Prague
Prague is a magical city of chequered, more than ten centuries long history, towering churches, centuries-old bridges, alleyways, and buildings that span over various style periods: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque as well as classical or with elements of Art Nouveau. The capital of the Czech Republic is often referred to as the City of a Hundred Spires, and is widely recognized to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Prague achieved much of its present glory in the 14th century, during the long reign of Charles IV, the King of Bohemia and Moravia and the Holy Roman Emperor. It was Charles who established a university in the city and laid out the New Town (Nové Město), charting Prague’s growth.
The spine of the city is the River Vltava (also known by its German name, Moldau), which runs through the city from south to north with a single sharp curve to the east. Prague originally comprised of five independent towns, represented today by its main historical districts: Hradčany (Castle Area), Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter), Staré Město (Old Town), Nové Město (New Town), and Josefov (the Jewish Quarter). Fourteen big bridges vaulting across the River Vltava contribute to the face of Prague (plus one more that runs across the Nusle valley). The oldest and the most precious one was built in 1357 and bears the name of its founder Charles IV.
Here is a brief list of sights you shouldn’t miss while visiting Prague:
- Charles Bridge
- Wenceslas Square, Prague’s main boulevard.
- Old Town Hall with its 61-m tower and the 15th century astronomical clock
- Prague Castle, a collection of buildings dating from the 10th to the 20th century, all linked by internal courtyards. The most important structures are the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace, the official residence of kings and presidents.
- St. Nicholas Church
- Kampa, Prague’s largest and perhaps the most romantic island.
- National Theater
- The Jewish Ghetto
- Vyšehrad, an ancient castle high above the river and the oldest area of Prague.
- Petřín Observation Tower, offering a magnificent view over the whole city.
- Prague Zoo
In 1992, the entire historical center of Prague was listed in the UNESCO World Cultural & Natural Heritage Register.
