Shop at a Christmas market, admire a striking 19th-century church and watch a performance at a one-time military theatre at this attractive square.
Peace Square (náměstí Míru) is a public piazza and garden set at the heart of Prague’s laid-back Vinohrady district. Appreciate its art nouveau landmarks, beautiful church and handicraft fairs. Flower-filled lawns, pathways and a central plaza decorate Peace Square, making it a popular place for children to play games and friends to meet and chat.
Dominating the square’s eastern side is the Church of St. Ludmila, built between 1888 and 1893 by Czech architect Josef Mocker. Its neo-Gothic façade has twin 200-foot-tall (60-meter) spires, a rose window and sculptures of biblical characters. Josef Václav Myslbek, who designed the statue of St. Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square, contributed to the interior artwork. Watch the 2006 remake of the movie The Omen to spot the church featured in this horror film.
Check the event schedule at the art nouveau-style Vinohrady Theatre, which hosts performances of comedies, dramas and musicals. Inaugurated in 1907, from 1950 to 1966 it served as the theater of the Czechoslovakian Army. Another interesting building is the National House of Vinohrady, located behind the church. Come here to enjoy classical music recitals, galas and jazz concerts in its opulent halls.
Visit the square in December to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Prague’s Christmas markets. Browse stalls for Christmas decorations, ceramics, glassware and wooden toys, among other handcrafted items. Sample local delicacies such as trdelnik (pastry covered in caramelized sugar and cinnamon) and sip some svařák (mulled wine). At Easter, vendors sell hand-painted eggs and baked goods.
The square is about a 10-minute drive southeast of Prague’s Old Town. Public buses, trams and the metro all stop at the square. Have a meal in the Vinohrady district, known for its many cafés and restaurants, which offer everything from Italian to Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine.
Enjoy Peace Square and its attractions on a daily basis. Visit the official websites of Vinohrady Theatre and the National House of Vinohrady to find up-to-date event schedules. Purchase tickets online or in person at the venues.
