Dec27

The John Lennon Wall in Prague

The Czech city of Prague is renowned for its plethora of sights and astounding beauty. Yet, while many tourists and locals alike tend to visit its most popular sights, there are a few alternative ones that are equally as important but less frequented. That said, the John Lennon Wall in Prague is one of the most underrated spots in the capital which pays testimony to both Lennon and the end of communism in the country. And while it may not boast any astounding architecture, it’s certainly worth a visit. Why? Well, it’s hands down one of the best photo opportunities you’ll get while in Prague! Below we go through where you can find it, its history and what makes it so special in the eyes of many Czechs and visitors of the capital alike.

The History of the John Lennon Wall

Lennon wall

The 8th December 1980 marks the day that Lennon was murdered. And ever since then, The Beatles’ star has been a pacifist hero in the eyes of many including youths in the Czech Republic. In fact, his assassination sparked a movement called ‘Lennonism’.

Lennonism & The John Lennon Wall

In the 80s, the regular brick wall, which is located in a small square across from the French embassy, saw its first splashes of color on it when a mysterious artist painted an image of John Lennon together with some lyrics from some Beatles songs.

The Lennon Wall & The Famous Charles Bridge

As new graffiti was added to it throughout the 80s, it became a source of much irritation for the communist movement of Gustáv Husák. The younger generation of Czechs in the country grew tired of communism and took to the wall to express their frustration at the regime. And as the graffiti continued to be scribbled on the wall by dozens of students, a clash arose between them and the authorities on the nearby Charles Bridge.

Czech authorities soon grew to describe the movement of rebellion which was led by the youths of the capital as ‘Lennonism’. Authoritative figures described the people leading the movement as a group of individuals who were sociopaths, alcoholics and mentally sick people with Western capitalist ideologies. And although many the wall was repainted from time to time, splashes of color would always reappear the next day.

The Lennon Wall Today

john lennon wall

As time rolled by and the Czech Republic broke free from communism when the Velvet Revolution took place, the Lennon Wall remained standing as as one of the pivotal landmarks of anti-communism.

While the original portrait of John Lennon is well-hidden by the layers of paint that the wall has amassed over the years, the wall continues to represent freedom from the shackles of the communist regime which spanned an astonishing total of 41 years (1948-1989). Today, new artworks continuously appear on the wall together with names and quotes from the famous Beatles songs that sparked a revolution in thought.

For locals, the John Lennon Wall continues to be a reminder of the strict policies that once governed Czechoslovakia in the past and the shift towards a democratic government and Western ideologies. It’s also a symbol of love and peace for many and is frequently visited by many tourists wishing to take a photo against it.

Directions to the Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall is accessible by tram, bus and on foot. It’s located in very close proximity to the famous Charles Bridge very close to the French embassy located in Mala Strana.

To get there, you’ll need to walk across the bridge from the Old side of the city and head down the stairs at the very end of the bridge.