Old Town Square

Old Town Square has been Prague's central marketplace since the 12th century. When you walk through this medieval square, you'll see merchants selling traditional Czech food, tourists taking photos of the 80-meter Gothic towers of Týn Church, and crowds gathering around the astronomical clock for its hourly show. Look for the bronze Jan Hus Memorial in the center, and during winter, warm up with hot mead from the Christmas market stalls.

The Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall

Every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM, wooden figures of the Apostles move across the windows of the 15th-century Astronomical Clock while a skeleton rings a bell. The clock's astronomical dial tracks the Sun, Moon, zodiacal constellations, and major Christian holidays, while the calendar dial below marks the months. Climb the 70-meter Town Hall tower for views across Prague's red rooftops and the medieval square below.

Churches Around the Square

Two 80-meter Gothic towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn dominate the eastern side of the square, each topped by four small spires. Step inside to see Prague's oldest pipe organ from 1673. On the opposite side, St. Nicholas Church's white Baroque facade includes statues of saints, while its interior contains marble altars and ceiling frescoes showing scenes from St. Nicholas's life.

Markets and Modern Life

From late November through early January, wooden stalls fill the square for the Christmas market. You can buy traditional Czech pastries like trdelník, sip hot mead, and browse wooden toys and glass ornaments. A 20-meter Christmas tree stands in front of Týn Church, and Czech carol performances take place daily on the central stage. Throughout the year, you can sit at cafes and restaurants housed in the historic buildings around the square.

Historical Events at Old Town Square

Look down at the pavement to spot twenty-seven crosses marking the site where Czech Protestant leaders were executed in 1621. The bronze Jan Hus Memorial, unveiled in 1915, rises 16 meters high and depicts the religious reformer alongside Hussite warriors and Protestant exiles. The recently rebuilt Marian Column marks the Prague meridian - its shadow once indicated noon time for the city's residents.

Getting to Old Town Square

Take metro line A to Staroměstská station and walk 5 minutes north along Kaprova Street to reach the square. If you're coming by tram, exit at Staroměstská stop (lines 2, 13, 14, 17, 18, 93) and follow the signs to Staroměstské náměstí. The square connects to Charles Bridge via Karlova Street and to Wenceslas Square through Melantrichova Street.