Old Town Square

Old Town Square is home to Old Town Hall, the building of which was begun in the 12th century. Even more famous is the clock on Old Town Hall, a medieval astronomical clock that strikes the hour with a parade of carved figures. This clock has become one of Old Town Square's symbols - and, as a result, a symbol of Prague.

The Church of Our Lady of Tyn, a Gothic church with twin, slightly assymmetrical belltowers, is spooky and beautiful at the same time. Tycho Brahe's tomb lies within. The Church of Our Lady of Tyn is open to the public, but its entryway does not face Old Town Square, so visitors to Prague must walk around to enter the interior of the church.

The Monument to Jan Hus is large, but it only takes up a small portion of the vast Old Town Square. The monument dates to the early 20th century and commemorates a 15th century Protestant preacher who was burned at the stake for opposing the Roman Catholic Church.

The House at the Stone Bell sits nestled between the Church of Our Lady of Tyn and the Goltz-Kinsky Palace. Another Gothic building on Old Town Square, the House At the Stone Bell gets its name from the carved bell that hangs from its corner.

The Goltz-Kinsky Palace is a beautiful building that houses part of Prague's National Gallery. Its Baroque facade contrasts with the Gothic one of its neighbor; it is these various styles of architecture that give Old Town Square historic charm.

Old Town Square's Church of St. Nicholas is another Baroque structure. Built in the first half of the 18th century, it now hosts musical concerts.

The Storch House is immediately identifiable from the painting of King Wenceslas riding a horse that decorates its front. This building was originally built in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Famous for being Franz Kafka's childhood home, the Minute House displays striking sgraffito work.