Place Details
Name: Staroměstské nám.
City: Prague
Country: Czechia
Address: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov, Czechia
Location
About Staroměstské nám.
[custom_image_carousel field=”image_gallery”]Category of Place: Historical Landmark Sub-Category of Place: Public Square Description: Prague’s heart beats in the cobblestones of Staroměstské náměstí, a tapestry of history woven against the backdrop of gothic spires and baroque facades. Witness centuries-old astral tales at the astronomical clock or share whispers with the statues of Jan Hus and Tyn Church’s ominous towers. Cafés and galleries offer sanctuary amidst the square’s timeless bustle, where each corner reveals a chapter of Bohemian lore. Immerse yourself in the blend of melodies from street performers, entwining with the aroma of trdelník – this is the symphony of Old Town Prague. Typical Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Regional Guides
Top experiences in Staroměstské nám.
Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj)
Read the place guide →Mounted on the south wall of Old Town Hall, the Astronomical Clock dates to 1410 and is one of the oldest functioning clocks in the world. Every hour, the Walk of the Apostles animates above the dial while the figure of Death tolls a bell. The clock’s three components—astronomical dial, calendar dial, and animated figurines—track the position of the sun and moon, the zodiac, and Old Bohemian time. Climb the adjacent tower for sweeping views of the square’s red rooftops.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
A defining feature of Prague’s skyline, this Gothic church with its two 80-metre black-and-gold spires has overlooked Old Town Square since the 14th century. Its dark interior houses Baroque altarpieces, the oldest tin baptismal font in Prague (1414), and the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe. The church served as the main Hussite church during the 15th-century religious reform movement.
Jan Hus Memorial
This large Art Nouveau bronze sculpture by Ladislav Šaloun (unveiled 1915) commemorates the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus’s execution. Hus, a Czech priest and early church reformer, was burned at the stake in 1415 for heresy, sparking the Hussite Wars. The monument depicts Hus standing among Hussite warriors and Protestant exiles, with the inscription ‘Truth prevails.’
Old Town Hall Tower
Originally built in 1338, the tower offers the best aerial view of Old Town Square and Prague’s spires. An elevator and stairs lead to the gallery at 70 metres, where a 360-degree panorama reveals the Vltava River, Prague Castle, and the Church of Our Lady before Týn up close. The Gothic chapel and historic council chambers inside are also open to visitors.
St. Nicholas Church (Baroque)
This stunning Baroque church on the northwest corner of the square was designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer and completed in 1735. Its dramatic white exterior, copper dome, and ornate interior with ceiling frescoes by Peter Asam make it one of Prague’s finest Baroque structures. Free classical concerts are held regularly in the nave, offering visitors a chance to hear organ and chamber music in a remarkable acoustic setting.
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Where to stay
Hotel U Prince
Staroměstské nám. 29, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Five-star hotel with a rooftop terrace directly on Old Town Square offering panoramic views of the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church.
InterContinental Prague
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Old Town Square’s recorded history stretches back to the 12th century, when it functioned as a central marketplace for the growing Bohemian capital. The Astronomical Clock (Orloj), installed in 1410, is one of the oldest operating astronomical clocks in the world. The Church of Our Lady before Týn, begun in the 14th century, served as the primary church of the Hussite movement. The Jan Hus Memorial (1915) commemorates the 15th-century reformer whose execution ignited the Hussite Wars. The square witnessed the execution of 27 Czech lords in 1621 following the Battle of White Mountain.
Local customs & etiquette
Greet shopkeepers with ‘Dobrý den’ (good day) and say ‘Děkuji’ (thank you). Tipping 10 % is customary at sit-down restaurants—round up in cash rather than adding to a card payment. Exchange money only at official bureaux or ATMs; avoid street changers who frequently pass counterfeit notes. Remove shoes when entering a Czech home. Public drinking is technically legal but frowned upon outside designated areas.
