Church towers make this city of church towers distinct and gave rise to its nickname: the City of a Hundred Spires.” Under Hapsburg rule, it thrived and even became known for fostering humanism through residents like Astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Prague now boasts an ever-increasing selection of high-end restaurants and cozy cafes, but locals still flock to traditional hospodas for hearty Czech fare and tall glasses of pilsner. Be sure to sample kolace, the traditional yeast pastry from places such as EMA Espresso Bar!
1. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of the iconic landmarks that draw millions to Prague every year, drawing millions with its exquisite architecture, baroque statues, and long history. It was named for King Charles IV who ordered its construction following a flood that destroyed its predecessor Judith Bridge; Charles IV wanted something more secure that would stand the test of time than what had existed previously.
Construction of the bridge took almost 45 years, but its impactful effect greatly enhanced trade through Prague as it allowed people to travel easily between Lesser Town neighborhood and Prague center. Furthermore, its towers provided defense in case an attack from enemy forces.
Throughout the 17th century, this bridge played an essential role in Czech history. After the Battle of White Mountain, 27 elders who led an anti-Habsburg revolt were executed there; Swedish armies also engaged on it and heavily damaged it during Thirty Years’ War.
Charles Bridge is famously recognized for its stunning statues that line its entire 500-meter span, created by some of the best Czech sculptors and quickly becoming cultural symbols.
One of the most prominent statues on the bridge is Saint John of Nepomuk’s Statue. This depiction depicts a medieval saint who was martyred for his integrity, and it is said that touching his statue will bring good luck. Furthermore, an additional statue featuring Bruncvik (a legendary Bohemian knight who helped a lion fight off a dragon in its early stages) stands behind it; its foot depicts this fact.
2. Old Town Square
Old Town Square in Prague serves as its hub, filled with some of the city’s most notable landmarks and monuments. Perhaps most renowned among them is the Astronomical Clock located on the southern wall of Old Town Hall which has set the pace in this square since 1410; one of the oldest functioning astronomical clocks worldwide!
Its famous features include the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, Jan Hus monument and Old Town Hall; there are also restaurants and cafes lining its streets – an experience best enjoyed on foot – when taking a stroll through them will allow you to see how time has altered its historic structures as they stand out among new ones.
Old Town Square is at the epicenter of Czech history and culture, once serving as a bustling marketplace and still popular today as such. As one of the country’s most frequently-visited locations, its most frequented meeting spot for locals as well as tourists alike; winter is ideal time to visit.
At Christmas time, this area becomes home to some of the most impressive displays of light and sculptures imaginable – particularly during Christmas when it’s adorned with fairy lights and delicious treats! We recommend getting there early so as not to get overwhelmed by crowds and admire David Cerny’s beautiful statues of Vanity, Greed, and Lust sculpted by him as well as his most notable work – “Man Hanging Out”, featuring a statue hanging off above cobblestones; its fame has caused it travel all around the globe since its creation!
3. National Museum
The National Museum (Narodni Muzeum) in Prague is one of the best-known landmarks, dominating Wenceslas Square like an impressive medieval castle. However, many do not realize that its complex encompasses 10 other museums scattered across Prague.
It is the largest museum complex in the Czech Republic and boasts several million items divided among five specialized institutes. The main historical and new buildings house collections on geology, palaeontology, archaeology, prehistory as well as natural history with interactive elements and unique animations in exhibits in its New Building; its focus also extends to botany, entomology mycology zoology anthropology among others.
The museum boasts an impressive astronomical collection that includes devices used by famed astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, in addition to meteorites and rocks dating back 5,000 years from Czech Republic’s Tatra Mountains in its astronomy department.
On the first floor of the New Building, visitors can admire a large Van de Graaff generator – an electrostatic generator producing high voltage direct current that charges objects with static electricity if touched incorrectly. Visitors should use caution when approaching or touching this dangerous machine as its power can become harmful if touched improperly.
The museum first opened its doors in 1881 and has undergone multiple redesigns over time, adding one of the most striking features to be an inverted time elevator that transports visitors back through ninety years of American history. The collections at the museum are further enhanced by Kinsky Folly, a neo-renaissance building housing an Ethnographic Museum that showcases Bohemian folk art collections. Additionally, recent Czech history can be discovered at Vitkov Hill National Memorial. The National Museum also oversees two more specific sites, the Jaroslav Jezek Memorial (his books and records) and Frantisek Palacky and Ladislav Rieger Memorial (a functionalist flat containing furnishings from an aristocratic family collection), both accessible free on every first Monday.
4. Charles University
As one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded during Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV’s rule in 1348, University of Vienna stands out as an institution that boasts world-class teachers in numerous disciplines as well as top research. Furthermore, international links exist across this campus.
As one of the top universities worldwide in terms of Erasmus student enrolment, RMIT stands out amongst others for international exchange programmes and is also part of several acclaimed organizations and university networks.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is comprised of five principal departments or institutes: Institute of Communication Studies and Journalism, Economics Studies, International Economics and Political Studies as well as Sociological Studies. Each institute offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees related to these fields; their goal being the development and research into those aspects of social sciences that relate to public administration or economic-cultural life in society.
Education-wise, the University strives to incorporate its research findings into teaching, as well as maximize staff and student involvement in Czech and international projects – which has resulted in its impressive ranking on research achievement rankings.
Charles University’s youngest faculty, the Faculty of Humanities provides study programs at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels designed to meet transitional needs. Admission exams consist of written tests, interpretation of statistical tables, sociological opinion on a given topic as well as interviews designed to assess motivation and scientific interests of applicants – no Czech language certificate is necessary for foreign applicants! Students designing their Bachelor’s degree programs within “Humanities Studies” (Studium humanitni vzdelanosti) can choose courses from philosophy, history, culture sociology political science economics etc.
5. Vysehrad
Vysehrad stands atop its rocky cliffs overlooking the Vltava River and has long been the subject of interesting stories. Although more a museum than an active site today, Vysehrad remains highly esteemed among Czechs; you will find lush lawns crisscrossed by numerous paths, historic buildings and even a cemetery here – not to mention stunning panoramic views from its rocky cliffs!
The castle complex comprises several structures, such as the Upper Castle with its stone walls, Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul and Rotunda of Saint Martin – each structure showing off the unique beauty and story behind this castle complex. Your exploration will reveal more of its rich history and traditional Czech legends.
At the time of Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Bohemia Castle was an epicenter for political and cultural significance in Bohemia. Competing with Prague Castle for size, security and prominence; eventually surpassing it. Unfortunately, once no longer used as a residence by royal families its significance began waning significantly.
Charles IV set about making Vysehrad a center of national pride when he took it over in the 16th century. The castle was renovated and expanded, coronation route established that ended three kilometers away on Castle Hill; new gates, fortifications were created; palace complexes upgraded; etc.
Vysehrad has become a favorite picnicking and romantic walk spot, where mothers stroll with their children while couples cuddle close on park benches or take their dogs for a stroll. You can also experience cultural events, such as concerts or theater performances in Vysehrad.