Hradčanské Náměstí or Hradcanske Square- The Architectural Treasure Trove of Prague

Hradcanske Square. Prague

Hradčanské náměstí (or Hradcanske Square) is an area lying in front of Prague Castle, filled with gorgeous buildings and palaces. But how did this large square come about? And how is it directly in connection with Prague Castle? That’s what we’re going to take a look at today.

The first time this square appears in any records is around 1320. This was when a new part of Prague called Hradčany came about in the area in front of the Castle. It had always been the least important part of Prague. However, the look of this part of the city changed dramatically after the great fire of Prague in year 1541. This fire burned down two thirds of all buildings on this side of the river. Most people did not have enough money to pay for restoration. Due to this, many nobles were able to purchase property in front of the Castle, (who started construction of their palaces there to be as close to the king as possible).

Because of this, Hradcanske Square is today filled with many astonishing buildings, such as the amazing renaissance Schwarzenberg Palace, Salmovsky Palace, Tuscany palace, Archbishop’s palace and many others.

Besides many palaces there are few other things worth mentioning. The first one is an amazing candelabra-type streetlamp, forged in year 1868. In the past, Prague was full of these street lamps. But unfortunately, most of them disappeared over the years. Today Prague has only three of them.

Just a few steps from the candelabra is a column with a plaque on it, built between 1725-36. It commemorates a big plague here in 1713 and 1714. The sculptural decorations being made by one of the most famous sculptors working in Prague at that time – Ferdinand Maxmilian Brokoff, the creator of many sculptures for the Charles Bridge and other sculptures in various churches and palaces across Prague.

Hradcanske Square info:

Map ref.: 50.0895572, 14.3969400 ( middle of the square)