Prague, the city of a hundred spires

Placed on the Vltava river, lies one of the best preserved historic city centres of Europe,Prague.  The historic buildings of this city   belong to a great variety of architectural styles- Gothic , Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau

Along with the historic  side, there are many modern and abstract sculptures can be seen here.

Due to its charm , the city is best seen if you are on foot. The Prague Castle (Hradčany) is now ,the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.

Within the castle walls, are a number of Prague’s most popular tourist sites, including St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica,  the Powder Tower, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane.

Make sure ,to also spend time in the Royal Garden, dating back to 1534 ,home to a number of superb buildings including the Ball Game Pavilion, the Royal Summer House with its Singing Fountain, and the Lion’s Court.

One of the most famous old bridges in Europe, the magnificent Charles Bridge (Karlův Most) boasts 32 unique points of interest along its 520-meter span. Built in 1357, it  is famous for its many fine old statues. Among the most important are that of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and that of John of Nepomuk, the country’s most revered saint, unveiled in 1683 (a more recent superstition involves rubbing the plaque at the base of the statue for  a wish).

 

The  Roman Catholic St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala St. Vita) is the Czech Republic’s largest and most important Christian church. Seat of the Archbishop of Prague, is also home to the tombs of numerous saints and three Bohemian kings.

The cathedral was started in 1344 and took more than 525 years to complete, resulting in a mix of modern Neo-Gothic and 14th-century Gothic styles, along with Baroque and Renaissance influences. Highlights include stunning stained glass windows depicting the Holy Trinity, a mosaic from 1370 (The Last Judgment), and the St. Wenceslas Chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dancing House  is a modern architectural creation,built between 1992 and 1996 and it was  designed by Frank Gehry. Consisting of two adjoining towers, this splendid structure features unique curves that resemble two dancing figures, an effect heightened by the fact one of the towers is shaped like a woman wearing a skirt ( the nickname is”Fred and Ginger” ).

While the building consists largely of offices, great views can be enjoyed from the top floor restaurant (a café is also located on the main level).

 

 

 

 

The historic center of Prague, the Old Town (Staré Město), is where you’ll find the splendid Old Town Square , one of the best places to begin exploring the city. Here you’ll find the Tyn Church and the Clementinum, along with numerous other fine old churches, as well as splendid old architecture dating back as far as the 11th century.

 

The wonderful early 15th-century Astronomical Clock is maybe the greatest attraction : each hour, it springs to life as the 12 Apostles and other figures appear and parade in procession across the clock face.

 

 

 

Prague’s Jewish Quarter is a pleasant area to stroll and includes the Jewish Museum in Prague an important attraction that consists of the Maisel Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Klaus Synagogue.

The Jewish Quarter, Josefov, is  the place, the ghetto where you will find old synagogues and a an old cemetery.

The winding streets  full of taverns lead you to modern parks, church towers and  museums that will make you discover the spirit of this city of 1.3 million people.

 

 

One of Prague’s most recognizable buildings is the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem).. Another splendid old church worth visiting is the Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary with its famous statue of the infant Jesus, said to have been responsible for miracles and still a point of pilgrimage.

 

Kafka Museum is a place that can be included in your tour.