Untouched by the ravages of World War II, still as beautiful as ever, and dynamically developing, Prague has become a favourite with travellers and the number one tourist destination in Central Europe. The city is often referred to as the "city of one hundred spires," the "golden city," or simply the queen of all cities.
Prague’s history has endowed it with a multitude of architectural, cultural, and religious monuments and sightseeing destinations. Just like all the cities of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prague carries plenty of mementoes of this past. Yet, the different city districts each have an atmosphere and a history of their own. Even though it is as busy as any other large city, Prague remains clean and liveable and a delight for the visitor who wants to spend a couple of days strolling around its streets.
The Old Town (Staré Mìsto)
Previously a compound of several communities that have gradually merged, this part of the capital offers the most enticing atmosphere and the best sights. The formerly independent local communities grew past the city walls and slowly united to become an independent city during the time of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. The Old Town was one of the most important cities in Europe in the Medieval Age. The historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992. Old Town Square is in the focus of this part of the city with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. The shape of the Old Town as seen today was set by Wenceslas I around 1230. The most notable sights are the Town Hall with the world renowned Orloi, Tycho Brahe's tomb, the Týn Church, the Baroque St. Nicolas Church, and the Rococo style Goltz-Kinský Palace, functioning as a secondary school today. (Franz Kafka is a notable alumnus.)
Full of secret yards, niches, and pathways, the Old Town is also home to the St. Agnes Monastery, the Bethlehem Chapel where Jan Hus used to teach and preach, and Obecni Dùm, the Art Nouveau building including the Smetana Concert Hall.
The historic coronation ceremony used to depart from Prášná Brána at the eastern end of the district, marching through the Old Town via Charles Bridge to reach the Hradèany.
A variety of theatres, restaurants, and lively nightlife also give the Old Town a unique atmosphere.
Josefov
Closely linked to Prague's Old Town, Josefov is a district mainly known for its Jewish roots. The district formerly known as the Jewish Town (idovské mìsto) took up the name Josefov in 1850 to honour Joseph II, whose Toleration Edict had earlier normalized the legal position of Jews. Only six synagogues and the Jewish Cemetery remain of what used to be a town in its own right, and it is difficult to imagine that the area, which is home to less than 2,000 people today, used to have a population of 180,000. In addition to the synagogues and the cemetery, local sights include the house where Franz Kafka was born, the former Jewish Council building, Radnice, the Applied Arts Museum, and the St. Agnes monastery.
The New Town (Nové Mìsto)
This district was founded by King of Bohemia Charles IV as an independent administrative unit to the south of the Old Town in 1348. Wenceslas Square, a link between the Old Town and the New Town, has been the centre of this district for centuries. The square is equally famous for the architectural unity of its buildings and its historical role. The spectacular palace-like National Museum building defines the space. Other remarkable sights include the House of Representation, the National Theatre, and the New Town Hall. A notable modern addition to the landscape is Frank Gehry's Fred and Ginger glass palace on the Vltava riverbank, close to Václav Havel's former home.
Vyšehrad
According to some sources, Vyšehrad, located to the south of the New Town, is the oldest part of Prague. It is particularly popular with tourists because of the view from here. The castle and the monumental St. Peter and Paul Church are perched upon a 42-metre-high hill with a steep side to the river. This is where the most important national cemetery is located, with Smetana, Dvorak, Karel Capek, Jan Neruda, and Mikolas Ales buried here.
Hradèany
Hradèany is the castle district on the left bank of the River Vltava. Entry is through the Matthias Gate, which opens the path leading to the presidential office housing a Renaissance and Baroque picture gallery. St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral with a Renaissance belfry, is the most remarkable religious building in the city, located just opposite the presidential office. St. George Abbey, also nearby, has a collection of masterpieces of Czech religious painting. The royal palace was the residence of Czech kings. Originally built in the 17th century, the Lobkovic Palace houses the National Museum today. Opposite is the Roman style St. George Basilica with its double white towers. Daliborka tower, formerly a prison, is located in the north-eastern part of Hradèany. The Goldsmiths' Lane, which has a number of preserved 16th century houses, is the most visited street in Prague. These houses were later to become the homes of Emperor Rudolf's alchemists. Franz Kafka lived in house number 22.
The Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana)
Take a walk from the castle down to the Lesser Quarter, just opposite the Old Town. This is the most romantic part of Prague. Patrician and royal palaces were built in this area in the Middle Ages, later to be complemented by pretty churches and embassies. The area has always been a favourite with artists, poets, musicians, and all kinds of unusual people. With little commercial property even today, the Lesser Quarter has managed to retain its medieval atmosphere. This district also functions as an administration centre. The central square, Malostranske namesti, is the heart of Malá Strana. The Church of St. Nicolas is a Baroque masterpiece adorning the square. The famous 100-year-old "Malostranska kavarna" is also located here. One of the streets opening from here is Nerudova, named after the famous Czech writer Jan Neruda. The street has many restaurants, cafés, and shops. The special signs that can be seen on house walls used to serve as guidance before street numbers were introduced. Petrin Hill, the highest and the most notable of the seven hills of Prague, is located to the west of the Lesser Quarter.
Charles Bridge
This is probably the most important and well known landmark in Prague. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV personally laid the foundation stone of Prague's first stone bridge in 1354, and it took nearly 50 years to complete the bridge. The addition of 30 Baroque statues marked the most significant change in the history of the bridge in the early 18th century. Strangely, the name Charles Bridge has been commonly used only since 1870. This pedestrian bridge is 10 metres wide and 560 metres long, and is one of the most prominent centres of open air cultural events in Prague, with fairs and exhibitions often organised here.
Wherever your travels take you in Prague, you will surely come across small pubs. The beer is excellent throughout the city, and typical Czech dishes are available in most restaurants from around noon. Knedlik (dumpling, made of either wheat or potato flour that is boiled as a roll of dough, then cut into slices and served with gravy) with steak and stewed cabbage is a Czech cuisine staple. Naturally, one should not go without the legendary Czech aperitif, Becherovka. The people in the pubs are very open, kind, and are always happy to have a chat. Another of Prague’s irresistible features!
