John Lennon Wall

Colorful symbol of freedom in Prague Old Town

Once an ordinary wall in Prague's Old Town, the John Lennon Wall has been decorated with colourful graffiti since the 1980s. These were inspired by John Lennon and even parts of famous Beatles song lyrics can be found on them.

If you want to understand why John Lennon became the hero of Czech youth, you have to dig a little in history. At the time of communism in Czechoslovakia, it was considered forbidden to listen to Western music. But the longing for freedom was greater.

In memory of John Lennon, who was shot in 1980 at the age of 40 and is said not to have visited Prague once during his lifetime, the painter František Flašar immortalized the musician with a portrait and a crucial quote: Give Peace a Chance.
More and more artists joined in and extended the motley wall with quotations, their own dreams and wishes, poems or even slogans condemning the totalitarian regime.

A real tourist magnet and an integral part of Prague's cult scene

The original portrait of John Lennon has long since been covered over by new graffiti. At the wall, which in the 1970s was called the "Zeď nářků" ( Wailing Wall), many tourists went on a rampage.
Even Lennon's widow Yoko Ono immortalized herself on the wall in 2003, which is primarily a memorial to free expression.

But stricter guidelines have recently come into effect, as the days when any passer-by could spontaneously let off steam with a spray can are over. This does not change the fact that the Lennon Wall, which is owned by the Order of Malta, is still a symbol of freedom. Only against blind vandalism one would like to act by means of a surveillance camera. That's why 30 national and international artists were allowed to redesign the approximately 150 square metre outdoor gallery a little to the west of Kampa Island.
Today, a world map can be admired there, emblazoned with the word "freedom" in countless languages.

A meeting place for young people from all over the world

Especially in summer, the John Lennon Wall, which also serves as the boundary of a church garden, is a popular meeting point for hundreds of people, including street musicians. There is even an own souvenir shop. On the anniversary of John Lennon's death (December 8), dozens of fans make a pilgrimage to the Lennon Wall in the Mala Strana district with guitars and candlelight to pay tribute to their idol.

If you've snapped a few Instagram-worthy photos at the 4-metre-high and 40-metre-long wall, you can round off your visit with a tour of the Charles Bridge.