Jan Palach Square, Prague

Jan Palach Square, Prague

Among Prague’s many historic places, this one stands out not for its age, but for the emotional weight it carries. Originally named Square of the Red Army, it honored Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of Prague in 1945. But in 1970, something shifted. The square was informally renamed after Jan Palach, a philosophy student who, in an act of protest against the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, took his own life by self-immolation. His action resonated deeply with a nation under pressure, becoming a symbol of defiance. After years of quiet resistance, the name was officially adopted in 1989, just as Communist rule was coming to an end.

The square itself is beautifully situated, with the western side opening up to sweeping views of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, and the silhouette of Prague Castle. The Mánes Bridge links the area to the Lesser Town, offering a picturesque crossing point. Look to the north, and you’ll see the stately Rudolfinum—a Neo-Renaissance concert hall and gallery that hosts the Czech Philharmonic. To the south is the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design, a hub of creativity and academic tradition. On the eastern edge stands the Faculty of Arts, part of Charles University, where many of the city’s intellectual movements took shape.

The space is also dotted with tributes to Czech cultural giants. In front of the Rudolfinum, you’ll find a statue of composer Antonín Dvořák, while near the river, another sculpture honors Josef Mánes, the painter behind the beloved calendar medallions on the Astronomical Clock. And not far from the Faculty of Arts, the memory of Jan Palach is honored through two striking sculptures: “The House of the Suicide” and “The House of the Mother of the Suicide”. Designed by American architect John Hejduk, these stark, solemn, and powerful structures, installed in 2016, capture the depth of a personal loss that became a national wake-up call.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Jan Palach Square on Map

Sight Name: Jan Palach Square
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

Prague’s Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets—most notably Na...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.

The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
New Town Walking Tour

New Town Walking Tour

The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.

At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

The Jewish Quarter of Prague carries over a thousand years of memory etched into its streets, synagogues, and gravestones. Jewish communities began settling in this area as early as the 10th century, and although they were later forced into a walled ghetto, they cultivated a vibrant cultural and intellectual life—especially during the 16th century, a golden age shaped by the influence of Rabbi...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Prague’s Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible—an atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

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