Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The OlD TOwN
Staré Město
From Prague's dramatic centerpiece, the Old Town Square, sight-
seeing options fan out in all directions. Get oriented on the square
before venturing onward. You can learn about Jewish heritage in
the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), a few blocks from the Old Town
Square. Closer to the square, you'll find the quaint and historic
Ungelt courtyard and Celetná street, which leads to the Museum
of Czech Cubism and the landmark Estates Theatre. If you're
intrigued by Jan Hus, the preacher and martyr, look for his pulpit
in the chapel on Bethlehem Square. Nearby, Karlova street fun-
nels all the tourists to the famous Charles Bridge. All of the sights
described here are within a five-minute walk of the magnificent
Old Town Square.
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Old Town Square
(Staroměstské Náměstí)
The focal point for most visits, Prague's Old Town Square is one of
the city's top sights. This has been a market square since the 11th
century. It became the nucleus
of the Old Town (Staré Město)
in the 1 3th cent ur y, when its
Town Hall was built. Today, the
old-time market stalls have been
replaced by outdoor cafés and
touristy horse buggies. But under
this shallow surface, the square
hides a magic power to evoke the
history that has passed through
here. The square's centerpiece is a memorial to Jan Hus.
