Prague is one of Europe’s most magnificent and unique cities, serving as an academic, cultural, scientific and business center.
Prague Castle features several Gothic masterpieces such as St. Vitus Cathedral and Vladislav Hall that stand out as absolute gems.
This artistic movement revolutionized European painting, sculpture and architecture and can be found throughout Prague.
The Old Town
Prague’s Old Town captures its turbulent past through medieval architecture. With traffic-free streets and squares boasting some of Europe’s finest architecture, this is an excellent starting point for exploring Prague – find its Old Town Hall complete with Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Tyn and Jan Hus monuments here!
The square itself can become quite crowded, but you can navigate easily by following directional signs pointing you in the direction of each landmark. If your feet become weary from walking and sightseeing, take a break in one of the cafes in the square for some beer and goulash with knedliky dumplings for lunch – not necessarily an exceptional meal, but certainly something to help rejuvenate you during your journey!
Prague became a key centre of central Europe during the 14th century due to its bustling economy. Gold and silver coins produced here were widely used throughout the region and helped provide stability in local politics; yet social order remained fragile due to clashes among townspeople with nobility and merchant guilds.
During the Hussite Wars, local militia fought bravely under the Prague Banner – an impressive swallow-tailed flag consisting of red field dotted with white fleurs-de-lis and an Old Town Coat of Arms featuring an Hussite Chalice in its center. Today a monument at Powder Tower commemorates those who gave their lives during these conflicts; Prague has since become known as The City of 100 Towers due to this spectacular view dominated by these fairytale spires; several films and video games such as Amadeus; Lord of The Rings; A Song of Ice and Fire have all used as its setting.
The New Town
The New Town of Prague (also known as Nove Mesto or Noveho Budkskeho msta) boasts an incredible array of historical monuments that blend seamlessly into luxury shops and restaurants. Here, visitors will be delighted by seeing an astronomical clock, strolling horse market square or admiring Dancing House; any visitor is sure to be delighted and amazed at this city wonder.
Charles IV made great efforts to preserve the original settlements in his New Town by not engaging in extensive demolition work, yet still created an architectural whole with clear gradations of buildings and open spaces – most impressive is the southern section surrounding St Peter’s Church at Porici and its farmstead-hospital of Saint Benedict’s Order.
At the turn of the 14th century, monks and friars from across Europe came to Prague to revive local monastery tradition with unparalleled flourish. These included Benedictines of Milan’s Abbey of Saint Ambrosius; Augustinians from France at Na Karlove; Servants of Mary at Florence Meadow and Slavic Benedictines from Emmaus church on Vtkovice Street – each group playing a crucial part in revitalizing local monastic traditions with new levels of magnificence.
The New Town has taken on various forms since the 20th century but remains one of Prague’s most beautiful areas. If you enjoy architecture and visiting cathedrals, check out the New Town Hall (Cetn dvor) or visit Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral; for film buffs there’s the interactive Czech National Film Museum as well as Edison Filmhub – with English-friendly cinema screenings and cafe.
The Vyehrad
Vysehrad is one of Prague’s most significant historical sites. Although off the typical path, this area still provides breathtaking views and landmarks to be enjoyed. Reaching this site by metro is easily done; take line C all the way to Vysehrad Station before sitting back on one of their benches to take in its splendor.
Starting off, visitors should stop and see the Rotunda of Saint Martin, built in Romanesque style in 11th-century Czech Republic and considered one of its most significant surviving buildings of this type. Also worth seeing are an altar painting depicting Saint Martin dressed in his pontifical robe as well as semicupola featuring celestial scenes.
Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, rebuilt in the nineteenth century in Neo-Gothic style, is home to many statues including its most prominent feature – Devil’s Column. Although seemingly menacing-looking, its movement over time makes its existence quite fascinating; several theories exist as to its source, possibly including it being part of an underground pagan settlement which exists beneath a fortress.
Cemetery visitors will appreciate seeing Slavin Cenotaph, which serves as a common tomb for famous Czech artists and personalities, along with Art Nouveau and neo-Baroque gravestones here.
The Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge in Prague is one of its most beloved landmarks, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO and an integral part of both city history and culture. Additionally, it serves as an attraction for tourists from all around the world; making for an exceptional night-time spectacle!
The bridge measures 516 meters long and features 16 arches. Along its railing are thirty sculptures made mostly of sandstone in Baroque style – most depict saints from both Bible and History and were created by Matthias Braun and Jan Brokoff sculptors.
Construction on the Charles Bridge began during King Charles IV’s rule, as an attempt to replace an earlier bridge called Judith which could not withstand floodwater. Construction took 45 years and officially opened for use on December 16, 1402.
Since 1890, Charles Bridge has endured several disasters and damage events. One of its worst was suffered during a massive flood which devastated it severely in September of that year. Logs and rafts from downstream were trapped against its structure, creating pressure that caused three of its pillars to crumble away completely and collapse under its weight.
Charles Bridge made headlines once more during World War II when it served as a haven from German occupation of Czechoslovakia. Unfortunately, in 1945 it was heavily bombed by allies forces which caused extensive damage, destroying many statues that lined it; some of those damaged statues have since been replaced with modern replicas made out of stone.
There is no entrance fee for visiting Charles Bridge; however, due to its popularity you may need to wait in line for a bit. Or take the tram; head towards “Malostranske namesti” Square on “Mostecka”.
The Astronomical Clock
One of the world’s most beloved astronomical clocks, this medieval marvel stands out as more than just a timepiece. Displaying not only time but also positions of sun and moon as well as celestial events history, it draws large crowds every hour to witness this marvelous show. You can find this masterpiece located in Old Town Square but for maximum viewing we recommend joining a guided tour to Prague; that way you’ll avoid crowds while having someone to answer any queries that might arise!
Since 1410, when it was first installed, this astronomical clock has been widely acclaimed as one of the world’s most complicated. There have been various theories put forward as to why its complexity remains such; one popular theory states that its original builder put a curse upon it so any attempt at repair or modification would fail.
The main face of this astronomical clock features standard Roman numerals and shows local sidereal time (not to be confused with Prague mean time). The outer circle features 12 painted medallions with different month symbols depicted. Old Town Prague’s crest sits atop, and today’s date is marked on a ring close to its top. Eighty years after construction began, a calendar dial was added displaying church holidays and fixed saint days on a small board; while an eagle perched atop clock tower points outwards at these same symbols; whilst philosophers, archangel Michael, and an astronomer stand close by its edge.
But that isn’t all! In addition to a Walk of Apostles and an hourly golden rooster crowing, there’s also a Walk of Apostles and Golden Rooster that crow.