Prague squares are large, like Wenceslas Square, and small, like Senovazne Square Square. Most people who visit the Czech capital walk through Prague's squares without knowing their names or why they are significant. Learn about some historic squares in Prague. These squares can be used as landmarks for finding your location on a map and are often surrounded by significant sights.
The word for "square" in Czech is namesti.
Old Town Square Prague
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Old Town Prague's square, Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti), is the most famous square in Prague. Home to historic structures, churches, and museums, Old Town Square is also the site of events, like the Prague Easter Market.
Wenceslas Square
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti) is the main square in Prague's New Town. The National Museum acts as a sentry on one end of Wenceslas Square, while shops, hotels, and restaurants line the length of it.
Knight of the Cross Square
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Located in Old Town Prague, the Knight of the Cross Square (Krizovnicke namesti) is at the east end of Charles Bridge. A statue of Charles IV, the Church of St. Francis Seraphicus, and the Church of the Holy Savior are notable sights on this Prague square.
Little Square
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Little Square, or Male namesti, located in Old Town, is marked by its ornate fountain and the Baroque structures that surround it.
Lesser Quarter Square
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Mala Strana Square, or Lesser Quarter Square (Malostranske namesti), is the center of Prague's Mala Strana district. sights on this square include the Plague Column, Kaiserstejn Palace, the House at the Sign of the Stone Table, the Liechtenstein Palace, and the Town Hall of Mala Strana.
Hradcany Square
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Hradcany Square (Hradcanske namesti), or Castle Square , forms the entrance to Prague Castle. The square contains a statue of Masaryk. Buildings that surround Castle Square include the Martinitz Palace, the Tuscan Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Schwarzenberg Palace.
Republic Square
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Republic Square (namesti Republiky) in Old Town Prague features the Municipal House and the Powder Tower, as well as Palladium and Kotva shopping centers.
Jan Palach Square
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Jan Palach Square (namesti Jana Palacha), once known as Red Army Square, is located in Old Town at the entrance to Manesuv Bridge. Named for a student who set himself on fire in protest at the end of the 1960s, the square contains a replica of his death mask. This square is located next to the Rudolfinum.
Marienske Square
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Marienske Square is bordered by the Klementinum and the Clam-Gallas Palace, where classical music concerts are often held.
Wallenstein Square
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Wallenstein Square (Valdstejnske namesti) is located in Prague's Mala Strana district and serves as one of the entrances to the Wallenstein Gardens.
