Prague is an elegant city, featuring architecture from various eras and time periods. This historic metropolis combines old world charm with modern amenities.
Classicist architecture was popular during the 1700s, particularly evident in structures like Theatre of Estates which was completed in 1783.
Put away your regular grilled cheese sandwich and try something out of this Czech speciality: Smazeny Syr is similar to breaded mozzarella!
History
Prague has been inhabited since the Paleolithic age, with archaeological digs showing settlements dating back to 4500 BC. Around 5500 BC Celtic tribes settled the region naming it Bohemia after river Vltava; 500 AD saw Marcomanni Germanic tribes settle. By 6th Century Slavic settlements had also expanded.
In the 9th Century, Prague became home to the Premyslid Dynasty that ruled over Czech lands for many centuries, experiencing rapid economic and cultural development during this time. Many renowned buildings were constructed then. Later on during Charles IV’s rule (14th Century), Prague experienced even further prosperity and cultural advancement with many new landmarks being constructed during his rule as well.
Fire struck the city of Charleston in 1689, leading to reconstruction and renovation work that soon after saw economic improvement throughout the 18th Century and by 1771 its population had reached 80,000. Merchants and noblemen brought rich merchants, palaces, churches and gardens full of art and music into the city which has since been revered by visitors of all kinds – creating an exquisite Baroque city which continues to be appreciated today.
During World War II, Prague was heavily bombed but miraculously suffered less damage than some of the other major cities. This allowed many of Prague’s historic buildings to retain their original structures – now making Prague home to an unparalleled collection of architecture in the world.
Following World War II, Prague experienced economic and cultural renewal until it came under Soviet influence for nearly 50 years – until 1989’s peaceful revolution brought new hope for Czechoslovakia; with Prague becoming its capital within months. Today it remains a vibrant European capital full of rich history to discover.
Architecture
Prague has long been blessed with incredible buildings throughout its long and eventful history, from Romanesque to Art Nouveau styles. One of few European cities where visitors can walk from end to end and appreciate buildings from medieval through modern periods all in a single stroll!
The Industrial Revolution brought immense change to Prague during the 19th century, as did a building boom and revival architecture styles like Neoclassical, Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture styles such as Neoclassical. Revival architecture styles like Neoclassical, Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival became increasingly popular. Prague also hosted the Czech Nationalist Movement who started to reclaim their culture and identity from Hapsburg Rule; this could be seen through new architecture that appeared across Prague such as Neo-Renaissance National Theatre National Museum Rudolfinum etc – this period also brought all its impressive Gothic spires that now give this city its nickname of The City of Thousand Spires!
At the turn of the 20th century, Prague experienced many obstacles as it attempted to transition into a modern capital. Numerous historical buildings were demolished to make way for new developments; one area experiencing this transformation was Old Town and Jewish Quarter where 600 Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance structures were lost forever – an eye-opener considering some of Prague’s most remarkable structures date from this era, such as its National Theater, Narodn Divadlo or Saint Vitus Cathedral are among those built during this period.
Recent years have witnessed Prague experience an exciting building revival with numerous high-profile international architects drawn to its unique blend of old and new architecture. One such architect, Josef Fanta, designed Praha Hlavni Nadrazi’s Art Nouveau station that recalls Prague’s rich architectural legacy through an artistic glass canopy over each door and intricately carved human figures that move fluidly with each passing second.
Culture
Prague has seen Europe through the various chapters of its turbulent history, from being under Austro-Hungarian control through independence, Nazi rule and communism. As a result of all this change and influence can be seen throughout its architecture – medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals coexist alongside Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau structures in Prague’s landscape.
City life also boasts an energetic arts scene with dynamic galleries and exhibition spaces to visit. One such gallery is MeetFactory in Smichov district; founded by internationally-known artist David Cerny, this multidisciplinary venue hosts shows and workshops which stretch boundaries while challenging conventions.
The Czech National Museum is another must-visit, housing an impressive array of medieval treasures such as Rudolph II Treasure and St Vitus Cathedral treasure. Additionally, modern and contemporary art exhibitions abound here including “Pictures at a Glance”, an exhibit examining how contemporary artists interpret historical topics of Czech origin.
Foodies in Prague will find no shortage of gourmet dining opportunities. Many of the top dining spots rely on chefs trained both domestically and overseas who combine traditional recipes and flavours with innovative techniques – this can be seen at Vycep where chef Jiri Hrachovy and his team offer traditional pub fare such as fish and venison with modern flare, while revamped Stangl serves up inventive fusions made up of locally-sourced ingredients.
Prague is known for its vibrant culture, evidenced by a wealth of theaters and opera houses; second only to Amsterdam for performing arts venues according to Uswitch rankings. Furthermore, several orchestras, choirs, independent music clubs, venues and venues call Prague home.
Nightlife
Prague offers an amazing variety of nightlife. From elegant cocktail lounges to boisterous EDM clubs, its clubs cater to everyone – be it backpacker, short-term tourist or romantic honeymoon couple alike. Whatever your tastes or plans may be, Prague will have something special in store for you here.
The legendary Lucerna Music Bar, housed within a vast maze beneath the 1920s Lucerna Palace, offers visitors an insight into local life as well as big-name international acts. Meanwhile, Duplex, located within a giant glass cube overlooking Wenceslas Square and hosting an upscale clientele and great music, also draws visitors in. And Club Havana with its Cuban decor offers commercial dance music seven days a week!
Visit one of Prague’s Black Light Theatres for an unforgettable audiovisual show! These captivating productions combine black light technology with nonverbal acting to produce unforgettable audiovisual productions that are sure to leave an indelible mark on your mind when remembering your visit to Czech Republic. No matter if you speak Czech fluently or not, these entertaining productions will leave lasting memories of your trip here!
Prague boasts many bars to keep visitors amused, such as Hemingway Bar in Old Town – only steps away from the Vltava River! Here, drinks and snacks inspired by Hemingway’s book On Writing are served up here, while brewery photos adorn its walls – making this cozy dimly lit spot the ideal place for relaxation with a drink in hand.
Anonymous Bar is another bar worth checking out; it takes its inspiration from the movie V for Vendetta. Bartenders don Guy Fawkes masks while V for Vendetta plays on repeat to add to its unconventional atmosphere. With low lighting and menu specials only visible under blacklight, its Gothic ambience further adds to its gothic charm.
For those in search of something livelier, Wenceslas Square offers many large clubs that cater to those seeking an energetic nightlife scene. Expect loud music and dance floors (sometimes multiple levels) filled with people dancing wildly; these establishments may also have drug dealing as part of their business model and even be known for illicit activities like drugs trafficking and illicit activity. Be warned though – be prepared for lots of walking as drinks here tend to cost double what they would cost outside Wenceslas Square!
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