In the 12th century, in the small town of Smichov, the Church of St. James was built, which immediately became the main attraction of this place, and the square on which it was erected came to be called St. James Square.
For a long time, prayers were held in the church for parishioners, but by the 19th century there was no longer enough room for everyone. Then the local authorities decided to demolish the church and, along with it, change the name of the square.
Arbes Square owes its name to the Czech playwright and journalist Jakub Arbes, who once lived in this area. In 1964, a monument to him was erected in the center of the square, which today is its main adornment.
Besides this, Arbes Square is chiefly famous for the fact that Mozart lived and worked for some time in one of the houses lining it. This house, or rather estate, is called "Bertramka." It was here that the Austrian composer finished work on his piece "Don Juan," and a little later the premiere of this opera took place in Prague.
Now, when Smichov has had the status of an official district of Prague for more than a hundred years, Arbes Square, with its benches, fountain, and architectural ensemble executed in the style of classicism, is a kind of cradle of peace and comfort for Prague residents and guests of the city.
