Wenceslas Square, Prague

Wenceslas Square was a horse market in medieval times. It has also been the site of many rallies, uprisings, and demonstrations, including a giant Mass in 1848, a celebration in 1918 for the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic, and the 1989 protests that culminated in the collapse of communism in the country.  It is now a blend of historical monuments and commercial enterprises.

We came into the square from the northwestern end, with a nice view down to the National Museum dating from the 1880s.

Entering Wenceslas Square

View down the square

As close as we got to the National Museum

Calling it a square doesn't really do it justice, since the boulevard is 820 yards long, nearly half a mile. The first thing we ran across in the square was a long line of small buildings that served food, especial for the thronging nighttime crowds, which we completely missed on our morning adventure.

Booths closed at 9 in the morning

Whatever it is, it looks good

A good variety of beautiful buildings line the street, typically with restaurants or stores on the ground floor. We eventually found snacks at a cafe.

Pretty in pink

I'm guessing this was built during the Communist-era

Jacob was excited to have his picture taken!

More pretty buildings

Can someone move the food stands?

Many of the details of the buildings are striking as well.

Lions and soldiers!

I think this was a bank

Me and my statue

We could also see the Powder Gate, one of the gates of the old city, down a street.

Powder Gate, Prague

Many commercial enterprises are found on Wenceslas Square as well. Here are the few that caught our eyes.

Only one dancing girl?

Bookstore!

Yes, you have to pay to pee

GE has banks, too?

We enjoyed this last morning visit before we got on a train to head to our next destination, Budapest!