Jan Palach Square, Prague

Jan Palach Square, Prague

Compared to other squares in Prague, Jan Palach Square has a relatively recent history. Found on the right bank of the Vltava river within the Old Town, not far from the Jewish Quarter, it was initially named the Square of the Red Army in honor of the Russian soldiers who lost their lives while liberating Prague in 1945. However, between 1969 and 1970, the square underwent a tentative renaming to "Jan Palach", in remembrance of the young student who tragically committed self-immolation in protest against the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. This name change persisted and was officially sanctioned at the close of 1989, following the fall of the Communist regime.

The western side, which faces the river, offers splendid views of the iconic Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, with the Mάnes Bridge serving as a connection to the Lesser Town. To the north, one can admire the Rudolfinum Concert Hall and Art Gallery, while to the south lies the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design. On the eastern side, the Charles University Faculty of Arts commands attention.

A statue of Czech composer Antonin Dvorak can be seen in front of the Rudolfinum, and another of Josef Mάnes, renowned for his exquisite depictions of the twelve months for the Astronomical Clock in 1870, is positioned by the river. As for Jan Palach, a commemorative plaque honoring his courage can be found in Wenceslas Square.

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.

One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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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
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany, or the Castle District, is a historical neighborhood in Prague brimming with cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.

The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the...  view more

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

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Staré Město) of Prague.

The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.

One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour

Lesser Town Walking Tour

Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 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

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