New Town Hall

Overlooking the large green square (more like a large rectangle really) of Karlovo Namesti is the tower of New Town Hall.  The hall dates back to 1377, when New Town was in fact new.  Several additions were made in the 15th century including the sturdy tower complete with an intimate chapel and a massive bell.  The Hall was the seat of New Town administration until Emperor Josef II joined Old Town. Lesser Town, Hradcany and New Town together into one council in 1784. The hall was used as a courthouse and prison (complete with a torture chamber) mainly for revolutionaries. The political term defenestration was coined here as two Catholic Aldermen were thrown to their death in 1419 by followers of the Hussite preacher Jan Zelivsky.

Karlovo náměstí 23, Praha 2, +420 224 948 229, www.novomestskaradnice.cz