One of the most famous squares in Prague has witnessed many important moments in the history of the Czech Republic – the Czech independence in 1918, the protest of student Jan Palach who set himself on fire in order to show his disagreement with invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact troops in 1968, demonstrations against the communist regime and many more gatherings, protests and celebrations. In the middle ages, the square was known as Horse Market. However, after National Revival in 1848 the square was renamed and it now bears the name of Saint Wenceslas, who is considered to be a patron saint of the Czech state. There is also a statue of Saint Wenceslas sitting on a horse situated in front of the building of the National Museum which is used as a meeting spot by locals. The square is now a major tourist attraction and is lined with shops and restaurants of all kinds.