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Czechia
Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall in Prague, also known as John Lennon Wall, is an interesting and significant site that speaks volumes about freedom of speech and non-violent rebellion. The wall is located in the Mala Strana district in Prague, Czech Republic. It started its journey as just an ordinary wall, but since the 1980s, it has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti and pieces of lyrics from Beatles songs.
The Wall's history is deeply entwined with the political changes in Czechoslovakia. In 1980, following the assassination of John Lennon, the Wall became a symbolic site where mourners could express their grief. It was then that the first image of Lennon was painted on the wall, accompanied by lyrics of the Beatles.
During the communist regime in the 1980s, western pop songs were banned by Communist authorities, and some music fans started writing their grievances on the wall. This led to a clash between hundreds of students and security police on the nearby Charles Bridge. The movement these students followed was described ironically as "Lennonism" and Czech authorities described these people variously as alcoholics, mentally deranged, sociopathic, and agents of Western capitalism.
The wall continuously underwent changes and the original portrait of Lennon is long lost under layers of new paint. Even when the wall was repainted by some authorities, on the second day it was again full of poems and flowers. Today, the wall represents a symbol of global ideals such as love and peace.
The wall is owned by the Knights of Malta, who allowed the graffiti to continue on the wall, and is located at Velkopřevorské náměstí (Grand Priory Square), Malá Strana. The wall measures approximately 15 x 5 meters, and it is covered in a diverse array of artistic expressions and inspirational quotes.
The Wall doesn't have an interior as it is a public site open to all passersby. The exterior is ever-changing, covered in an explosion of colors and sentiments, a living document of the hopes and dreams of those who visit it. Visitors often leave their own marks on the wall, further adding to its rich history and vibrant appearance.
In 2014, the wall was painted over in pure white by a group of art students, leaving only the text "Wall is Over" (a play on Lennon's song "War is Over"). However, the wall quickly regained its dynamic appearance as visitors began to refill it with their messages and artwork.
The Lennon Wall in Prague, though not an official tourist site, has become a must-visit landmark due to its historical significance and its powerful message of peace and love. In its colorful and ever-evolving presence, it stands as a testament to the resilience of human spirit and the enduring power of art as a form of expression.