Commisioned by King Charles IV in 1348, Wenceslas Square originally functioned as a horse market. Today it is the location for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. Many hotels, offices and retail stores are situated around the square, which is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. The biggest landmarks at the square are the National Museum and the statue of Wenceslas, both located at the southeast end.