Lennon Wall
Velkopřevorské nám. Malá Strana Praha 1
🎧 English Audio Narration
Lennonova zeď (Lennon Wall), nestled in the heart of Prague’s Lesser Town, is a vibrant, ever-changing canvas of graffiti, street art, and political messages that has become a powerful symbol of freedom, peace, and resistance. After John Lennon’s assassination in 1980, an anonymous artist painted a mural of Lennon on this wall. As more people contributed, it gradually transformed into a space for free expression during the oppressive communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
At the time, Western media and culture were banned, and the wall’s image and messages were seen by authorities as symbols of Western influence and political dissent. In April 1981, the Czechoslovak secret police painted over the wall with green paint in an attempt to erase the protest. Yet the very next day, the wall was quickly covered again with political slogans, poems, and artwork. Despite surveillance, cameras, and overnight guards, the wall repeatedly became a canvas for resistance and hope.
On 17 November 2014, marking the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, a group of art students called Prážská Služba controversially repainted the wall white, leaving only a single line of black text: “wall is over” (a reference to the famous lyric “War is over” from John Lennon’s iconic song and peace campaign), sparking debate about preserving this living symbol.
Located just a short walk from Charles Bridge along the Vltava River, the Lennon Wall offers a unique glimpse into Prague’s recent history. More than just a political monument, it remains a dynamic urban gallery that continues to inspire visitors and artists worldwide to add their voices to this ever-evolving tribute to peace and freedom.
💡 Top Tip 💡
Don’t miss the charming art gallery in the Maltese garden behind the Lennon Wall, a peaceful spot to explore contemporary works and reflect on the wall’s enduring message.
🍴Where to eat :
(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).
[$]
-Mondieu (All-day café with brunch, pastries & healthy options) 4.6 ⭐
[$]
-Bistro Monk 2 (Modern bistro with international menu) 4.8 ⭐
-The Wall Pub (Cozy pub with Czech beers & comfort food) 4.0 ⭐
-Laboratorio Della Pizza (Neapolitan pizza & Italian specialties) 4.6 ⭐
-El Centro (Spanish tapas & Mediterranean cuisine) 4.3 ⭐
[$$]
- U malířů 1543 (Fine dining in historic Renaissance house) 4.7 ⭐
- Piknik Park (Italian restaurant & wine terrace by the canal) 4.7 ⭐
- Café Savoy (Elegant café with classic Czech & French fare) 4.3 ⭐
[$$]
- Café de Paris (Family-run French restaurant with signature entrecôte) 4.3 ⭐
- Monastiq at Mandarin Oriental (Fine dining in a luxury hotel setting) 4.6 ⭐