In Nové Mesto, which means New Town in Czech, we will discover Prague’s recent past. Better yet, we will further understand the spirit that has fed Czech people’s desire for independence – both from the Austrian Empire in the early 20th century and from the grip of the Soviet government in the late part of the century. As we shall discover, urban planning and art, especially the Art Nouveau that is particular to Prague, played an important role in that quest.
In order to discover this district, our walk will begin at the foot of the Powder Tower, right next to the monumental Municipal House. From there, we will take Na Prikope Avenue, one of the liveliest streets in Prague, until we reach Wenceslas Square, symbol of Czech resistance – it seems that all of the revolts, from the Revolution of 1848 to the Velvet Revolution of 1990, happened there. On top of this, Wenceslas Square is a monumental architectural ensemble, where the most diverse styles cohabit side by side: Viennese Secession, Art Nouveau, Neoclassical and more.