Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

Описание: Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) This square is the commercial and administrative center of the city as well as the site of important social and historical events. Here you'll find cinemas, theatres, banks, hotels, restaurants, dozens of small and large shops, and administrative centers. The square was created during the founding of the New Town by Charles IV in 1348. Today it is dominated by the National Museum (1885 – 1891) and Josef Václav Myslbek's statue of the national patron St Wenceslas from 1912.
Wenceslas Square is a boulevard measuring 750m by 60m rather than a square. As a result, it is the main area in Prague where the Czechs gather to let off steam. Over the years, their square has been a parade ground for various organizations and political parties, from anti-communist uprisings to celebrations of national sporting achievements. The square can hold up to 400,000 people! At the top of the square, in front of the National Museum, a statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse cuts a striking figure. This is good King Wenceslas (Svatý Václav), the patron saint of the Czech Republic, who was murdered a thousand years ago by his brother. Just below this lie two plaques commemorating those killed during the communist era. One is dedicated to Jan Palach, who set himself on fire in protest at the Soviet invasion in 1968.
'By the horse' is a popular place for Czechs and tourists to arrange to meet each other. For visitors to Prague, Wenceslas Square makes an ideal base. It has history and culture and more amenities than elsewhere. A metro station is located at either end of the square (Muzeum and Mustek), providing access to all three metro lines. And trams run right through the center of the court.