Prague sightseeing and attractions

Prague attractions and sightseeing, Prague sightseeing and attractions

Prague attractions and sightseeing

CHARLES BRIDGE (Karluv most)

Charles Bridge, in the past also known as Stone or Prague Bridge, is one of the most visited attractions of Prague. The construction started under the reign of King Charles IV in 1357 and was finished in the beginning of 15th century. The importance of the Charles Bridge is in its connection of Old Town and Prague Castle which was the only one until 1841. During its history, bridge was destroyed several times by natural disasters (floods) or foreign invasions (battle with Swedish invaders). The bridge is 516m long, 10m wide and is supported by 16 arches protected by ice guards. On the sides of the bridge is an alley of statues (mainly in baroque style) which were mostly erected between 1683 and 1714. Nowadays, all statues are replaced by replicas and the originals could be found in the National Museum (on Wenceslas Square)

WENCESLAS SQUARE (Vaclavske namesti)

Wenceslas Square, in the past also known as Horse Market or Saint Wenceslas Square, is one of the main squares in Prague. It is named after Saint Wenceslas, patron saint of Bohemia and the king of Bohemia in 10th century. The square has rectangular shape and is 750m long. Today, there’re mainly hotels, department stores, restaurants and offices. On the top of the square is situated the National Museum (in neoclassical style) and in front of it the statue of Saint Wenceslas on the horse. Wenceslas square was always the place where special occasions took place. In 1918, the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia from Austria-Hungry was made by Alois Jirasek (Czech writer). On January 19th, 1969, Jan Palach (student) protested the invasion of Czechoslovakia by USSR by setting himself in fire. During the Velvet revolution, demonstrations were held on this square.

OLD TOWN SQUARE (Staromestske namesti)

Old Town Square, in the past also known as Great Square or Old Market, is the oldest square in Prague which has been forming since 10th century. It gained its current name in the 14th century when the New Town was founded. Mainly hotels and restaurants in buildings of Romanesque or Gothic origin surround the square. Many of the typical Prague’s sightseeing monuments can be seen here (Astronomical clock, Tyn Cathedral, statue of Jan Hus). This place is also a gathering point for hockey and football (soccer) fans during the major matches of World championships.

ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK (Prazsky orloj)

Astronomical clock is a part of the Old Town Hall on the Old Town Square. The clock was firstly mentioned October 14th, 1410 and was constructed by clockmaker Mikulas of Kodan and the professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University Jan Sindel. After the Hussites wars, Orloj was renewed by Jan Hanus and Jan Taborovsky who were believed the first constructors of the Astronomical Clock. During its life, Orloj suffered many damages but the major one occurred at the end World War II when the big part of the Clock was destroyed. However, it was renovated, electrified and “put back to the life” July 1st, 1948. The last restoration was done in the year 2005.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY IN FRONT OF TYN (Kostel Matky Bozi pred Tynem)

The Church of Our Lady in Front of Tyn is a famous feature on the Old Town Square since 14th century. It is topped by 2 towers with 4 spires. The gothic image of the church was influenced by Matthias of Arras and mainly Petr Parler. During the Hussistes wars, church was occupied by the group of Hus supporters and the vicar was John of Rokycan until 1427. The church’s Northern tower suffered severe damage by the lightning stroke on July 29, 1819 and it was renovated 16 years later. Interesting aspect about the church is that Tycho Brahe (d.1601) is buried here.

LESSER QUARTER (Mala strana)

Lesser Quarter is situated on the left bank side of the river Vltava on the slopes below the Prague castle. It’s joined with the Old Town by Charles Bridge. It used to be populated by German civilians in the Middle Ages. The today’s baroque image of the Lesser Quarter was created in the 16th century when the “old” Mala strana got devastated by fire in 1541. Lesser Quarter is the birthplace of the famous Czech writer Jan Neruda (street named after him runs through this district)

PRAGUE CASTLE (Prazsky hrad)

Prague castle, one of the biggest castles in the world, is a dominant feature of the Prague. The first part of the castle, church of Our Lady, was built in the 9th century followed by construction of the Basilica of St. George and St. Vitus Cathedral in the 10th century. In 12th century the Romanesque palace was built here which was later reconstructed in the 14th century into the gothic style by Charles IV who also strengthened the fortification of the castle. The castle is representing different architectonic styles such as gothic St. Vitus cathedral and Romanesque basilica of St. George. Prague Castle has been the residence of Czech kings, Roman emperors and Czechoslovak and Czech presidents. During the World War II, Prague castle became also the headquarter of head of Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Reinhard Heyndrich..

ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL (Chram sv. Vita)

St. Vitus Cathedral is the biggest and the most important Prague’s cathedral and is a dominant feature of the Prague Castle. Beside mess, church was also used for coronations of kings and queens and it also serves as a place where patrons, kings and archbishops are buried. The today’s cathedral started to be built under the rule of Charles IV in 1344 by Matthias of Arras and Petr Parler. However, the construction of St Vitus Cathedral wasn’t finished until 1929.

PETRIN LOOKOUT TOWER (Petrinska rozhledna)

Petrin lookout tower, sometimes also called Prague’s Eiffel Tower, is a tower made from steel which stands 60m high. It was built in 1891 and the major function back then was an observatory and transmission station. Today, Petrin lookout tower draws tourist attention. There’s a beautiful view to the Prague from the top on the clean days. The museum of Jara Cimerman (fictional character) can be found on the lowest level of the tower.

JEWISH QUARTER (Josefov)

Jewish Ghetto, also known as Josefov, starts its existence in 13th century when Prague Jews were forced to settle in one area. During the years, this place became more and more crowded. It counted up to 15,000 Jews in the 17th century what was about 30% of Prague population. The image of the today’s Jewish quarter comes from the period of 1893-1913 when the vast redevelopment occurred. The synagogues, old Jewish Town hall and old Jewish cemetery, they are all parts of the Jewish Museum.

OLD NEW SYNAGOGUE (Staronova synagoga)

Old New Synagogue is located in the Prague Jewish Quarter and is one of the oldest active European synagogues. It was built in the 13th century in the gothic style and it was renewed in romantic style by the architect Joseph Mocker in 1883. The last reconstruction was done in 1966-1967. The synagogue is called Old New because at the time it was built, there already existed a synagogue which was concerned to be old. As the old synagogue was destroyed and the new became older and older it was renamed Old New Synagogue.

VYSEHRAD (Vysehrad)

Vysehrad castle was built in the 10th century and used to be the residence of the Premyslid dynasty. It is situated on the hill within the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Peter and the Vysehrad cemetery where are buried famous people from the Czech history (ex. composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak, painters Max Svabinsky and Alfons Mucha, poet Karel Hynek Macha, Nobel prize winner Jaroslav Heyrovsky)

DANCING HOUSE (Tancici dum)

Dancing house, also called Ginger and Fred after (after Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers) is a modern building in the Prague’s downtown. It was built in 1994-1996 by the architect Vlado Milunic. The construction was supported by Vaclav Havel, president of Czech Republic at that time.

ZIZKOV TV TOWER (Zizkovska televizni vez)

Zizkov TV Tower is the tallest building in Prague with its 216m. It was built in the period of 1985 – 1992. The restaurant, café and 3 observer rooms might be found in there. It is said that on the clear day you might see as far as 100km.

KARLSTEJN CASTLE (Karlstejn)
Karlstejn castle is one of the most famous castles in Czech Republic and is situated about 35 km southwest from Prague. It was established by King Charles in 1348 and played an important role as it was treasury of the coronation jewelry. The fortification provided the safety of the castle and the castle has never been entirely conquered. However, it suffered damages through out the years (Swedes conquered the majority of the castle). The castle is placed on different height levels and has several parts. The famous one is the Great Tower where the Chapel of St. Cross is being situated. The tower is protected by walls 4 to 6 meters thick. The castle gained its present look in 1887-1899 when it was reconstructed by the architect Joseph Mocker.

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