Since its foundation around 1875 the Square of Havlíček was called Basel Square. It was named after the Swiss city of Basel, where an Ecumenical Council was held during 1431-1448, which after hearing of Czech delegation, spearheaded by Prokop Holý, accepted the Four Articles of Prague (Basel Compacta). In 1911 the name was changed to the Square of Havlíček, in the honour of Czech journalist, politician, satirist and poet Karel Havlíček Borovský (1821-1856). During German occupation it was renamed to the Square of Hus. Jan Hus (approximately 1371-1415), was a Czech religious thinker, priest and Church reformer, whose life was ended by infamous death by burning at the stake in Constance. Since 1945 till now the square has had the name of Havlíček, again.
Just on the occasion of the first renaming to the Square of Havlíček, a memorial to the devoted Czech was unveiled there in area adjusted like a park on 16th May 1911. Three-meter sculpture was made by sculptor Josef Strachovský. It was casted in Mašek art foundry in Karlín. During World War II the Germans ordered to remove and break the sculpture and use the material for military purposes. Czech patriots hid the sculpture, however it was damaged so much that a new cast piece had to be made. It was erected in the original place on 19th July 1946. On the pedestal there is a lifelong credo of Havlíček: „Promise me, menace ne, I will not be a traitor any way.“
Dominant feature and the principal building of the square is Žižkov Town Hall no. 700. Its fronts turn to the Square of Havlíček as well as into Lipanská Street. The corner is dominated with a massive cylindrical tower with cupola ending. There is placed the clock likewise on each town hall tower. Construction was realized during 1889-1891 according to design which had been submitted by a town council member, Jan Šimáček. During 1910-1911 the town hall was extended into Lipanská Street according to designs by builder Zdeněk Frič.
