Sights:
Hradčany
The Prague Castle
presents one of the most famous rulers residences in Europe. It is a comlex of buildings of spiritual and secular character. The most eminent building is Saint Vitus Cathedral.
St. Vitus Cathedral
was being built for seven centuries and thus several architects and architectural styles left their marks on it.
The Golden Lane (CLOSED MAY 2010 - MAY 2011!!!)
history of this wonderful street is connected to the Rudolf II reign who was enchanted by alchemy and here he placed all alchemists that came to Prague on his call. In one of this lovely houses Franz Kafka used to live.
Loreto
is an important pilgrim monastery. It is famous for its valuable monstrances which dates from the 16th, the 17th, and the 18th centuries. One of the worthest things is the monstrance made of gilt silver and decorated with 6500 diamonds. 27 bells are situated in the Baroque tower of Loreto.
Lesser Town
Charles bridge
Before we enter the Charles bridge we must go through Old Town Tower passage. The tower is famous for its decoration and unique statues. It presents one of the most beautiful medieval towers in Europe. It was built according to the plan of Petr Parleř by the end of the 14th century.
The bridge stands upon 16 arches on which there are 30 sculptures made by different sculptor masters. The most interesting sculpture for tourists is a statue of John of Nepomuk. His death is described on an embossment which tourists touch in hope for their wishes to be fulfilled.
The sculpture was made by Jan Brokoff.
On the other side of the river the bridge is enclosed by two towers - the taller one belongs to Charles bridge and the lower one used to belong to Judith?s bridge which collapsed during floods in the 14th century.
Saint Nicholas Church
presents the most dominant spot at Lesser Town Square. This piece of art was made by father and son Dientzenhofer who were the most eminent representatives of late Baroque in Prague. W.A.Mozart used to play the organ here.
Nerudova Street
this street leading to the Prague castle is very rich with colourful house signs what makes this street even more popular for tourists. At Two Suns is the house where the famous Czech writer Jan Neruda used to live. Today, the street bear his name. One of the most beautiful house signs belongs to the house called At Three Violines. Morzin palace, better known as Romanian embassy, own a part of its beauty to sculptor Brokoff. Josef Hyden was a chaplain at Morzin Chapel.
Kampa
a little island in the center of the city. This romantic and cosy place can offer you to see two beautiful mills on Čertovka river and hear stories about elfs who protect the mills.
Old Town
Old Town Square
the most attractive building on the square is the Old Town Hall and its astrological clock - Orloj. It got its today's look in the 15th century. According to the legend the author - Mister Hanuš - was violently blinded so he wouldn?t make better and more beautiful clock.
The next building that catches tourists? attention is a Church of Virgin Mary before Tyn built after the plan of Petr Parleř.
Next to the church there is a house called At Stone Bell. Recent researches discovered that here existed an altar where royal insignia used to be kept. The building lost its importance when Karlstein was built and royal insignia were transfered to the new castle.
On the other side of the church is a house called At White Unicorn which is considered to be one of the most valuable monuments of Renaissance style in central Europe.
Klementinum
this university complex was built in 1578. It consists of six courts above which rise four taller and two lower towers. After the Pragu Castle Klementinum is the biggest complex in Prague. Today this is a seat of University Library.
Municipal House
is an Art Nouveau jewel that was being built from 1905 - 1911. It was built according to the plan of Antonín Balšánek with a help of his assistant Osvald Polívka. The building consists of a few concert halls on the first floor and of a few cafés on the groun floor. The main role in interior decorating was given to Alfon Mucha and František Ženíšek. In Municipal House on the 28th of May in 1918 Czechoslovakia announced its independence.
Powder Tower
was built in the 15th century. The architect was Matěj Rejsek whose self-portrait is carved on the east side of the tower. Near the tower used to stand a Royal Court, a seat of the Bohemian kings.
Estate Theatre
a Don Giovani opera was premierly presented in this theatre in 1787 and Mozart himself conducted the orchestra. The theatre was built in 1783 and it is the most beautiful representative of Classicism style in Prague.
National Theatre
it dates from 1868 and is a symbol of Czech national renaissance. It distinguishes itself by an unusual roof in colour of the night sky with stars what symbolically presents a climax that should be an aim for all artists.
Josefov
The Old-New Synagogue
is one of the oldest Gothic monuments in Prague and it belongs to one of the best preserved synagogues in Europe.
The Old Jewish Cemetary
the oldest tomb stone dates from 1439 and the youngest from 1787. It is estimated that at least 120,000 people were buried here. Because of the little burying area people were buried in levels. One of the most famous people buried here is Rabi Low, the author of the stories about Golem.
New Town
Wenseslas Square
in the medieval age this place was used as a horse market. In the 19th century it changed its name into Wenceslas square. It got its name after the Czech patron Saint Wenceslas. His statue on the horse can be seen in front of the National Muzeum. Around the monument there are another four patron statues ? Ludmila, V?t (Vitus), Prokop and Vojt?ch (Adalbert). The sculpture was made by Czech sculptor Myslbek.
National Muzeum
is a Neo-Renaissance building built in 1890.
Lucerna
a cultural center built in 1912 by grandfather of Václav Havel. Today, there are placed many galeries, cafés, cinema, shops and a concert hall.
