Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň

The Square of the Republic (in Czech Naměstí republiky) forms the historical centre of Plzeň, Czech Republic. With a size of 552 by 627 feet (168 m × 191 m) it is one of the largest medieval squares in the Czech lands. Plzeň as a town appears at the end of the 13th century, the square existing since then. Around the oblong square regular blocks of houses delimitated by a rectangular network of streets were built. Archaeologists have identified wooden pavement from the 13th century and another three layers of pavement from the 14th century. The square was cobblestoned in 1859. The stones were replaced by asphalt cover in the 20th century; this replaced again with cobblestones during 2005-2007 reconstruction. In the beginning of the 16th century the water supply became critical.