Why is Wenceslas Square famous?

More a broad boulevard than a typical European city square, Wenceslas Square has witnessed a great deal of Czech history – a giant Mass was held here during the revolutionary upheavals of 1848; in 1918 the creation of the new Czechoslovak Republic was celebrated here; and it was here in 1989 that many anticommunist ...

What is Wenceslas Square famous for?

The square was also the site of many anti-communist protests in 1989. Today, Wenceslas Square is a bustling commercial and social scene, with shops, cafes, hotels, and nightclubs lining its main avenue. The square is home to the Prague National Museum and a bronze statue of Saint Wenceslas.

What happened at Wenceslas Square?

On 16 January 1969, student Jan Palach set himself on fire in Wenceslas Square to protest the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. On 28 March 1969, the Czechoslovak national ice hockey team defeated the USSR team for the second time in that year's Ice Hockey World Championships.

What happened in Wenceslas Square in 1989?

Outraged by the police brutality and “killing” of a student, people staged spontaneous demonstrations in Prague and in other cities across Czechoslovakia over the next week – every day, Wenceslas Square filled with tens of thousands.

Why is King Wenceslas famous?

Following his death, Wenceslas became a saint and martyr revered especially for his kindness to the poor. Meanwhile, the catchy tune to "Good King Wenceslas" was around when people celebrated spring, but the Wenceslas legend hadn't yet met up with the melody.

Prague, Czech Republic: Wenceslas Square - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite

What to do in Wenceslas Square at night?

After dark, Wenceslas Square turns into a nightlife centre. There are many clubs in the square or on the streets around it. Prague in general is, among other things, considered to be a “night-life metropolis” and many young tourists come to the Czech Republic's capital to party.

Is Kingdom Come Deliverance historically accurate?

Upon its release in 2018, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was widely seen as setting a new standard for historical accuracy in videogames, with its painstaking efforts to bring the brutal and beautiful world of late-medieval Bohemia to life with authenticity.

Why was King Wenceslas killed?

His submission provoked some of the nobles to conspire against him, and they prompted his younger brother, Boleslav (Boleslaus), to murder him.

Where is Prague Red Light District?

As mentioned earlier, New Town is brimming with strip clubs. It's, unofficially, Prague's 'Red Light District' – boasting a bevy of beautiful Czech girls. Goldfingers is one of the most recognised spots in Wenceslas Square, set in a former theatre.

What was the Velvet divorce?

30 years ago this month, Czechoslovakia split into the separate states of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It was a rare instance of a state separating without a single life being lost. Thanks to this it became known as the 'Velvet Divorce'.

Who assassinated Wenceslas?

Wenceslaus I (Czech: Václav [ˈvaːtslaf]; c. 907 – 28 September 935), Wenceslas I or Václav the Good was the Prince (kníže) of Bohemia from 921 until his death, probably in 935. According to the legend, he was assassinated by his younger brother, Boleslaus the Cruel.

What is Prague famous for?

Prague is home to a number of cultural attractions including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín hill, and Vyšehrad. Since 1992, the historic center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

What is the most controversial building in Prague?

The Dancing House has been called inappropriate in the classical city of Prague. The deconstructivist design is controversial because the house disrupts the Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau buildings for which Prague is famous.

What event on November 9, 1989 led to the wall coming down?

The Berlin Wall fell on 9 November 1989 during the Peaceful Revolution, marking the beginning of the destruction of the figurative Iron Curtain, as East Berlin transit restrictions were overwhelmed and discarded. Sections of the wall were breached, and planned deconstruction began the following June.

What is the oldest street in Prague?

Celetná Celetná (German: Zeltnergasse) is a street in the Old Town, Prague, connecting the Old Town Square with the Powder Gate. It is one of the oldest streets in Prague and is part of the Royal Route.

Is Wenceslas Square good for nightlife?

Wenceslas Square is the centre of the city's nightlife.

What is the purple zone in Prague?

Purple Zone

Indicates paid sections where every visitor to Prague can park for the limited time indicated on the sign. You can easily pay online or at streetside parking machines.

What is the most beautiful street in Prague?

Nerudova Street. One of the most picturesque streets in Prague bears the name of the Czech writer and journalist Jan Neruda. It leads up from Malostranska Square to Prague Castle. Here you can admire Baroque houses with richly decorated shields and portals.

Was King Wenceslas' real story?

The famed British carol “Good King Wenceslas” is inspired by a Christian martyr who remains an important figure in his Czech homeland. The real Wenceslas — known as Václav the Good — lived from about A.D. 907 to 929.

Where is Bohemia today?

Since 1993 Bohemia has formed much of the Czech Republic, comprising the central and western portions of the country.

What does Wenceslas have to do with Christmas?

The song “Good King Wenceslas” has become a fixture among Christmas melodies. It tells the story of the benevolent King Wenceslas finding a poor commoner collecting wood in the snow. The king takes pity on him and brings the man to his castle, serving him a royal feast to celebrate St. Stephen's Day together.

Was Hans Capon a real person?

Hans Capon, a character in the 2018 video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance, is based on Jan Ptáček. The character is depicted as part of the pro-Wenceslaus faction. He also features in the 2025 sequel Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

Was Skalitz a real place?

One of the most important locations in the game is Skalitz, Henry's hometown. The real-life inspiration for this place is Stříbrná Skalice, a picturesque village near Sázava. Historically, this settlement was a center for silver mining and has a fascinating past.

How old is Henry of Skalitz?

Henry is supposed to be "around, or slightly older than Hans Capon", meaning 15-16.