Valdštejnovo náměstí, Central square in Jičín, Czech Republic

Valdštejnovo náměstí is a rectangular plaza in Jičín featuring continuous arcades on all sides that provide shelter and frame the public space. Church spires and the Renaissance gate mark its boundaries, creating a defined urban room with clear architectural edges.

The square evolved from a medieval marketplace into its current Renaissance form during the 17th century under Albrecht von Wallenstein's leadership. Italian architects designed the enclosed plaza with arcades, establishing the architectural character that remains today.

The square has two fountains, not three: the Amfitrité fountain with its statue by Jan Sucharda of Nová Paka, made in 1835, and the coronation fountain of 1836. The latter recalls the townspeople's welcome for Ferdinand V on his way to his Prague coronation. A Marian column from 1702, completed with four angels by Josef Šrajner in 1800, stands here too.

The square is flat and fully pedestrian, ringed by arcades that shelter walkers in rain or sun. It lies in the centre of Jičín, with the Valdická Gate, the château and the Church of St James framing the space, so orientation is easy from any corner.

The Valdická Gate is the only one of Jičín's three medieval gates still standing; it was built in 1568–1578, rebuilt after a fire in 1589, raised by a fourth storey in 1769 and given its present gallery by architect Josef Oppolzer in the late 19th century.