Jan Palach Square

The Mánes Bridge (1911–1916) connects Jan Palach Square to Malá Strana (Lesser Town) on the opposite bank.

This side of the square also offers a good view of Prague Castle, Petřín Hill and Charles Bridge.

The place however had many names through the history, as it was an important intersection since middle ages when there was an entrance to the main ford connecting both sides of the river and thus both parts of the city.

But when a new prominent building of Rudolfinum Concert Hall was constructed and the square got its shape, it was also named after the Crown Prince Rudolf.

Because of the Concert Hall, the place was renamed to Bedřich Smetana Square in honour of the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, after the proclamation of Czechoslovak Republic in 1918 and later to Mozartplatz in honour of the German composer W. A. Mozart during the time of German occupation.