karlovo náměstí – Adventurings

prague’s “other” square is actually quite larger than the more famous old town square at approx. 70,000m² (the 27th largest in the world). it’s the absolute heart of prague’s nové město (new town), founded in 1348 by who else but bohemian king charles IV. when it was built it was supposed to become the most important square of new town until vaclavske namesti (wenceslas square) became far more famous and used in modern czech history.

although much quieter than the other famous square in this district, i like it for its proximity to the river and everything that seems important in prague. wenceslas square is great for shopping, but this square just seems like one of the vital organs of the city. the actual square is just a giant park, bordered by normal buildings and split in two by a major arterial, resslova/ječna street. the stately looking st. ignatius church (below) looms overhead. last time i walked around it, it was mid-december and the square felt misty, refreshing and inviting.