Abstract
At the turn of the 20th century, Prague underwent a tumultuous architectural development, reflecting the diverse ambitions of the period and the deep transformation in the understanding of the city centre and its role. Wenceslas Square with its neighbourhood, spontaneously evolving into the "city" - i. e. the economic and social centre of the fledgling metropolis was a remarkable stage of this transformation.
The significant architectural development, through which the area underwent during a short period, provoked heritage and urban reactions. At first the decline of the original Baroque space was critically reflected, which was important for the subsequent changes of the city centre after clear rules to harmonise the dynamic development have been established.
Wenceslas Square with its surroundings can thus be understood as a remarkable laboratory, which allows us to observe the formulation of thesis and principles influencing the understanding of the historical city centre, its urban role and heritage value.