Czech name: Václavské náměstí
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is noted for being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Founded over one thousand years ago, history, legends, and fairytales hover around every street corner and building. Many of those stories involve Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czechs.
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Location & How to Get there
The Statue of St. Wenceslas is located at the upper end of Wenceslas Square in front of the National Museum.
How to get to the statue of Saint Wenceslas:
- You can get there by metro. The Muzeum Station (A and C line) is located near the statue. Trains run every 2-4 minutes during the busiest hours.
- You can also take a tram number 3, 5, 6, 9, 14 or 24 to Václavské náměstí stop and walk for no more than 5 minutes to the statue.
- If you are doing some Prague sightseeing and visiting Prague Castle, you can walk to the square. Cross the historic Charles Bridge to New Town and follow the signs. It is about a half hour walk.
Opening Hours & Entry
The square is open all hours of the day and night. There is no charge for entry or for viewing the famous Prague statue.
What to Do & What to See
A huge bronze statue of St. Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square, mounted on a warhorse, was created by Czech sculptor, Josef Václav Myslbek and unveiled in 1913. The statue is 5.5 m tall. The pike he carries reaches 7.2 m. At the base are four smaller statues of other Czech saints: St. Ludmila, St. Agnes of Bohemia, St. Prokop, and St. Adalbert of Prague. The inscription on the St. Wenceslas Monument reads: “St. Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, our Prince, don´t let neither us, nor those in the future, die.”
What is there to do at the square?
Since the square was built in the early 1300s, it has been the administrative and commercial heart of the city. This is where the people gather for important events. It is a major tourist stop. Because of its popularity, dozens of buildings have been added over the centuries.
The National Museum occupies the entire top of the square. Constructed between 1885 and 1891, the museum contains over 14 million items of Czech history.
The architecture of the buildings around the square is mixed. From the neo-Greek style of the House of Groceries to the neoclassicism of the Jalta Hotel and the Art Nouveau style of the Golden Goose Hotel, each building is unique and has a history.
Within the square you will find cinemas, theatres, shops, both large department stores and small boutiques, restaurants and cafes, hotels and administrative offices.
History
Wenceslas was Duke of Bohemia from 924 to 929 when he was murdered by his younger brother. He was known for his piety and kindness and is the subject of a famous Christmas carol. After his death, several miracles occurred at his burial site and he was canonized within a few years.
Some of the most important events in Czech history have been celebrated around the Prague monument, including the rally at the time of Czech independence in 1918 and the regaining of independence in 1989.
If you are able to go to this beautiful city, plan on some time in the square next to the statue of St. Wenceslas.