| Step into the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) in Prague and journey back in time, 600 or 700 years. As you stand in awe, the dramatic history of the city permeates the air. With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, the Old Town Square is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe. The square lies at the heart of the Old Town (Staré Město), and is one of two main squares in Prague (the other is Wenceslas Square, 5 minutes walk away).
The Old Town Square was founded in the 12th century as the central marketplace for Prague. Over the centuries since, on the instruction of kings, wealthy merchants and the Church, grand buildings of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles were erected around the marketplace. And dungeons were built below the square to house prisoners; the labyrinth of chambers and tunnels underground bear witness to the dark stories of political intrigue and treachery associated with the square. A list of the most significant sights on the Old Town Square must start with the Old Town Hall, which, in addition to its dungeons, houses a tourist information office and a magnificent tower that you can climb. Built into one side of the tower is the famous 15th century Astronomical Clock. Across the square is Tyn Church, which has been the main Old Town church since the 14th century, and in the other direction, the simply beautiful St. Nicholas Church. Both churches host regular classical concerts, which are well worth attending to soak up the full majesty of these buildings. Within the square itself is a bronze statue of the great reformer and Czech national hero, Jan Hus. The groundswell of support for his beliefs during the 14th and 15th centuries led to the Hussite wars. A few metres away is the 16m high sandstone
Marian Column, topped with a sculpture of St. Mary surrounded by golden stars. it was built, torn down, then recently rebuilt to commemorate Prague's rescue from Swedish invaders in 1648, at the end of the Thirty Years’ War.
Other notable sights at the Old Town Square include Rococo Kinský Palace, the Gothic Stone Bell House, the Prague Meridian, and memorial stones marking the point of execution of 27 Czech lords in 1621.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the Old Town Square, and the sense of history attached to it, take a seat and order a drink at one of the pavement cafés and restaurants lining the square. Alternatively, climb the Old Town Hall Tower to take in a stunning view over the square, and far beyond. -----------------------------------------------
To explore the sights in Prague, take a Prague tour. | 
