Crusaders' Square

The Crusaders' Square (Křižovnické Náměstí, also translated as Knights of the Cross Square) is often teeming with tourists on their way to the famous Charles Bridge. Most people don't pay much attention to the square as they are fixated on the view towards the bridge and the Vltava river.

In the middle of the square stands a large bronze statue of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The statue was created in 1848 on the occasion of the 500 year anniversary of the founding of the Carolinum (Charles University) by Charles IV. The monarch is shown holding the deed of foundation of the university in his right hand.

To the east, opposite the Charles Bridge, the Crusaders' Square is bounded by the St. Salvator church, built between 1572 and 1602 by the Italian architects Francesco Caratti and Carlo Lurago. The Salvator Church was the first Jesuit church in the city and it was part of the Clementinum, a large Jesuit college.
The church was designed in Renaissance style with Rococo decorations and a large Baroque portal. The towers, designed by Czech architect František Maximilán Kaňka, were added later, in the 18th century.

Another church, the St. Franciscus Church, borders the Crusaders' square on the north side. The domed church was built between 1679 and 1689 after a design by the French architect Jean Baptiste Mathey. The Baroque interior is well worth a visit; highlights include a large dome ceiling painting of the 'Last Judgment' by Wenzel Lorenz, beautiful stucco and several altar paintings. The famous Czech composer Antonín Dvoŕák worked here as an organist.

The crowning piece of the Crusaders' Square is the Old Town Bridge tower, a magnificent Gothic tower built in the 14th century as a gate to the Charles Bridge.
The tower was designed by Peter Parler as part of Prague's defensive fortifications and is decorated with statues and ornaments.