Prague

PRAGUE

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is also the largest city in the Czech Republic. About 1.3 million people lived there at the end of 2018. Prague is located in the centre of Bohemia on the Vltava river. It is the seat of the Czech parliament and government and the president of the Czech Republic lives there. Many other important institutions, for example the Czech National Bank, are also located in Prague. The city has been called "The Heart of Europe" and "The Mother of Cities" and "The City of a Thousand Spires". It is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas and other historical exhibits. An extensive modern public transportation system connects the city. It is home to a wide range of public and private schools, including Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe. Prague is home to a number of well-known cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of 20th-century Europe.

Prague Castle

Prague castle is one of the oldest parts of Prague. It is the largest castle complex in the world. Many famous sights, for example St Vitus Cathedral and St George’s Basilica are located there. The largest hall in the Prague Castle is the Vladislav Hall. It is used for important state ceremonies. The Royal Garden is also part of the castle. Today, Prague Castle is the seat of the president of the Czech Republic.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague. It is more than 500 metres long and about 10 metres wide. There are 30 statues or groups of statues on the bridge. They are mostly saints. In the past, cars and even trams could go over the bridge. Today, the bridge is open only for walking.

Old Town Square

Old Town Square is one of the most popular tourists places. Its main attractions are Týn Church, John Huss Memorial and the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock. Every hour, the Apostles appear above the face of the clock and are watched by fascinated tourists.

St Vitus Cathedral

St Vitus cathedral is the most important Catholic church in the Czech Republic. The construction of the cathedral started in the 14th century and it took more than 500 years to finish. The architecture of the cathedral is mainly Gothic and Neo-Gothic. The Czech crown jewels are stored in the cathedral.

Prague is the fourth most visited European city after London, Paris and Rome. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Transportation

Getting around Prague is not different from getting around any other big city. There are buses, trams, and even the underground. You can also take a taxi but Prague taxi drivers are often dishonest and try to make you pay more than is legal, especially if you are a foreign tourist. It is a shame. You can also go by bike or walk. There are also some ships on the Vltava River but they are used mainly for fun. The Václav Havel Airport in Prague is the largest airport in the Czech Republic.