers many historical events that had a direct impact on the life of the Czech state. As early as 1948, tens of thousands of workers gathered here and demanded that power in the country be handed over to the communists. 41 years later (1989), more than a million people demanded that the communists return that power. In 1968, the ancient stones trembled under the heavy tracks of Soviet tanks, and the heroic Prague Spring drowned in blood and tears.
Life of the Old Square
But it is not only for global upheavals that Prague residents come to their beloved square. A victory or defeat of the hockey team gathers hundreds, thousands of fans of this game. Supporters vigorously discuss all the events of the past match, relaxing over a mug of beer in numerous restaurants and bars. Lovers come here too, first dates are arranged near "Václav," as Prague residents call the bronze saint. The square lives its own, unique life – sometimes simple and unpretentious, sometimes mysterious and enigmatic. Václavák does not quiet down even at night. Bars, cafes, and restaurants light up. Night cabarets and strip shows open. Life begins to seethe and boil much more energetically than in daylight. And if during the day everything seems interesting but simple and understandable, the night turns everything into a fairy tale and mystery.
Finally
There are many interesting and beautiful places in Prague, but Václavák stands apart. Without visiting here, without walking on these historical stones – you will never be able to understand the true soul of this ancient city.
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