Václavské Námestí - Wenceslas Square

With the accession of Wenceslas, first Přemysl prince of that name, Bohemia passes out of legend into ordered history; its rulers are henceforth properly labelled and dated. This is chiefly due to the spread of Christianity; priests and monks take up the tale of kindly Saga, and keep careful record of events.

These chroniclers were not as a rule unbiassed; I cannot see how they could have been otherwise, for not only did they undertake the task of compiling history, they were constantly making propaganda for their own ideals against the paganism which still had a considerable hold on the sons of Czech.

Monkish chroniclers sang the praises of Prince Wenceslas. My spelling of this name is incorrect, but it is more familiar to English eyes than any other, as our Christmas carol "puts it with a 'we.'" I do not suggest that this St. Wenceslas is identical with the "Good King Wenceslas" we sing about—in fact, I have discovered another ruler of that name who fits the part much better; but of this more anon.

The correct version of this saintly prince's name is Vaclav, pronounced Vatslav. It is as well to get a proper grip of this word, as the show street in the town is named Václavské Námestí, which means Wenceslas Place; the Germans call it Wenzelsplatz. It is advisable to acquire the Czech version of the name, as the Václavské Námestí is in the business and amusement quarter of the town.