Old Town Square

I keep thinking that Prague is Bratislava-on-steroids. Both cities have an "old town square," with a similar look and feel, but of course Prague's is much bigger. Both squares have welcoming outdoor cafes, room for pedestrians and celebrations, and an enticing mix of architecture spanning the centuries -- baroque, gothic, nouveau.

Both cities are filled with historic buildings in pastel shades of blue, yellow, green, pink, and salmon, part of the characteristic look of this part of Europe. Staroměstské náměstí (Czech for Old Town Square) has been Prague's town center since the 10th century. Reportedly, the Nazis destroyed part of the Old Town Hall and the first Communist leader declared his triumph here, so it has not all been happy memories.

One distinction between cities is the traditional representational painting on building exteriors in Prague, and this Square has several. This one is on the south side, next to a house where Einstein practiced his violin, according to a plaque by the door.

Here's another, on the western edge of the Square.

This one is just one block to the north.

A big tourist attraction in Prague is the Astronomical Clock on the west side of the Square. Throngs of people crowd around just before the hour to see some little figures pop out at the top. They're easy to miss if you blink.

A huge, garish advertising sign for Skoda automobiles is in the center of the Square. It's more tolerable when you read (in English) that the proceeds from the ad are paying for the restoration of the statue behind the screen. Welcome to capitalism!

Here's a brief movie clip to give a sense of the size and bustle of the crowds, even in early November.