The Old Town Square
/ Prague, Czech Republic
The
city of Prague has been around since the 7th century. This city is a treasure trove of medieval
buildings. From the St Vitus Cathedral to the Old Town Square, you can see the
medieval aspects all around you. As it is playing an important role in today’s history,
it played an equally important role in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages,
Prague was an important trading center. Due to the Vltava River connecting to the
Elbe River, this no doubt helped with trading. The Old Town Square is a perfect
example of trade in Prague. Built in the 12th century, the square was
originally used as a place where people could buy and sell goods. This allowed the people of Prague access to important supplies and materials. 
The Old Town Square hosted many buyers and sellers in the Middle Ages. Due to the commerce on the square, many of the main medieval buildings are on or near the square. For example, The Church of Our Lady before Týn is located on the square. Though this building was constructed in the 14th century, there was a church on this site in the 11th century. The 11th century church was most likely used as a hospital church for foreign merchants. Due to this, it is not surprising that the square was built a century later. Overall, Prague is a place of immense history of trade. From the Old Town Square to The Church of Our Lady before Týn, Prague is truly a page out of a history book.
Sources
Forrest. “Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží Před Týnem).” Prague.eu, https://www.prague.eu/en/object/places/76/church-of-our-lady-before-tyn-chram-matky-bozi-pred-tynem.
“Old Town Square.” Old Town Square in Prague - Prague Experience, https://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=594.
“Prague History.” Brief History of Prague, Czech Republic |Prague.com, https://www.prague.com/v/history/.
I liked your incorporation of the square as discussed in class. The idea of buying and selling in the town square brings to mind the Plaza Mayor in Spain and makes me wonder if this medieval type of trading stuck around and influenced Spain.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures of the city of Prague are absolutely breathtaking. I enjoyed reading how the Old Town Square helped shape the town. I do have one question, how is this fascinating city playing an “important role” in today’s history? Great blog!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post reflecting the impact of location on the creation of medieval cities due to trade, which we have been discussing in class. Growing up one of my friends was from the Czech Republic and he would go visit Prague every year. He always talked about how beautiful and different it was from here, and now I know why!
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