Prague: John Lennon’s Wall celebrates an era of resistance

Adding to the John Lennon Wall in Prague. Photo: CP Hoffman

This year, December 8 not only marked the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s death, but also the 30th anniversary of one of Prague’s most unique landmarks: Prague’s John Lennon Wall.

Behind the wall

Created by Czechs as a kind of shrine to John Lennon in the days just following his death, the wall was marked with short messages, song lyrics and portraits of him.

However, when the then-communist authorities, who saw the wall as a symbol of Western ideals, painted it over and broke up the gatherings that were held each year on the anniversary, the wall became a symbol of freedom and the peaceful rebellion of the Czech youth against the regime. Never letting up on the freedom that they demanded was rightfully theirs, the youths kept on putting up new markings and continued the gatherings where they lit candles and left flowers each year.

Located not far from the Charles Bridge in a quiet area of Prague’s Mala Strana district, it’s definitely a piece of history not to be missed.

Address: Velkoprevorske Namesti
Metro: Malostranska (Green line A); Tram: 12, 20, 22, 23 to “Malostranske namesti” or “Hellichova”