Prague is one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Europe and has a fascinating centuries-long history with splendid examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture. There are palaces, churches, parks and squares, and don’t forget the abundance of tasty beers, pubs and beer halls.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.PRAQUE CASTLE
As the largest coherent castle complex in the world and once the official residence of the Bohemia’s kings, the castle is one of the most visited tourists attractions. It was originally built in 970 AD as a walled fortress. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site the castle has changed over the years, including 10th century Romanesque buildings and structures from the 14th century. Highlights include the Old Royal Palace’s main hall, the Vladislav Hall and the staircase so wide that mounted knights can use them. The Royal Garden dating back to 1534 is home to a number of other buildings, including the Gall Game Pavilion, the Royal Summer House and the Lion’s Court.
2.POWDER TOWER
The tower was originally built in the 11th century and was later rebuilt in the 17th century storing gunpowder. The tower was the royal route, the coronation route of the Bohemian kings started at the tower, through Old Town, across the Charles Bridge and up to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral where the kings were crowned. A bridge is connectioning the tower to the palace of King Vladislav II who rebuilt the tower in 1475. Today the tower remains connected to the palace and serves as the Municipal House. A spiral staircase inside the tower is leading to the gallery where visitors can get great view of Old Town.
3.PRAGUE ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
The clock has been around since the 15th century and is located in the Old Town Square. It is used to determine the phases of the moon and the equinoxes. The clock uses depictions of symbols, such as a money bag representing greed, a mirror to represent vanity and a skeleton to depict death. Each hour the clock shows a visualization of time unlike anything else in the world
4.OLD NEW SYNAGOGUE
It is the oldest active synagogue in Europe and is also the heart of the Jewish Quarter. As Prague’s first gothic building, the Old-New Synagogue was completed in 1270 and has held divine services ever since. It is also home to Prague’s Golem, a creation of clay and animated with breath and a parchment bearing instructions placed in its mouth, by Rabbi Jehud Löwa in the 16th century. The legends claim that when the Golem went mad and became aggressive, the Rabbi returned it to clay, stating that when hard times for Jewish people came again, the Golem could be re-awakened.
5.CHARLES BRIDGE
Built in 1357 it is the most recognizable old bridge in Europe. The bridge boasts 32 unique points of interest along its 520-meter span. The bridge has long been the subject of a great deal of superstition, including the builders having laid the initial bridge stone on the 9th of July at exactly 5:31am, a precise set of numbers (135797531) believed to give the structure additional strength and for added good measure, it was constructed in perfect alignment with the tomb of St. Vitus and the setting sun on the equinox. Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and John of Nepomuk, the country's most revered saint, unveiled in 1683, are some of the statues on the bridge. Other highlights include spectacular views over the River Vltava and the superb Gothic gates.
6.TYN CHURCH
The sites original building was an 11th century Romanesque church built for foreign merchants who come to trade. The present church was built in the 14th century, but the roof, towers and gables come years later. The 80 meters high Gothic towers is a well-known attraction and it soars into the sky and can be seen from all around the city. The church houses many works of art in Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles.
7.THE NATIONAL THEATRE
The theatre opened in 1881 as a symbol of Czech national identity and to promote the Czech language and culture is located on the banks of the River Vltava. The theatre is home to the country's top opera, ballet, and drama performances. The theater stands as a monument to the city's rich talent and cultural significance.
8.THE LENNON WALL
The Lennon Wall has stood since the 1980s as a tribute to former Beatle and peace campaigner John Lennon. After his murder in 1980 the unassuming wall near the Charles Bridge became a place where fans could demonstrate their grief by painting pictures and slogans attributed to the star. The police tried to erase the graffiti, but it keeps on reappearing along Lennon’s lyrics. The wall become a symbol of hope and peace for the city’s population.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- The Jewish Quarter
- St. Nicholas Church
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Old Town Square
- Dancing House
- Mala Strana
- Wenceslas Square
- The Clementinum and the National Library
- The Church of Our Lady before Tyn
- The Olsany Cemetry
- The Hilltop Fortress, Vysehrad
- Wemceslas Square
- The National Museum
- The Petrin Lookout Tower
- The Strahov Monastery and Library
- Prague Zoo
- The Municipal House
- The National Gallery in Prague
- Old Royal Palace
- St. George’s Basilica
Prague’s transportation system is efficient and relatively easy to use. You can get around by metro, trams, busses, taxis and car.
The best time to visit Prague is from late March to June offers clear skies and mild weather.
