Jan Palach Square, Prague

Jan Palach Square, Prague

Compared to other squares in Prague, Jan Palach Square is relatively new. Found on the right bank of the Vltava river within the Old Town, not far from the Jewish Quarter, it was named the Square of the Red Army in commemoration of the Russian soldiers who fell liberating Prague in 1945. Between 1969 and 1970 the square was rather tentatively renamed Jan Palach Square after the young student who committed suicide by self-immolation in protest against the Soviet occupation of his country. The name stuck and was officially adopted at the end of 1989 after the Communist regime came to an end.

The West side of the square, adjacent to the river, affords a great view of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Through the Mάnes Bridge it is connected to the Lesser Town.

To the North of the square, you can see the Rudolfinum Concert Hall and Art Gallery, and to the South – the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design. On the East side stands the Charles University Faculty of Arts.

In front of the Rudolfinum there is a statue of the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak, and by the river you will find a statue of Josef Mάnes, the Czech painter who is best known for the beautiful images of the twelve months (Calendar plate) that he painted for the Astronomical Clock in 1870. As for Jan Palach, a commemorative plaque to him is found in Wenceslas Square.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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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.
Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.

The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word práh, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary...  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 (established 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. Steeped in history, the district is traditionally dense with tourists.

Among the attractions found here there are Dancing House (named so for resembling a pair of...  view more

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

Old Town Walking Tour

The Staré Město (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.

The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na Příkopě (literally “On the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany, or the Castle District, is the area surrounding Prague Castle, said to be the biggest castle complex in the world. Going back in history as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the seat of power for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of Czechoslovakia and is currently the President's official residence. Located nearby is St. Vitus' Cathedral, a symbol of Czech...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Old Town Souvenir Shopping

It would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. We've compiled a list of gifts and souvenirs, which are unique to Prague, that a visitor might like to purchase to reflect their visit.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour

Lesser Town Walking Tour

Malá Strana ("Lesser Town") is a district of Prague, one of the most historically significant in the Czech capital. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, largely retained its Germanic vibe despite prevalence of the Baroque style in architecture.

The most prominent landmark of Malá Strana is the Wallenstein Palace. There are...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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