Náměstí Republiky

Náměstí Republiky translates to Republic Square, and this beautiful square indeed exemplifies the variety of the beauty and history of the Czech Republic. With buildings ranging in age and architectural style from the 1475 Powder Tower (Prašná brána), refinished and redecorated in the 1800's in a highly romanticized Neo-Gothic style, to the austere Baroque Church of St. Joseph tucked along side the Neo-Romanesque former barracks building now housing the Palladium shopping center, to the gorgeous mosaic-encrusted splendor of the Art Nouveau Municipal House (locally known as Obecní dům), to the 1942 Czech National Bank building, and the newly-remodeled Kotva building, considered by some to be one of the ugliest Soviet-era buildings in Prague, you can see the wonders of the ages in Prague's Náměstí Republiky. Formerly part of the city's fortifications, it formed part of the Royal Route, and later underwent various name changes based on its use over the centuries. Prague's Náměstí Republiky earned its current name in 1918 when the declaration of Czechoslovak nationhood was proclaimed from the balcony of the Municipal House. Easy to reach by multiple tram lines, as well as the Náměstí Republiky metro stop, you can also walk to either Wenceslas Square or Old Town Square in a matter of minutes. Today many public events are held here, such as political rallies and the Prague Pride festival.

Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1