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Now the main street of Prague’s commercial district Wencelas Square itsef is of major historical interest - it was first laid out over 600 years ago and since then has been a regular parade ground for every kind of person, organisation or political party known in the Czech Republic. The street can, and has before, comfortably hold 400,000 people.
The 750-meter long and 60 meter wide boulevard originates from the Charles IV period when it was used as a horse market. In the upper part of the boulevard the statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse can be seen. He is the good king Vaclav, who was murdered by his brother over a thousand years ago, and who over the years has become a national hero. The artist J.V. Myslbek began to make this statue in year 1884 and 36 years later it was finished.
A few meters from the statue a plaque stands in memory of those, who were killed during the Communist period, including Jan Palach, a 20 year old student, who set fire to himself in January 1969, in protest against the Soviet invasion, four month earlier. Jan Palach died three days later with 85% burns. 800.000 people followed the funeral.
Today the street is a hustle and bustle of commerce, tourist shops, restaurants, casinos, hotels and countless shops, and prostitutes. The major historical sights are all within walking distance of the street.
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read more about history of Wenceslas Square |
