The John Lennon Wall

Slightly resembling the Berlin Wall, this is the John Lennon Wall, —still standing, — and is a must-see part of Prague. Neither an official monument nor a designated memorial, its origins are far from random. Beneath the layers of graffiti lie 40 years of history centered around freedom of expression. The first writings appeared in 1968, including slogans condemning the Soviet occupation and its totalitarian regime, which had reigned for 20 years. In the 1970s, more messages emerged, expressing support for interwar actors whose performances were banned due to their criticism of the communist ideals at the time. In 1980, the wall became associated with John Lennon. Following his death, there was a wave of unrest and a yearning for freedom. A huge champion of peace, Lennon left a lasting impact, particularly on younger generations. Despite relentless police efforts to suppress this wall of hope, young people never let it go. Over time, this wall stood strong against dictatorship and its consequences. A beacon of hope and perseverance, the John Lennon Wall remains a powerful site of remembrance. A protected site since 2019, it serves as a reminder of the hard-fought and often contested struggle for freedom.