Prague's Old Town Square is one of the most famous in Europe. The oldest part of a very old city, excavations indicate that the area was permanently inhabited since at least the turn of the first millennium, and probably well before. The area started as a marketplace in the 10th century at the crossroads of European trade routes, but it would have to wait until the town’s subsequent expansion during a time of booming prosperity in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV, to earn the name we know it as today — Staré Město or Old Town — the medieval origins can still be traced. Houses and churches sprang up around the square determining the random network of cobbled lanes spreading out from its ancient heart, many of which survive. With its ancient buildings, magnificent churches and architectural treasures, it's one of the most beautiful and historical squares in Europe and entirely free of traffic except for a few horse drawn carriages.
With one of the best-preserved historic city centres and important UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's not long before the streets of Old Town begin to unveil some of the best preserved examples of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings in Europe. Famous highlights include the Old Town City Hall which dominates the square and is most well known for being home to Prague's Astronomical Clock; there's also the iconic Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn and breathtaking Baroque church of St. Nicholas. Jan Hus, a religious reformer who was burned at stake, is commemorated with a statue in the centre of the square and today is symbol of Czech independence. Perhaps the best approach to explore the area is to choose a direction, wander at will and lose oneself amid a largely undisturbed 14th-century townscape, in a bewildering state of astonishment and wonder.
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