Crusaders Square (Krzyzownica Square, Křižovnické náměstí) is one of the smallest and, at the same time, most visited squares in Prague.
Crusaders Square is located in the Old Town of Prague (Staré Město), on the Old Town (right) bank of the Vltava River in close proximity to the famous Charles Bridge (Karlów most) on The Royal Way (Královská cesta) in Prague Castle (Pražský hrad).
Although this square is small, it is very popular and visited, and is also the center of concentration of significant sights of Prague.
On the one hand, the Old Place leads to the square from the center Karlova Street (Karlova ulice), and on the other side lies the Charles Bridge, spanning the Vltava River.
In the Middle Ages, an arm of the Vltava River flowed in this place, separating the Island of the Crusaders, from which a vaulted arch was thrown to the Old Town shore in the 11th century, which allowed to expand the area near the bridge. The island, as well as the square, were named after the monastery of the Order of the Crusaders with a red star, which is located on the square.
The square acquired its modern appearance in 1848, when it was expanded and supplemented with a monumental monument to Charles IV.
Important historical buildings are concentrated around the square, which are of high artistic value and harmoniously combine Baroque and Gothic styles.
The eastern side of the square is framed by the ensemble of the complex of the former monastery of the Order of the Knights of the Cross with a Red star, which was founded by St. Agnes of Bohemia.
The complex stands out the Church of St. Francis of Assisi or the Church of St. Francis of Seraphim (Kostel svatého Františka z Assisi, Kostel svatého Františka Serafinského), also called the Church of the Crusaders (kostel U křižovníków) - a basilica with an early Baroque appearance and magnificent interior decoration, distinguished by the fresco "The Last Judgment" in the monumental dome.
Concerts of organ religious music are regularly held within the walls of the church. More about the Church of St. Francis of Assisi...
In several halls of the original Krzyzownica Hospital and the Church of the Holy Spirit, which were transformed into a monastery of the Order of the Crusaders with a red star (Klášter křižovníków), the Charles Bridge Museum (Muzeum Karlova mostu) is now located.
The museum is dedicated to the Charles Bridge, as well as to its predecessor, the Judith Bridge, and the Order of the Crusaders with the Red Star, who guarded the bridge and collected tolls for passage over the bridge. More about the Charles Bridge Museum...
On the square, near the wall of the monastery, there is a neo-Gothic monument to Charles IV (Socha Karla IV), depicting King and Emperor Charles IV in full size.
Today the monument is one of the most important Neo-Gothic monuments in Central Europe. More about the monument to Charles IV...
On the axis of the Charles Bridge risesThe Old Town Bridge Tower or simply the Old Town Tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž), which is one of the symbols of Prague and one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Europe.
The facades of the tower are decorated with sculptural decor.
In the upper part (gallery) of the tower there is an observation deck, which can be reached by a spiral staircase with 138 steps. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge and part of the historical center of Prague.
The ascent to the observation deck is paid. The ticket office is located in the tower. Learn more about the Old Town Bridge Tower and the observation deck...
The eastern side of the Crusaders Square (opposite the tower) forms a large historical complex Clementinum (Klementinum), erected by the Jesuit Order.
The main facade and the entrance to the Church of St. Salvator or the Church of the Blessed Saviour (Kostel Nejsvětějšího Salvátora) - a church that is considered one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the early Baroque in Prague.
The portico gallery and the pediment of the main facade of the church are decorated with 14 large life-size sandstone statues: the fathers of the church, holy orders, Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Christ in the uppermost part of the facade.
The interior of the church in the early Baroque style is distinguished by a rich stucco decoration, statues, paintings, murals and an underground crypt, where there is a burial ground of members of the Jesuit Order.
In addition to divine services, concerts are held in the church, and there is a library fund. More about the Church of St. Salvator...
On the south-eastern side (Charles Street), a monumental palace building - the Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace or Colloredo-Mansfeld (Colloredo-Mansfeldský palác) adjoins the Crusaders' Square.
The palace is now an excellent example of Prague's palatial architecture with a rich architectural development combining elements of high Baroque with later modifications of Rococo and second Rococo.
The palace is part of the Gallery of the capital city of Prague (Galerie hlavního města Prahy) and it can be visited. More about the Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace...
From the open areas of the square, located near the Charles Bridge, there are beautiful views of the Charles Bridge, the Vltava River and the opposite bank of the river - the historic Mala Strana district.
Coordinates of the Crusaders Square: 50°05'10.0"N 14°24'50.0"E (50.086111, 14.413889).
All accommodation facilities in Prague (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here 
