The John Lennon Wall in Prague Still Remains a Symbol of Freedom

The John Lennon Wall in Prague is becoming a tourist attraction in itself. But only for those who are willing to find it. It’s in a quiet and secluded area where I was the only tourist when I found it.

The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).
The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).

This is just a regular wall (or maybe a fence?) painted with the lyrics of the songs from The Beatles. Obviously, John Lennon’s face is on it. You can’t even call this a mural, but more of graffiti to me.

John Lennon Wall in Praha (Czech Republic).
John Lennon Wall in Praha (Czech Republic).

The Origin of the Wall

It has been said that this wall’s origin was way back when John Lennon was assassinated in 1980. One unknown artist started to paint the wall with the image of John Lennon and some song lyrics.

Travel Blog Lennon Image Czech Republic
The Lennon Wall in Prague remains a symbol of freedom today (Czech Republic).

The Politics Behind John Lennon Wall

This might be a wall full of graffiti, but this wall has led to protests in Prague’s politics. In 1988, the wall was a place for young citizens to write all their grievances/complaints about their government.

The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).
The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).

Thus, it became a constant source of resentment for the communist rule of Gustav Husak. Because communists are not really good at taking people’s opinions, the criticisms on the wall led to a confrontation between security police and hundreds of students on the nearby historical Charles Bridge. The young protestors called this movement “Lennonism” while the communist regime called them as “mentally deranged, alcoholics, sociopathic, and agents of western capitalism.”

The Lennon Wall in Prague still remains a symbol of freedom up to this day (Czech Republic).
The Lennon Wall in Prague still remains a symbol of freedom up to this day (Czech Republic).

Today, the Lennon Wall doesn’t just have song lyrics from The Beatles and messages of hope, peace, and love.

Travel Blog John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).
The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).

It still remains a wall to express your freedom of expression. The politics is still there, and it won’t go away.

The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).
The John Lennon Wall in Prague (Czech Republic).

The original image of John Lennon is gone, but someone gets to paint his image over and over again.

Image of Lennon in Prague Travel Blog
The Lennon Wall in Prague remains a symbol of freedom today (Czech Republic).

The best thing about this wall is that – it’s never static. There’s constant change happening here. The wall you saw last month is different this month. Locals and visitors seem to leave messages whenever they can.

Graffiti Lennon Prague Wall
The Lennon Wall in Prague remains a symbol of freedom today (Czech Republic).

Nearby, you find a canal with a small bridge where lovers leave love locks.

Love Locks in Prague (Czech Republic). Travel Blog
Love Locks in Prague (Czech Republic).

Look over the canal, and you’ll find this figure. I’m interested to know. 😉

John Lennon Bar in Praha  (Czech Republic).
What is this? (Czech Republic).

And a few steps from the bridge, you’ll find these sculpted faces attached to a residential wall.

Sculpted Faces in Prague (Czech Republic).
Sculpted Faces in Prague (Czech Republic).

Across, you’ll find the Lennon Bar.

John Lennon Bar in Praha  (Czech Republic).
John Lennon Bar in Praha (Czech Republic).

Related Posts: 40 Photos of the Berlin Wall Today

Hotel / Hostel in Prague – Where to Stay

Look no further – stay at RoadHouse Prague, especially when you are staying for 2 days/1 night only. It’s in downtown Prague, and you can walk to the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Famous landmarks like the St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, and Strahov Monastery Library are less than 2 kilometers on foot. You can book it via BookingHostelWorld, and Expedia.

KeepCalmAndWander

A wanderer. A frustrated photographer. Hiker. Lover. Half extrovert, half introvert. Solo traveler.

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