The Renaissance Town Hall on Republic Square Plzeň

The Renaissance Town Hall on Republic Square Plzeň was built between 1554 and 1559. It was designed by Italian architect Giovanni de Statia. The building reflects the wealth of Plzeň during the Renaissance era. You will notice the beautiful facade covered in sgraffito. These drawings depict historical figures and city emblems. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the Czech Republic.

Inside, the building still serves as the seat of the city government. You can often find art exhibitions in the main hall. The ground floor houses a detailed model of the city. This model shows how Plzeň looked in the 18th century. It is a great way to orient yourself before exploring further. Visitors can also see the historic council chamber during special events.

The town hall is a central point for many free things to see in Plzeň city center. You can admire the exterior at any time of day. The lighting at night makes the sgraffito pop. It is a must-see for anyone interested in European architecture. Check the official municipal portal for information on interior tours.

Top 10 Republic Square Plzeň Landmarks

Republic Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It is surrounded by historic townhouses and cultural sites. Here are the top 10 things to see while visiting the square and its immediate surroundings. This list includes a mix of religious sites, museums, and modern art.

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): Puppet Museum
• Quick Pick (Best Free Sight): The Golden Fountains
• Quick Pick (Best History): Plzeň Historical Underground

1. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: It features the highest church spire in the Czech Republic. Best for: Viewpoint seekers. Where: Center of Republic Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk to the center of the square. Tip: Climb the tower for the best city views.
2. Name: Marian Plague Column Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque monument built in 1681 to thank God for the end of a plague. Best for: History buffs. Where: Northwest corner of the square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located next to the Town Hall. Tip: Look for the gold-plated statue of the Madonna on top.
3. Name: The Golden Fountains Type: Sight Why go: Three modern fountains representing an angel, a greyhound, and a camel from the city coat of arms. Best for: Photography. Where: Three corners of Republic Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily visible on the square. Tip: They look best when illuminated at night.
4. Name: Puppet Museum Type: Museum Why go: Plzeň has a long tradition of puppetry. This museum is interactive and fun. Best for: Families with children. Where: Eastern side of Republic Square. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the Cathedral. Tip: Try the puppets on the top floor.
5. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Experience Why go: Explore a 14th-century labyrinth of tunnels used for food storage and brewing. Best for: Adventure. Where: Entrance at Veleslavínova street, near the square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Ticketed. Getting there: 2-minute walk from the Town Hall. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground.
6. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the history of beer in the only surviving medieval brewing house. Best for: Beer lovers. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Shared entrance with the Underground. Tip: The ticket often includes a beer voucher for adults.
7. Name: Chotěšov House Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Renaissance house that now hosts local exhibitions. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Republic Square, southern side. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Varies by exhibit. Getting there: Short walk from the fountains. Tip: Check the courtyard for hidden architectural details.
8. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Best for: Cultural history. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků, near the square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Ticketed. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the square. Tip: Check for concert schedules in the main hall.
9. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: Dedicated to the liberation of Plzeň by the US Army in 1945. Best for: WWII history. Where: Pobřežní street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Ticketed. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the square. Tip: Visit during the Liberation Festival in May.
10. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Day trip Why go: Take a Pilsner Urquell brewery tour to see where the world's first golden lager was born. Best for: Iconic local experience. Where: U Prazdroje. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Ticketed. Getting there: 15-minute walk or short tram ride from the center. Tip: Book your tour online in advance.

Planning Your Visit to Republic Square

Visiting the Renaissance Town Hall on Republic Square Plzeň is easy. Most of the best attractions in Plzeň are within walking distance. The square is the city's main hub for trams and buses. If you arrive by train, the walk to the square takes about 15 minutes. You can use the official tourism board website to check for local events.

The square is most lively during the summer months. You will find outdoor cafes and seasonal markets. In December, it hosts one of the most charming Christmas markets in the country. The area is flat and easy to navigate for people with limited mobility. Public restrooms are available near the Cathedral and in the Town Hall.

For the best photos of the Town Hall, arrive early in the morning. The soft light hits the sgraffito perfectly at sunrise. Avoid the midday crowds if you want a clear view of the facades. Most museums on the square are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid disappointment.