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The Lesser Town Square
The Lesser Town Square – home of the significant characters and the observation point of the STB (State Security Service) The Lesser Town Square experienced several historical periods during its existence. Many significant people were walking in it who more or less helped develop the local culture or intelligence. Now we will learn more about some not very familiar facts.
All about The Lesser Town Square ( Malostranské náměstí ) read here
Names through the centuries
The Lesser Town had changed its name frequently. In the historical sources it is recorded as Rynek, Malostranský Rynek (Lesser Town Rynek), other sources call it Štěpánské náměstí (St. Stephen´s Square) or náměstí Maršála Radeckého (Marshal Radecký Square). However all these names refer to one single place in the center of the Lesser Town. The upper part of the square used to be called Vlašský plac (Italian Plaza). This name was derived from the Lesser Town Italians who used to live and sell various products and goods here.
Places of execution
As you already know from the previous article the Lesser Town Square served as a market place. We also know that it was a cultural and social center. However, it is not so familiar that a galows and pillory used to stand here in the past. There was an execution of twenty-seven Czech in the Old Town Square on 21nd June 1621. As a warning, their bodies were placed on the gallows or pillories in various Prague squares – beside the Wenceslas and Charles Squares also in the Lesser Town Square.
The tramlines
You probably know already that the tramline from the nearby Újezd was extended to the square. It is interesting to know that it was gradually joined by the couple of the lines leading towards the Prague Klárov. However, the lines were in service only until 1926 when the tramline in Tomášská and Valdštejnská streets were cancelled.
The group of statues of marshal Radecký
We will move to the lower part of the square now where there is a parking place these days. There used to be a monumental bronze group of statues of marshal Radecký from 1858. The marshal was figured as carried by the soldiers on a shield. The group of statues originated in the workshop of Josef and Emanuel Max. It was removed in 1919 though and has been put into the lapidary.
The significants characters
There is another important person who lived in the Lesser Town Square beside the already mentioned Jan Neruda – the noted opera singer Ema Destinová. She lived in the eastern part of the square btw. 1908 – 1914.
All about Monuments Prague 1 Distict – historical cener read here
The observation point of the STB ( (State Security Service – Czechoslovakia state police)
If you would like to see Prague through the eyes of the secret service agents you have the unique opportunity. All you have to do is climb up the tower of St. Nicholas Church. There is a former reconstructed observation point of the State Security known as KAJKA opened to the public here. There used to be more than seventy of such observation points in Prague but only this one has been opened to the public.
Because the service was carried out mainly by the retired agents KAJKA used to be called also Dědkárna („old geezer house“) or Dědkostroj („old geezer machine“). The task of these agents was to monitor the motion of the vehicles and people in the neighbourhood of the US ambassy and also of their allies – mainly Japan, Great Britain and Germany. If you decide to visit this interesting exposition you can see the photos that were taken by the viewfinder of the Secret Service. Further you can see the objects coming from that period which were essential for the work of the secret agent. KAJKA is opened daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lucie Niebauerová
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Address:
Malostranské náměstí
Praha 1, 110 00
GPS: Loc: 50°5′15.59″N, 14°24′12″E
Conection:
Tram: 12, 20, 22, 57 – Malostranské náměstí
Bus : 292 – Malostranské náměstí
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Tourist guide PRAGUE CITY LINE - Prague 1 (7,0 MiB, 18 485 hits)
Prague 1 still belongs to one of the most attractive parts of the whole Prague. Probably nowhere else you can find such a concentration of historic monuments and places where the history and romance of bygone times are all around you. Hardly anywhere you can walk on the same paths where were walking Franz Kafka, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the Golem of Prague.
Other interesting links – Read also
All about: Prague 1 Monuments more read here
All about: Prague 2 Monuments more read here
All about: Prague 3 Monuments more read here
All about: Prague Castle more read here
All about: Royal route and the coronation of King more read here
All about: Petrin Hill more read here
All about: Old Town Square more read here
All about: Jewish Prague more read here
All about: Prague Gardens and Parks more read here
Traditional Royal Route
Take the traditional route of Czech kings. Discover the most interesting sights of Prague. Everything is described in articles and accompanied by lots of photos. Click here to get on the page of the Royal Route.
Prague Candy Festival 2017
The sweetest festival of the year in hotel Pyramida! All the sweets lovers are meeting at 8th April 2017 from 12 till 19 pm at hotel Pyramida where the second year of Prague candy festival is held.
ONE-HOUR RIVER CRUISE
A cruise is truly one of the most delightful ways to see the beauties on offer in the historical centre of Prague. During the cruise you will get unforgettable views from the deck, refreshing drinks and a fascinating commented tour.
Old Town Square
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