Prague guide
There are many sights in Prague. A lot are covered in the section called ´A Perfect Day,´ but it would be a shame to try to see too much in one day. One of the greatest pleasures in Prague is to walk almost aimlessly in the Stare Mesto [Old Town] and Josefov and admire the lovely streets. Prague is without doubt one of Europe´s jewels. As a city that plays host to a superb mix of architectural styles it has, at its heart, some of the most striking Gothic and Baroque monuments in Europe. Largely unspoiled by the ravages of time, Prague also emerged unscathed (physically at least) from a tumultuous 20th century, though the events of World War II and the subsequent Cold-War occupation by Soviet forces have left a lasting imprint on the Czech psyche.Since 1989, and the fall of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe, millions of tourists have flocked to the Czech Republic. Seduced by the romantic charm of the city´s Old Town (and a wealth of sightseeing opportunities), Prague has become one of the world´s most popular city break destinations. Moreover, a significant number of non-Czech nationals - mainly from the US - have settled in the city, creating a sizeable ex-pat community and bringing about new cultural diversity in the process. Walks more like rural ones can be enjoyed in Petrin, Visehrad and Letná, all providing wonderful views of the city. Prague today, as it has been over the centuries, is a vibrant ever-evolving city with a fine tradition for culture and the arts. Coupled with a thriving social scene (and first-rate beer) visitors to Prague will find much to enjoy here, both in terms of long-established traditions and events, but also familiar reminders of home.
Strahov Monastery
This is actually hgher than the castle and can be reached from it by tram or by walking, past the Loreto. The cloisters are worth seeing but the real gem consists of the old library rooms,with the Theological and Philosophical Halls both having stunning ceilings. There is no admission to either old book filled room but both can be viewed from their entrances
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge (Karluv most) is the heart of Prague.
This Gothic bridge is the main connection between the old town and the castle. It is 516 m long, 9.5 m wide and supported by 16 massive piers. Both ends are fortified by towers. Up to 19th century there was no other bridge in Prague than this one.
Nowadays, the bridge is crowded with sales people and street artists.
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is large monumental complex.
It was founded in the 9th century as the seat of the Czech princes and kings, and over the centuries all the mayor architectural styles would leave their mark on it.
Nowadays it is still the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares).
Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa.
The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence. Allow at least half a day (it does not include time for museum visits) if you want to examine it in depth.
The Prague Jewellery Collection
A new, attractive jewellery exhibition may be seen at one of the loveliest spots in the old part of Prague. It is housed in the former Hergetova Cihelna (the Herget Brickyard Building) near Charles Bridge in the Lesser Town. This event has been realised through the collaboration between The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague and the COPA company. This unique assemblage of jewellery and goldwork from the collections of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague documents the evolvement of this artistic field from the 17th century to the present.
Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Named after the emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living conditions for the Jewish, the Jewish Quarter contains the remains of Prague´s former Jewish ghetto. As many of the Jewish died during the WWII and were forced by the communist regime to leave the country, the current Prague community numbers 5000 – 6000 people. There are two figures synonymous with this part of the city, Franz Kafka (1883 – 1924) and the mystical humunculus Golem created by Jehuda ben Bezalel, also known as Rabi Löw.
Old Town Square
The old Town Square (Staromestske namesti) is from the 12th century. Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock (on the right), Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn (in the middle) and Church of St.Nicholas (on the left) dominate this unique heart of the Prague. Mentioned in 1091, it is the oldest of the towns of Prague gained the privileges of a town in the 13th century. However, its name dates back to the 14th century when the New Town was founded. The centre of the Old Town has always been the Old Town Square dominated by the Church of Our Lady of Týn and the Town Hall. Staré Město is a quarter in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic. "Staré Město" is Czech for "Old Town", in contrast to Nové Město, or "New Town," a more recent addition to the city. Notable sites in Staré Město include the Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, and Wenceslaus Square. Staré Město lies across the Vltava River from "Mala Strana", or the "Little Quarter." The two sections of town are connected by Charles Bridge.
Prague Lesser Town
The Lesser Town was founded in 1257 on the slopes bellow the Prague castle and it is the part of Prague least affected by resent history.
Prague New Town
The carefully planned New Town was founded by Charles IV in 1348. Twice as large as the Old Town, it was mainly inhabited by tradesmen and craftsmen. During the late19th century its outer fortification were demolished and redeveloped to its present appearance. Today it is not particularly attractive to tourists because of its modernness.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square (Czech: Václavské náměstí) is one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities in the New Town of Prague, Czech Republic. It has been a place where many historical events occurred; it is also a traditional place for demonstrations, celebrations, and similar public gatherings. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.
Brevnov Monastery
Brevnov Monastery is a X century benedectine monastry located in Prague 6, west of the city centre.
Na Porici Street
Na Porici Street is a Street located in Pague 1, next to the Vltava River.
Rotunda of St Martin, Visehrad
You may feel drawn to the big stately churches in the Old and Lesser Towns but don´t fail to see this idyllic building in Visehrad. It was built in the 12th century and there were once a significant number of these small round chapels. Now there are only three in Prague. This one´s park setting makes it very special.
Vltava River
Vltava River is the river that passes through Prague.
Zbraslav Chateau
Zbraslav, Praha. This is a Cistercian monastery situated in the village of Zbraslav, about 11 kms outside Prague. It is another large depository of Czech history, with many 19th and 20th century sculptures. The gardens are spectacular and make a superb venue for a summer´s day picnic.
Havlíčkovy Sady
Havlíčkovy Sady is a large park located in the Vinohrady district.
Prague Botanical Gardens
The garden covers 52 ha of area in total. Around 1.5 hectares from the area is used for new Japanese garden and Turkey and Mediterranean expositions, accessible for public from 1997. Both complexes are interconnected by a collection of moorland plants.
Some basic info about Prague and Czech Republic
Capital Czech republic is ours most considerable town monumentalreservation. Since 1992 is historical kernel Prague about extent 866hectares on record to the list world´s cultural and natural inheritanceUNESCO.
„Praga patter regatta" has Prague inscribed in his sign. The firstwritten testimony about Prague dates 965 from jewish purchaser Ibrahímibn Jákúb who was amazed by beauty of the city and its development.
From Middle Ages had myth one´s from most beautiful cities in the world and was called „Gold Prague".
Through Prague passed many famous people, for example W.A.Mozart, Franz Kafka, L. wan Beethoven, A.Rodin, A. Einstein etc.
One of the biggest dominants of Prague is its castle. The castle itself is a fine example of all artistic styles and directions. Historical kernel Prague is situated on both banks of river Vltava andforms is 6 part, once independent cities, in 1784 united in one. Thesecities are : Old Town, Vysehrad, Malá Strana, Hradčany, Josefov, NewTown.
Prague`s castle is a national historic landmark, symbol more thanthousandth development Czech of the state. It was established in 9thcentury and it had been developing throughout eleven centuries. Originally was seat Czech princes and kings. From 1918 it became seatof president. At the castle you can admire Cathedral of st. Vít, Václavand Vojtěc.
Gothic cathedral, symbol Czech of the state was based in 1344 on thespot original romance rotundas by Jan Lucemburský / father of famousking Charles IV /.
Construction stopped for almost 600 years and once for all was completed in 1929.
Inside of this beautiful cathedral we can admire a stained-glass window of well know painter Alfons Mucha. Little walk from cathedral you will find yourself in a tiny charming place called „Golden lane". These small houses were inbuilt in gothic rampart. From 16. century here dwelt castle shoot and craftsmen. In cottage No. 22 spent a year of his life Franz Kafka. From upper castle area you can soon get to famous Charles bridge, found by Charles IV in 1357. The original udite bridge was destroyed in 1342 by flood. Charles bridge is the oldest Prague`s bridge and is astride fortified towers. On the pillar bridge you can admire 30 statuary and sculptural group saints. The bridge is 515 metres long.
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