The Old Town Square in Prague

Prague is one of those cities that captivates you almost immediately. Although it is known for its rain and grey atmosphere, it welcomed me in a completely different way, with beautiful weather and lively energy. I arrived in the city with my college friends. This trip was organised by my college, allowing me to be with my peers, and through them, I got to know the full light of this grey city. Every day was organised for us so that we could visit as much as possible, but also enjoy it.

The first steps through the Old Town showed why Prague is considered one of the most beautiful European cities. Narrow stone streets, colourful facades, the sound of footsteps on the cobblestones and the feeling that you are walking through history, everything seems natural and unobtrusive. Time seems to flow more slowly here, and no, it is not because of the famous Astronomical Clock. And the Old Town Square is the center where you can feel that Czech energy the most.

Orloj

On the Old Town Square is one of the most famous landmarks in Prague, the Astronomical Clock, or as the Czechs call it, the "Orloj". At first glance, it looks like a richly decorated medieval clock, but the longer you look at it, the more you realise how special it really is.

Installed in 1410, the Orloj is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world that is still functioning today. It shows not only the time, but also the position of the Sun and Moon, the zodiac signs and the course of the year. Every detail has its own meaning.

The figures that move every hour attract special attention. The figures that turn show human flaws, death, greed, vanity, and move together with the figures of the apostles that appear above the clock. Tourists gather, phones are in the air, and when the show ends, there is always a gentle sigh or applause.

This is my favourite photo of the Astronomical Clock.

These are those colourful facades I was telling you about. Narrow streets and buildings through which you can see the Astronomical Clock tower breaking through.

Church of Our Lady before Týn

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is one of the most recognisable silhouettes of Prague. Its tall towers dominate the Old Town Square, and it is almost impossible not to notice it as soon as you approach the city center. It was built in the Gothic style, and construction began in the 14th century, a period when Prague was one of the most important political and cultural centers in Europe.

Over the centuries, the church has witnessed turbulent events, including religious conflicts, reformations, and changes in government. It is particularly significant because it was strongly associated with the Hussite movement and the reformist ideas that shook Europe at the time. Precisely because of this, the church was not only a religious building, but also a symbol of changes and the struggle for a different view of religion.

Its facade leaves a strong impression. Darker stone, sharp shapes and vertical lines create a sense of strength and stability. Two towers, slightly different in height, further emphasise the dynamics of the building. According to popular interpretation, they represent the balance of opposites, but also the idea that perfection does not have to be symmetrical.

The entrance to the church is located behind a row of houses, which gives it a special urban character. It does not open directly to the square, but rather rises from it, which further enhances its monumental appearance. When you look at it from the Old Town Square, it seems as if it is part of the scenery from another time, but at the same time, a completely natural part of today's Prague.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is not only an architectural work, but it is also a symbol of permanence. Regardless of the changes that took place around it, it remained one of the strongest signs of the identity of the Old Town and an indispensable point of every tour of Prague.

Jan Hus

In the very center of the square is a monument to Jan Hus, one of the most important figures in Czech history. Jan Hus was a religious reformer and thinker who advocated for truth and church reform, for which he was eventually convicted and executed in the early 15th century.

The monument is strong and serious, without too much decoration. Hus stands dignified, surrounded by figures that symbolise the people and the struggle for freedom of thought. This is not a monument that tries to impress with beauty; it impresses with meaning and what this man stood for in history.

As you stand next to it, you realise that Prague is not just a beautiful city, but also a place of ideas, resistance and courage.

The Old Town Square won me over, as did all my friends. This is the place where we saw the greatest historical sights of this city, but we also saw locals walking and enjoying this square as if it were their first time. You can feel the melancholy but also the warmth of this city. I will definitely come back to it again.