<Mariánské náměstí> in front of the magistrate's office will be transformed into a pedestrian zone

Prague – Prague's Mariánské náměstí in front of the city hall will be transformed into a pedestrian zone, and cars will no longer be able to pass in front of the City Library. Benches, a fountain, and greenery will be added to the square, and some surrounding streets will also be modified. This follows a study of the square's reconstruction, which was approved by Prague's councilors today. According to earlier statements from the city, the transformation is expected to take place in 2022. The square is home to the city hall, the Municipal and National Libraries, and the Clam-Gallas Palace. It has long primarily served as a parking lot, but last year the city administration prohibited vehicle access.

A pedestrian zone will be created in the square, dominated by trees. The square will be paved with cut paving stones with a non-slip surface. The curbs around the buildings will be made of Prague's mosaic. A fountain with a drinking fountain is also planned, along with a new bench in the northern part of the square. "Generally, pedestrian spaces, including sidewalks, are being expanded... At intersections, logical and direct links ensure crossing points including necessary sightlines for pedestrians," the material states.

Traffic in the square will be minimized, except for target traffic, emergency services, public transport, deliveries, and residents from the immediate vicinity. Therefore, it will not be possible to pass in front of the City Library. Bike racks will be placed in the square. With the exception of Žatecká and Maiselova streets, all streets will be two-way for cyclists.

In Platnéřská street next to the Klementinum building, the lowered ground level will now be expanded and made accessible without barriers. Spaces for cultural presentations by the Gallery of the Capital City are planned here. "The expansion also leads to an optical revelation of the Klementinum plinth and thus emphasizes the original composition of the building's facade," the concept states.

The operation of bus line 194 is maintained through Mariánské náměstí. New stops will be on Žatecká and Platnéřská streets.

The transformation will also affect Franz Kafka Square at the back entrance of the New Town Hall. Sidewalks will be widened, trees will be added, and intersections will be modified. Kaprova, Linhartská, and U Radnice streets will be two-way, while Platnéřská will be completely one-way. New tree rows will be planted in Kaprova street.

Mariánské náměstí was a settlement called Na Louži since approximately the mid-12th century. Its name comes from the Church of the Virgin Mary that stood there at the time. The space underwent a significant transformation in the early 20th century when the New Town Hall was built.