Prague

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, the city of one hundred towers, several bridges over the Vltava River and countless valuable cultural and historical treasures.

The city, which is rightfully referred to as one of the most beautiful in the world, is the mother of cities. Whether Prague is called the golden city or city of one hundred towers, it is challenging to select one attribute that best portrays all the splendours the city has to offer.

The four residential quarters dating back to the Middle Ages, are the most valuable parts of Prague; the Old Town (Staré Město) , the New Town (Nové Město) , the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and the Castle area (Hradčany) . Together, these quarters create the historical centre of Prague and are also considered to be national heritage monuments, listed as members of the international cultural heritage organisation UNESCO.

The history of Prague has been recorded for over 1100 years and its complex development is represented by the several thousands of listed heritage buildings of all architectural styles – Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque or Rococo and likewise buildings from the Art Nouveau and Cubist period.

The following tour is focussed on getting acquainted with the most significant and most famous places in Prague, plus a variety of possible activities.

From the very beginning, the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) was the natural centre of the establishment on the right hand bank of the Moldau River. The most significant building here is the Old Town Town Hall which was built in 1338. It is created from a block of five, originally independently standing buildings, which are mainly Gothic and Renaissance in appearance. The dominant feature of the square is the town hall’s tower, completed in 1364. The Old Town Astrological Clock, the work of clock-maker Mikulas of Kadan from around 1364, is a unique attraction. The astrological clock still functions and enchants its passer-bys at every hour with an exhibition of the twelve Apostles, who gradually make an appearance one at a time in two windows above the astronomical part of the clock. Opposite the town hall, on the other side of the square stands the High-Gothic Church of Týn which is valued for its decorative interior. The Gothic Old School building stands in front of the church with its pillared arcade and Renaissance pediment. The space in the middle of the square is occupied by a large monument to Jan Hus . It is also worth noting the historical buildings around the square and along the numerous rambling side streets.

From the Old Town Square, one can head for the streets of Prague’s Jewish Quarter , later known as the Josefov. The quarter was established during the 12th century, but the original buildings were demolished at the end of the 19th century due to inappropriate living and hygienic conditions. The entire area was replaced by new housing blocks. Only certain synagogues, the town hall and cemetery were preserved. The Staronova synagogue from 1270-80, is the most valuable of the remaining synagogues and it is the oldest preserved synagogue in Europe. Except for the Staranova synagogue, there are expositions of the Jewish Museum on display in the synagogues. The Old Jewish Cemetery is an extraordinary monument of international significance. It was established in the middle of the 15th century and was used until 1787. 12 000 gravestones have been preserved from the late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque period.

Now we will move from the Jewish Quarter onto the world famous Charles Bridge, an incredibly beautiful High-Gothic monument which is the most significant bridge construction in the Czech Republic. Charles Bridge was built from 1357-1402, it is 515 metres long and 9.5 metres wide. The bridge entrance is protected by a tower at each end. The Old Town bridge tower is considered to be one of the most beautiful towers from the Middle Ages in Europe. There is a gallery of 30 statues on the bridge dating back to 1683-1938.

The manmade island called Kampa, is located on the Lesser Town side of Charles Bridge, separated from the Lesser Town by a branch of the Vltava River known as the Čertovka. Here one can find an ideal corner with several mills and romantic groupings of buildings with the Čertovka meandering through – this is why the area is sometimes referred to as the Venice of Prague. Renaissance and Baroque buildings are situated on the northern part of the island, and a park covers the southern part. It is an ideal place for relaxing in the middle of the busy centre of the capital city. Many restaurants and cafés contribute to the relaxed atmosphere, plus the opportunity to take a trip along the river, or visit to the exhibition halls of Sovovy Mills. Many Czech artists once lived on Kampa, Jan Werich and J. Trnka.

Following a brief break we can continue to the centre of the Lesser Town at Lesser Town Square. The square was established by Premysl Otakar II in 1257. Its space is divided into two parts by the stately 18th century Church of St. Nicholas , considered to be the most beautiful structure of Czech Baroque. The square is encircled by the royal palace, with a plague column from 1715 in the upper corner which is adorned by a sculptural grouping representing the Greatest Threesome.

Another monument belonging to the “must-sees,” is the dominant feature, textbook of architectural styles, burial ground for Czech princes and kings and lastly, the presidential residence – Prague Castle.

From Prague Castle, one can continue to Hradčanské Square, which is home to a number of palaces which were built after the destructive fire of 1541 and now belong among the most valuable monuments of Prague. Among the most noteworthy are the Lobkowic Palace, which currently houses the Historical Army Museum, and the Martinic and Sternberg Palaces. A grandiose plague column stands in the middle of the square, dating back to 1736. One is just a few steps away from another Prague gem – the Loreta . It is a pilgrimage site, whose main holy shrine is the Church of the Virgin Birth from 1734-35 and its breathtaking decoration. The Loreta tower boasts a famous peal of 27 bells dating back to1693. Opposite the Loreta one can find the Černínský Palace with a monumental 150 metre long frontispiece.

Following this substantial dose of history and monuments one can relax in the pleasant surroundings of Petřín. The park was established in the 19th and 20th century by gradually connecting the older palace and monastery gardens. The so-called “Fasting” (Hladová) Wall climbs along the hillside and hilltop; a part of the Lesser Town’s Gothic fortress. The steel Petřín Viewing Tower stands on the highest point of the hill at 63.5 metres tall and is a free replica of the Parisian Eiffel Tower. There is a mirror maze near by, whose optic games bring pleasure to visitors of all ages. For those who love astronomy, we recommend a trip to the Štefánik Observatory. Then the upper cable car stop is just a few steps away, which leads down the hillside to Újezd Street.

Here, one can catch a tram and continue in the direction of the streets of modern Prague, to Anděl station at Nový Smíchov. This part of Prague is not only the centre of modern architecture, but also paradise for those who love shopping and entertainment.

The shopping centre Wenceslas Square and its surroundings are located on the other bank of the Vltava River. It is one of the largest quarters in Prague, originally a horse market, established in 1348. The square is 750 metres long and 60 metres wide. The original buildings from the Middle-Ages have been gradually overshadowed by modern ones. The impressive Neo-Renaissance National Museum dominates the upper part of the square and the bronze horseback riding monument to Saint Wenceslas with four statues of Czech saints stands close, below the Museum. The lower part of the square leads to Národní Třída, which leads to the quay and the National Theatre , or one can opt to go the other way, to Na Příkopě, which is full of charming arcades and beautiful buildings, including the Art Nouveau Municipal House . Another one of Prague’s treasures can also be found this way, the Prague Powder Tower. It is a significant late Gothic tower, 65 metres tall, built some time after 1475 as a representational building and later serving as storage space for gun powder. The powder tower is accessible to visitors and provides an exhibition on Prague’s prisoners.

One could go on and on about the endless list of Prague’s monuments. So we will just mention Charles Square, which is the largest square in Prague and the Czech Republic, boasting eight hectares, and Vysehrad, which is the second most significant residence of Czech royalty after Prague Castle.

We can also recommend the so-called Royal trail tour. This trail was used a long time ago in history for royal coronation processions and the trail remains a favourite until now. The royal trail begins at the Powder Tower in Celetna Street and leads to the Old Town Square, then through Maly Rynek, along Karlova Street to Krizovnicke Square, then over Charles Bridge to Mostecka Street and to Lesser Town Square. The trail leads from the upper corner of the square behind the Church of Saint Nicholas, to Nerudova Street, up to Pohorelec from where Lorentanska Street leads to Hradcanske Square and to the west gate of Prague Castle.

Once one has satiated oneself with monuments and history, you can set off for some entertainment from the wide selection that Prague has to offer. Aside from the previously mentioned shopping, tourists are keen on devoting themselves to checking out the quality of hospitality services. The Czech Republic is well-known for its magnificent beer, but visitors should not miss sampling Czech wine and the delicacies of traditional Czech cuisine. For those who like to test their luck, Prague offers numerous casinos.

Multiplex cinemas are a new entertainment phenomenon of our time which can be found at many locations in Prague – for example Slovanský Dům in Na Příkopě Street and the aforementioned Nový Smíchov, plus a large entertainment centre at Metropole Zličín which is located at the end underground station of underground line B.

For those who prefer a more peaceful form of entertainment and walks in nature to squeezing through shelves of goods, we recommend visiting the Prague Zoological Gardens in Prague 8 – Troja.

Another pleasant place for nature lovers is Divoká Šárka. This area is spread across Prague 6 and the easiest way to get there is by taking tram number 20 or 26 from the underground line A station Dejvická (end station). What is fascinating here is that there is an average of 16 grams of gold and 46 grams of silver in one tonne of stone.

One can also set off for a walk in Letenská pláň or Stromovka (Prague 7, tram stop Výstaviště). Adjacent to it is the Exhibition Place (Výstaviště), where various fairs and exhibitions take place. Another similar place in Prague is the Letňany Exhibition Place (Výstaviště Letňany Prague 9), where numerous interesting and important events are held and thirdly, the Fair Palace (Veletržním paláci), exhibition space of the National Gallery.

A trip along the Vltava River is a romantic experience and a pleasant form of entertainment, which provides visitors of Prague a completely different view of the city.

A trip to Prague is not complete without a walk in Průhonice Park, which is located about 10 km east of Prague. If weather permits, it is possible to make a half-day trip here by MHD bus from the underground station Opatov, bus line no. 324, 325, 328, 363, 385 (current public transportation schedule: http://www.jizdnirady.cz/). A castle is also part of Pruhonice Park which has been used many times as a background for Czech fairytale films. The park itself is among one of the most significant European garden works which has been gradually worked on since 1885. The 7000 rhododendrons are a feast for the eyes. Well-kept paths and foot trails of a total length of 40 km await its visitors.

Now, a few tips for planning a pleasant evening out from a whole array of activities. Every tourist should visit a concert or theatrical performance at least. Czechs are well-known around the world as musical interpretations, and for their composers such as Smetana, Dvořák, and Janáček who crossed the Czech borders many years ago. A trip to the National Theatre is sure to be an unforgettable experience, but there is also a selection of numerous other theatre and musical scenes. Countless concerts are held on a daily basis, all one has to do is choose. One can not forget to mention the Rudolfinium which is the headquarters of the Czech philharmonic and the Municipal House which is home to the Symphony Orchestra of the City of Prague. A doubtlessly significant cultural experience is the traditional Prague Spring music festival.

For those who prefer informal entertainment, Prague offers many clubs, discotheques and night bars.

More and more tourists are also coming for sports experiences. Prague football clubs Sparta and Slavia, who participate in various international competitions, are certainly not unknown names among football fans. The same goes for hockey clubs, which brought up a number of American NHL players. Hockey fans should not forget to visit Prague’s Sazka Arena, where the World Hockey Championships took place in 2004. Even today, Sazka Arena offers not only hockey matches, but also other sports and cultural events. The arena is well-known all over the world for its unique roof structure, which is the first in the world to be built without interior supporting columns, which often unpleasantly obscures the spectators’ view of the ice rink.

Let’s move on from passive viewing of sports to the possibilities of active sports in Prague. Those who love golf will be pleased by the number of golf courses available.

Another beautiful experience is horseback riding. Rollerblading is modern and popular or one can choose to go cycling. For unfavourable weather conditions, we recommend bowling, squash, aqua-park or fitness centres. Go-carting is also very popular.

Also a short word on the possibilities Prague has to offer for corporate events, conferences and congresses. Just by referring to the hundreds of events that have taken place in Prague, speaks for itself. For example the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meeting, but also numerous smaller events held by renowned international companies, such as Microsoft, Sony, Generali and many others.

We could go on forever with ideas and recommendations about what to do, see and experience in Prague. Prague is a unique place, well deserving of your visit. After all, so many famous individuals were charmed by Prague over the years, such as composers W. A. Mozart and L. van Beethoven, British Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II and others.

Prague is one of nine cities which were granted the title, European Capital of 2000 by the European Union.

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