Wenceslas Square (Václavske náměstí), Prague

Prague's main thoroughfare is more of a sloping boulevard than a square, with a central concourse flanked by two roadways. The hub of cultural, social and business activity with its many shops, hotels, bars and restaurants, it is busy both day and night. The square has long been the center of protest from a large outdoor mass demonstration in 1848 to the declaration of the first Republic in 1918, not forgetting the anti-communist protests of 1968 and the Velvet Revolution gatherings of 1989. It came into being in 1348 as part of the New Town and was originally used (and known) as the Horse Market until 1848 when it was finally given its present name. The square is dominated by the National Museum at the top end, just below which is the Wenceslas Monument. In December the square is abuzz with the spirit of the city's Christmas Market .