All we are saying is give peace a chance. — John Lennon

This refreshing notion of peace can be found in every pen line and every stroke of brushed paint on Prague’s iconic John Lennon Wall. Built in the 1980s, the wall was intended for nothing beyond a wall’s usual purposes, but over the years it has become a global symbol for peace, love and happiness.

When I visited Prague this past April, the John Lennon Wall was high on my list, and it was one of the most memorable stops on our trip to Prague. When we arrived, the wall itself was smaller than we expected, and it initially just looked like a wall covered in graffiti. It was crowded with people, and a guitarist was sitting in front of the wall playing acoustic Beatles. As we walked along the wall, reading the seemingly infinite scripts and viewing the beautiful artistic images, I couldn’t help but be moved by the significant meaning behind this once-ordinary wall. Travelers from all over the world visit the wall and contribute with signatures, pictures, messages, lyrics and quotes, creating a feeling of global connectedness unlike anything I’ve experienced in previous travels.

The John Lennon Wall was an emblem of contention and strife before becoming one of peace and unity. In 1988, young Czechs documented injustices by the Communist regime on the wall, leading to an altercation between students and police on nearby Charles Bridge. Over the years, the wall was painted over many times by police and governmental organizations, but the following day it would be filled once again with inspirational messages and images.

Today the wall, located in Velkopřevorské náměstí (Grand Priory Square) in Malá Strana, is owned and protected by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Next time you visit Prague, do yourself a favor — regardless of whether or not you’re a Beatles fan — and restore your faith in humanity at the John Lennon Wall.

— Nicole Quasté, assistant editor