Prague

Prague

P. is the capital of the Czech Republic, the seat of the President, Government and Parliament, and tbe political, cultural and economic centre of the country. It spreads out on both banks of the Vltava in the centre or Bohemia. It has 1.2 million inhabitants.

The historical centre is made up by the Old Town, the Lesser Quarter (Town), Josefov, the New Town, Hradčany and Vyšehrad. Together they make a unique town preserve.

The historical centre is surrounded by a ring of new housing estates.

A legend connects the foundation of P. with Princess Libuše who prophesied the future glory of P. which "would touch the stars'". In the 9th century P. became the seat of princes of the Přemyslid dynasty and a castle above the Vltava and later another castle Vyšehrad were built.

P. flourished and grew during the reign of Charles IV. He established the Prague Archbishopric, founded Charles University and the New Town, and promoted the construction or Charles Bridge and St Vitus Cathedral. P. has been a witness of all important historical events and many places reminds its visitors of them.

The Prague Castle, the seat of the President, dominates the city. The monumental complex includes three courtyards and over 700 rooms among which the Gothic Vladislav Hall, where the election of the President takes place, is the most renowned.

The most impressive building at the Castle is St Vitus Cathedral. It was completed in 1929, a thousand years after the foundation of the first church on this site. The present cathedral is the result or the work of two famous architects, .Mathias of Arras and Petr Parléř. The most admired parts of the Cathedral are St Wenceslas Chapel with the coronation chamber, where the coronation jewels are kept, and the Royal Crypt with sarcophaguses of Czech kings and queens.

The Basilica of St George is the best preserved relic of Romanesque architecture in Bohemia.

In the castle gardens we can admire the Renaissance Royal Summer Palace Belvedere, and the Singing Fountain in front or it.

Golden Lane made up of tiny houses with coloured facades originated in the 16th century ( during thc reign of Rudolph II ) when craftsmen settled there. Today you can buy there beautiful souvenirs or see various exhibitions.

Not far from the Castle in Loretánské Square you can admire the Baroque Loretto complex with a carillon and the Loretto treasure .

On Petřin Hill the Petřín Observation Tower can be found. From there you can have a magnificent view of Prague and its environs. Below Petřín the Strahov Monastery with the Museum of Czech Literature is located.

Along Nerudova Street you get from the Castle to the Lesser Town. It' s a poetic quarter with ancient houses and palaces and romantic gardens.

The jewel of Baroque architecture is St Nicholas Church.

From there we can easily get to Charles Bridge, a favourite place for walks and tourist attractions. It´s 520 metres long and is decorated with 30 Baroque sculptures.

Along Charles Street we can get to the Old Town Square, the centre of the Old Town. The best known building there is the Old Town Hall. Every hour crowds of tourists watch the horologe