Prague and Good King Wenceslas
From the statue to the tomb of the king in the English carol.
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The English carol “Good King Wenceslas” from 1853 is about Václav, a 10th-century Duke of Bohemia and the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The walk goes from his equestrian statue on Wenceslas Square to his tomb in St Vitus Cathedral at the castle. On the way you pass the Christmas market and tree on Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and St Nicholas Church in Malá Strana. On the evening of 5 December, Mikuláš walks through the old town with an angel and a devil, handing out sweets to good children.
The stops
- 1
St Wenceslas Statue
The equestrian statue of Wenceslas, with other Czech patron saints around the base. In Advent there is a Christmas market on the square.
- 2
Old Town Square
Prague's largest Christmas market and tree, between the Týn Church and the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock.
- 3
Charles Bridge
The 14th-century stone bridge over the Vltava. Go early or late to avoid the crowds.
- 4
St Nicholas Church
The baroque church in Malá Strana is dedicated to St Nicholas, who in Czech tradition brings gifts on 5 December.
- 5
St Vitus Cathedral
The St Wenceslas Chapel in the cathedral is built over his tomb.
About the trip
- Where
- Prague
- Getting around
- On foot
- Time
- 2 h 20 min
- Distance
- 3.4 km
- Stops
- 5
- Themes
- History, Views
Practical
- Start
- The Wenceslas statue at the top of Wenceslas Square, by Muzeum metro station (lines A and C).
- Finish
- St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. Tram 22 stops at Pražský hrad.
- Toilets
- In the metro stations, in cafés by Old Town Square and in the castle grounds.
- Accessibility
- Cobblestones all the way, and the climb up Nerudova to the castle is steep. There is a security check at the castle entrance, and you need a ticket to reach the St Wenceslas Chapel.