Think Wenceslas Square is Prague’s largest? Think again.

While Wenceslas Square holds deep historical significance, the title of Prague’s largest square belongs to Charles Square, covering over 80,000 square meters. This often-overlooked space is not only the largest square in Prague but ranks among the largest in Europe.

Brief History

Charles Square (in Czech: Karlovo náměstí) – formerly known as the Cattle Market – spans an impressive 80,552 square meters—nearly double the size of Wenceslas Square.

With Wenceslas Square (Horse Market) and Senovážné náměstí (Hay Market), it became one of the newly founded town’s three main squares.

These squares were connected with one street (today streets Vodičkova and Jindřišská). Charles Square was supposed to be the most important square of the New Town of Prague and probably of the whole of Prague, therefore the Town Hall of the New Town was built there.

Despite these plans the most important square later became Wenceslas Square.

On 30 July 1419 the Hussite Wars broke out in this square, when Hussites led by priest Jan Želivský threw some Catholic councilors from windows of the New Town Hall. This event is called “the First Defenestration of Prague”.

Notable Landmarks on Charles Square

Charles Square is home to several important architectural gems. The Baroque Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, formerly a Jesuit church, stands as a prominent feature of the square. Surrounding the square are additional historical buildings that add to its charm.

Among the oldest buildings are the New Town Hall building, dating back to the time of Charles IV, and the Mladota Palace (Faust House); other significant buildings include the neo-Renaissance Czech Technical University building.

The Breweries

The effect of having a cattle market on Charles Square also led to a boom in breweries in the area not just because there was a market but also because of what was being used in it.

Two of the streets that bisect Charles Square are called Ječna and Žitna which translate as Barley Street and Corn Street and would have been the main route into the city for cereal cattle feed. Žitna on its own had more than twelve breweries.

World War Two

Charles Square was the scene of the single biggest loss of life in the accidental bombing of the city on February 14th, 1945 when a building being used for shelter received a direct hit killing almost 100 people. Another WW2 location is just 200 meters away down the hill called Resslova. On the right is the Church of ST Cyril and Methodius.

 

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Sixty Czech citizens have attained official permission to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Novinky.cz reports that this was announced by Filip Platoš, President Petr Pavel’s spokesman, as reported by European Pravda

The spokesman noted that so far, Petr Pavel has approved 60 applications from Czech citizens who asked to be allowed to defend Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in agreement with the ministries of defense, interior and foreign affairs. A total of 181 such requests have been received.

Czech citizens are prohibited from joining a foreign army without the permission of the Czech president, which is a criminal offense. However, for those who have already done so, there is an opportunity to obtain permission retroactively.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded by commenting that the Czech president “clearly does not need” the citizens he released as volunteers to Ukraine.

Officially, four Czechs fighting for Ukraine as volunteers were killed in action. Among them is Karel Kucera, who was posthumously awarded the Medal for Heroism by President Petr Pavel on Czech Independence Day.

Karel traveled to Ukraine without official permission, having not received consent from then-President Miloš Zeman.

This week, it became known that two more volunteers who fought for Ukraine – one from Georgia and one from Sweden – were killed at the front.

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The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has released its forecast for the upcoming week, predicting a significant dip in temperatures with frost setting in across the country.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the weather you can expect.

Monday:

The week begins with partly cloudy to clear skies, though fog and frost may appear in the early morning and evening. Intervals of cloud cover are likely during the day, with occasional light drizzle.

Overnight lows will plummet to around -3°C, while daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 8°C and 12°C.

Tuesday and Wednesday:

A cold front will push in by Tuesday, bringing cloudier skies and further temperature drops. Expect daytime highs to settle between 4°C and 8°C.

Nighttime temperatures will dip below freezing, while areas that catch some sunshine during the day may see temps rise to around 10°C.

Thursday:

Sunny intervals return on Thursday with clear to partly cloudy skies and patches of morning fog. Daytime highs should rebound slightly to 12°C, though areas blanketed by low clouds may stay cooler, around 5°C.

Friday and the Weekend:

Friday through Sunday will bring a mix of clouds and sun, with early fog and frost likely, especially in the morning. Overnight temperatures will range from +3°C to -1°C, and daytime highs will vary from 8°C to 12°C.

In areas under low cloud cover, temperatures will linger around 5°C.

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With November here, it’s time for St. Martin’s Day, a celebration filled with traditional roast goose and young wine.

If you’re looking to enjoy this festive meal without cooking, we’ve compiled a list of top spots in Prague where you can find a St. Martin’s feast that won’t disappoint.

1. Výčep

In Vinohrady, Výčep features a St. Martin’s feast as one of its marquee events. Celebrations start on Friday, November 8, and run through the weekend. Their menu includes kaldoun soup (a thick soup) and starters like goose liver with garlic or wine-infused goose sausage.

The main attraction is the confit goose leg, served with trampled red and white cabbage, dumplings, and semolina gnocchi. For dessert, indulge in a slice of Wallachian frgál (a special kind of kolach, made from thinly rolled out yeasted dough filled with sweet fillings).

Address: Korunní 92, Prague

2. Červený Jelen

For a family-friendly experience or group outing, Červený Jelen offers a whole goose with dumplings, gnocchi, red cabbage, and confit vegetables. Designed to serve four to five people, this meal must be ordered in advance. Diners can also opt for an individual goose leg with similar sides. The St. Martin’s menu runs from Friday, November 8, to Monday, November 11, and includes kaldoun soup, goose pâté, and rum sauce buns for dessert.

Address: Hybernská 1034/5, Prague 1
Price: Whole goose with sides CZK 2,500, goose leg with sides CZK 595

3. Café Imperial and Next Door

Visit Zdeněk Pohlreich’s establishments for a well-rounded three-course menu. Café Imperial and Next Door both serve kaldoun soup, an appetizer, and roast goose from November 8 to 17. For traditionalists, Café Imperial pairs the goose with bread dumplings and white cabbage, while Next Door offers potato dumplings and red cabbage, accompanied by a goose liver parfait with quince and brioche.

Address: Na Poříčí 15, Prague 1 (Café Imperial) | Zlatnická 3, Prague 1 (Next Door)
Price: Portion of roast goose with sides CZK 595

4. Lokál

Starting Saturday, November 9, enjoy Czech free-range goose at any of the seven Lokál restaurants in Prague. Here, roast goose is served with red cabbage and apple and accompanied by bread or potato dumplings, or lokše. This traditional meal is available until Monday, November 11.

Each Lokál location under the Ambiente brand provides a cozy atmosphere and high-quality Czech cuisine, making it a great choice for St. Martin’s Day festivities.

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As Prague’s electric car numbers rise, free parking for these vehicles will end this year.

The main reason behind this policy change is the steady increase in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, especially in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region.

However, despite this growth, electric vehicles still represent only about 1% of the city’s total registered cars.

Electric Cars Dominate in Prague, But Still Make Up Only 1%

With roughly 1.3 million cars registered in Prague, only 15,000 are fully electric, making up slightly more than 1% of the city’s vehicles. Although alternative-fuel cars are gaining a foothold, their overall share remains minimal.

According to data from the Technical Administration of Roads, diesel remains the second most popular fuel type after gasoline in Prague.

Vehicles using alternative fuels—including LPG, hybrids, and electric power—account for 3.32% of all cars in the city. Vehicle registrations rose significantly last year, adding 43,975 new cars and pushing Prague’s total to over 1.3 million, most of which are passenger vehicles.

Planned Increase in Charging Stations Across Prague

In response to the rising number of electric cars, Prague aims to build up to 1,500 new charging stations between 2025 and 2027. These facilities are designed to serve residents who lack charging options at home.

“Our goal is to make electromobility accessible to everyone, so it doesn’t remain a privilege for those with their own garages,” explains Zdeněk Hřib, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.

Hřib adds that Prague is investing heavily in public charging infrastructure, with plans to leverage European subsidies to support expansion.

“The purpose of publicly accessible charging stations and support for electromobility is to enhance the quality of the urban environment by cutting emissions and noise from road traffic.”

Reduced Parking Fees for Electric Cars in Paid Zones

Beyond charging facilities, Prague is exploring additional incentives for electric vehicles, such as preferential pricing in paid parking zones.

The upcoming reform of the city’s paid parking policy aims to offer reduced rates for electric vehicles, along with reserved spaces at charging stations. “This is just one way we plan to continue supporting electromobility,” Hřib added.

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From November 3-5, Prague’s metro stations—Kačerov, Budějovická, Vyšehrad, and I. P. Pavlova—will host the Festival for Passengers, celebrating the Prague metro’s 50th anniversary with a remarkable lineup of live performances, artistic displays, and interactive exhibits.

Organized by the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague (GHMP) in partnership with the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP), this festival aims to reshape how passengers experience urban travel.

Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can explore unique art performances and installations designed to enliven their commute. Events include a rare cleaning of Kačerov station’s travertine fountain, a pantomime performance at Budějovická, and a choreographic installation at I. P. Pavlova critiquing the repetitive nature of modern travel routines.

Art Installations to Enhance the Metro for Months Ahead

In addition to the weekend festivities, the LCL project will install several temporary artworks in metro stations, enhancing the visual landscape for months to come. Highlights include:

• Interactive QR codes by Praho! at Kačerov
• A deconstructed peasant chair by artist Petr Vykoukal at Budějovická
• A sound installation by Michal Kindernay at Pražského povstání
• A painting by Vojtěch Proske, inspired by urban infrastructure, at I. P. Pavlova

This array of artistic expressions is intended to add a fresh, creative element to Prague’s public transport system.

“This festival marks not only 50 years of the C metro line but also a deeper connection between art and public spaces. I am eager to see how live art will invigorate stations, enrich the travel experience, and brighten passengers’ days,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor of Prague.

A complete schedule of performances and events can be found on the GHMP website.

 

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Portugal could see a ‘big spike’ in stag and hen parties arriving from the UK in 2025 following Prague’s decision to ban pub crawls.

Organized pub crawls are set to be banned in the Czech capital from 10 pm until 6 am in a bid to curb noise pollution in the city.

According to UK stag and hen do experts, StagWeb.co.uk and GoHen.com, this could result in many partiers looking to Portugal for their big pre-wedding celebrations.

“Post-pandemic, we saw a big drop-off in people heading to Eastern Europe in favor of Spanish and Portuguese destinations and that will almost certainly increase in 2025 following Prague’s decision to ban organized pub crawls,” said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb and GoHen.

“Initially, the war in Ukraine was causing a lot of uncertainty in the region and saw people looking elsewhere but we were expecting travel to return to the region in 2025.

“However, introducing a pub crawl ban is a statement for stags and hens to think twice about heading to Prague and we expect even more to turn to Spain and Portugal next year.

“Whether it’s Lisbon, Albufeira, or elsewhere, Portugal is known for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming atmosphere and is perfectly positioned to benefit economically from this.

“In 2019, Prague was our most popular destination by far but has since dropped off with Lisbon and Albufeira both rising above as popular party destinations.”

The ban in Prague will be enforced by the city police force between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with organizers of the pub crawls who violate it facing fines of up to CZK 100,000.

Prague is not the first European capital to start trying to discourage a certain type of tourist from visiting.

Amsterdam last year launched a campaign of “stay away” adverts aimed at young British men that are triggered when people in Britain enter terms into search engines such as “stag party Amsterdam”, “cheap hotel Amsterdam” and “pub crawl Amsterdam”.

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On November 1, 2024, Movember officially kicks off—a global movement spotlighting the prevention of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health.

What started as a small initiative among a few Australian surfers has since evolved into a worldwide campaign, with millions participating to support men’s health by growing moustaches in solidarity. In the Czech Republic, the campaign is led by the Men Against Cancer Foundation (NF MPR).

In Prague, Movember launched on October 31 with a public exhibition in front of Prague’s City Hall at Mariánské Square.

This display, featuring sixteen informative panels, aims to educate the public on critical topics surrounding prostate and testicular cancer prevention. Supported by Prague’s Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda and Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija, the exhibit will be accessible until November 27.

Mayor Svoboda emphasized the campaign’s impact: “Movember serves as a visible reminder to promote a healthy lifestyle and awareness about conditions like testicular and prostate cancer. Whether or not you’re a fan of moustaches, consider embracing them this month to support this important cause.”

Deputy Mayor Udženija added, “November is the time for moustaches to grow and for awareness to spread. Thanks to Movember, men’s health issues are no longer taboo. Just as we dedicate October to breast cancer awareness, November is about men’s health. I wish everyone good health—preserving it through proactive prevention is within our reach.”

Community Participation in Movember

Movember, a blend of “moustache” and “November,” attracts tens of thousands of Czech participants each year, from athletes and artists to local businesses and larger organizations.

Men grow moustaches throughout November as a visual commitment to men’s health. Beyond awareness, the campaign raises funds for the purchase of medical equipment to support oncology units across the Czech Republic, with grants awarded based on priority needs.

“Thanks to Movember and the Men Against Cancer Foundation, the Czech Republic has implemented a nationwide prostate cancer screening program for men aged 50 to 69.

This program, which we’ve advocated for over years, is essential—there are few countries with similar initiatives,” noted Dr. Roman Zachoval, Head of Urology at the 3rd Faculty of Medicine at Charles University and Chairman of the Czech Urological Society.

Movember’s Growing Support Network

This year’s campaign also gained the backing of the British Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Matt Fields, actor and director Miroslav Krobot, and other notable figures like David Matásek and Filip Kaňkovský. T

he campaign introduces the theme “Do you remember?” as part of prostate cancer awareness, incorporating nostalgic symbols familiar to men of the target screening age. Additionally, the awareness campaign will share a moving, real-life story to engage younger audiences through educational programs in primary and secondary schools.

How to Participate in Movember

Anyone can join Movember by registering as an individual or creating a team on the Czech website cz.movember.com/register. Participants are encouraged to involve friends, colleagues, and family, raising funds creatively to support the cause.

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Prague Shakespeare Company (PSC), the Czech Republic’s professional English-language theatre, is marking its 17th year alongside a 10-year anniversary of its partnership with Národní divadlo by premiering Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

Directed by PSC Artistic Director Guy Roberts, the production opens on 2 November at the historic Estates Theatre, with Czech subtitles by Martin Hilský.

The cast features PSC regulars Karel Hermanek ml, Jared Doreck, Jeff Smith, Bob Boudreaux, Jenn Kirk, and Genevieve Gionet. They are joined by acclaimed American-Jewish actor Irwin Appel as Shylock and recent Prague residents, Dawn Stern and Stephan Wolfert.

Stern and Wolfert, celebrated for their contributions to PSC’s Summer and Winter Shakespeare Intensives, have also been regular collaborators as educators and performers with PSC.

An Interview with Dawn Stern and Stephan Wolfert

Prague Morning: You’ve both built successful careers in LA, NYC, and internationally. As PSC Associate Artists, what drew you to relocate to Prague?

Dawn Stern: We thrive in creative communities, and PSC excels in cultivating a welcoming artistic community. Prague’s vibrant theatre culture and work-life balance also appeal to us. With nearly three decades each as actors, our priorities have shifted toward working with people we truly enjoy, and PSC has consistently been a joy.

Prague Morning: You have extensive experience with Shakespeare. Why do audiences continue to revisit his plays?

Stephan Wolfert: We met while performing Shakespeare, so his work is close to our hearts. Shakespeare’s plays allow audiences to explore what it means to be human. Through his characters, we confront love, jealousy, ambition, and other facets of the human experience.

Prague Morning: Stephan, can you tell us about DE-CRUIT®?

SW: DE-CRUIT® is a unique program combining Shakespeare and psychological science to support trauma recovery. Initially designed for military veterans, DE-CRUIT® has been scientifically studied (with Dr. Alisha Ali, NYU) and published in 19 peer-reviewed journals. Using classical acting techniques, cognitive science, and narrative therapy, it helps participants process trauma through language, rhythm, and storytelling. We work with veterans, first responders, and individuals in recovery, helping them build self-efficacy and experience post-traumatic growth.

Prague Morning: Dawn, as a mental health professional, do you think Shakespeare helps audiences confront trauma?

DS: Yes, Shakespeare gives us language to articulate trauma, which is vital to healing. His verse aligns with natural body rhythms, enabling audiences to process intense emotions safely. Experiencing these journeys on stage can foster compassion and empathy, crucial for profound healing.

Prague Morning: How does performing The Merchant of Venice on the Estates Theatre stage feel?

SW: It’s a dream come true for two Midwest kids to perform on a stage steeped in history, where luminaries like Mozart have performed.

Prague Morning: What’s unique about PSC’s Shakespeare training programs?

SW: PSC’s programs emphasize real-world experience. Participants perform on historic stages, directed by active industry professionals, building resumes and forming a global artistic network.

DS: They also build connections with peers that endure, creating a network they can collaborate with worldwide.

 

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Prague 1 welcomes U Horské brány Street—a short but historically significant stretch created as part of the ongoing transformation around Masaryk Station.

Running from the intersection of Hybernská and Opletalova streets, this street sets the stage for broader pedestrian and cyclist connections toward Vítkov and Žižkov as future renovations extend from the center toward Florenc.

In the long term, as development progresses around the Masaryk Station brownfield, U Horské brány Street will offer a safe, car-free route from the center to the outer neighborhoods.

The new street is expected to alleviate congestion by eventually providing a bypass to the heavily trafficked U Bulhara intersection.

For now, it offers a more practical benefit—a new public parking lot, Prague’s first in the city center in over twenty years, located beneath the main road at the street’s endpoint.

Discovering History Underfoot: The Legacy of Horská Gate

The name U Horské brány, or “Mountain Gate Street,” wasn’t selected by chance.

Before The Cloud One hotel construction, archaeologists from Archaia uncovered remnants of a road and fortifications dating back to Prague’s New Town era. This discovery included the foundations of the original Horská Gate, built in the mid-14th century as part of the city’s fortifications, providing access to Kutná Hora.

It’s even said that Frederick the Palatine fled through this gate following the Battle of White Mountain. It was also through this very passage that Swedish forces entered Prague in the last days of the Thirty Years’ War.

What’s Next?

Penta’s next phase aims to expand development from Masaryk Station toward Florenc, planning to hold architectural competitions by the end of the year for future urban blocks and facilities.

This ambitious redevelopment also includes the area’s bus terminal, which Penta gained through its purchase of ČSAD Praha Holding

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Alessandro Testa, an Italian Associate Professor at Charles University in Prague, has spent his career navigating the complexities of academic life across Europe.

His latest achievement? Landing a visiting professorship at one of the world’s most prestigious universities—UC Berkeley.

For Testa, this achievement is the culmination of a dynamic and far-reaching career, shaped by both mobility across Europe and a deep-rooted connection to key institutions like Charles University.

Born and raised in Italy, Testa’s academic path has taken him through some of Europe’s most renowned universities, including those in Florence, Rome, Estonia, and Paris, where he trained in anthropology, history, European ethnology, and religious studies.

After earning his PhD in social anthropology in 2013, Testa’s career trajectory led him to long-term, intensive research engagements in Estonia, Austria, Spain, and the Czech Republic. It was in Prague, however, where Testa found a strong base to further his research and teaching, and it is from here that he will now make the leap to Berkeley.

Reflecting on his upcoming move, Testa says, “Landing a position at Berkeley is a very important achievement for me. It’s a validation of the years of work I’ve put into my research, and I couldn’t have done it without the support and foundation I built across Europe, and at Charles University more in particular.”

Testa’s career is a study in balancing both academic mobility and scholarly rootedness. While he has conducted long-term ethnographic fieldwork across Europe, Prague has been a central hub for his work. “Prague has been more than just a stop along the way,” Testa notes. “It’s been a place where I could truly develop my ideas and lead projects that reflect my interests in European culture and history. Moreover, it is a city I am profoundly attached to – a city that I love.”

His extensive body of work, which spans themes from ritual studies to cultural heritage and the secularization in Europe, has positioned him as a leading thinker in his field. His contributions include five authored books, five edited volumes, and around 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, alongside numerous reviews, reports, and other writings.

Published in eight languages, his research has reached a global audience through over 200 keynote talks, invited lectures, and conference presentations in more than 30 countries. His expertise has been sought by top institutions, including Harvard University, the Sorbonne, and the Max Planck Institute.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the way rituals and collective memories shape identities and societies,” Testa explains. “My work at Charles University has allowed me to approach these topics with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe, which is a region rich in cultural and historical complexity.”

Fluent in seven languages, Testa’s ability to engage with diverse academic communities and social environments has enhanced his research. “Language is crucial in my field,” he says. “It’s not just about communicating but truly understanding the nuances of different cultures and societies.”

As Testa prepares for his next chapter at Berkeley, his career exemplifies how academics can blend international mobility with deep, long-term engagements at key institutions. “I’ve had the privilege to work in many places, but I’ve always kept a few key bases—Prague, Vienna, and Italy especially,” he reflects. “It’s this balance between movement and stability that has allowed me to grow as a scholar.”

With Charles University as a springboard, Testa is now poised to continue exploring these themes on a global stage. “It’s exciting to think about the opportunities ahead,” he says, “but no matter how rewarding my experience in the U.S. will be, I know already that after my visiting professorship in Berkeley, I will probably want to return to Europe and continue my path here.”