Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has a lot to offer its visitors. In this city, the landmarks are plentiful and are just waiting to be discovered by you.
Many legendary tales surround the founding of the Czech capital. According to the legend, Princess Libussa and her husband Přemysl, ancestors of the Bohemian Přemyslid dynasty, are said to have founded the city of Prague. However, this story has not been historically proven.
The official founding date of the city is considered to be 870, as this was when the cornerstone for Prague Castle was laid. The castle was the seat of the Bohemian rulers and still exists today as the largest castle complex in the world.
The 14th century gave Prague special significance, as Emperor Charles IV declared Prague the imperial capital and seat of the emperor. Additionally, Prague is known as the "Golden City." This name likely originates from Emperor Charles IV, who had the towers of Prague Castle gilded.
Let yourself be enchanted by the history of Prague and its beautiful landmarks!
This historic landmark of the city's fortifications dates back to the 15th century. Originally built as a gateway to the Old Town, the Powder Tower was later used as a powder storage for gunpowder. The tower impresses with its Gothic architecture and invites visitors to enjoy a wonderful view from the top of the tower.
The market square can be considered the center of Prague's Old Town and the Old Town Square. Here, you can visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn, a religious building, as well as various cafes and restaurants. The square is a place to relax, full of hustle and bustle, and a place for music. The Town Hall with its world-famous astronomical clock is also very worth seeing. Let the golden city enchant you and be sure to take photos!
The tower of the Gothic-style Town Hall is the heart of the Old Town Square. It rises high into the sky, reaching a height of 42 meters. If you are already in Prague's Old Town, you should not miss this sight. Enjoy a guided tour or explore the Old Town Hall on your own.
The Charles Bridge connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town of Prague, spanning the Vltava River. It is one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe and stretches over 500 meters long. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Czech capital and take a leisurely stroll through the hustle and bustle of an ancient historical city. The stunning panoramic view will impress you and showcase the uniqueness of the Charles Bridge. It is no wonder it is one of Prague's most iconic landmarks!
The Klementinum has existed since the late 16th century and was originally a Jesuit college. It is located close to Charles Bridge, making it easy to combine with your own sightseeing tour. Over the years, the Klementinum has undergone extensive expansion, making it one of the largest historical building complexes in Europe. It is the second-largest complex in Prague, only surpassed by Prague Castle. Admire the magical observatory, the Mirror Chapel, and the magnificent Baroque Library Hall.
Prague Castle is also one of the most popular destinations when visiting the Czech Republic. The area of Prague Castle spans an incredible 45 hectares, making it the largest contiguous castle complex in the world. Due to the location of Prague Castle (on top of the Hradčany hill), visitors are treated to a stunning panoramic view of all of Prague. However, this castle is not only of interest to tourists. As the seat of the president, Prague Castle still holds great political significance today.
As part of the Prague Castle complex, St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most important cathedrals in the city. It has been the site of countless coronation ceremonies for Bohemian rulers. You have the opportunity to attend a service and let the culture and history of Prague influence you.
The Golden Lane, arguably Prague's most famous street, is also part of Prague Castle. The street got its name because many goldsmiths settled there during the late Middle Ages. But that's not all! Franz Kafka lived and worked in the Golden Lane, at number 22. If you want to follow the traces of a bygone era and feel like the famous author Franz Kafka, you should not miss this place! You won’t get any closer to the presence of this renowned author anywhere else!
Tip for architecture lovers: Jože Plečnik had a hand in the design of Prague Castle. Why is this interesting? He was influential in the architectural buildings of Slovenia! If you would like to admire more of his masterpieces, you should not miss the capital of Slovenia (Ljubljana)!
Wenceslas Square is located near Prague's Old Town and is a popular meeting place for many Prague residents. At the end of the square, you will also find the National Museum.
Trace the path of Jewish migration, which dates back to the 10th century, and explore the Jewish Quarter.
During the 13th century, Bohemian rulers began to force the Jewish minority into a ghetto in the northern part of the Old Town. This ghetto is now called Josefov and serves as a reminder of the difficult times the Jewish community faced in Europe and Prague. It was a city where the Jewish community was marginalized, a situation that lasted until 1848. Nevertheless, the Jewish Quarter allows you to reflect on the past and honor those who lived in Josefov. Here, you can view remains such as the old Jewish Cemetery and the synagogues, experiencing the traces of a conflict-ridden history. If you're particularly interested in the remnants of this past, the following sights are worth visiting:
The oldest princely residence in the Czech Republic is represented by Vyšehrad, the Prague stronghold, which lies directly on the Vltava River. From the princely residence, you can admire the entire Old Town as well as Prague Castle. Additionally, you can discover more sights within the stronghold! For example, you should not miss St. Peter and Paul Church and St. Martin's Rotunda. Particularly, St. Martin's Rotunda (a building with a circular floor plan) holds special significance as the oldest preserved monument in Prague.
The improvised memorial under the faucet on the wall of the Maltese Garden was created shortly after the death of John Lennon. To this day, it is unknown who is responsible for this memorial. However, with the onset of democracy, the portrait of John Lennon lost some of its significance. Today, alongside John Lennon's portrait, the wall is decorated by new works from 30 artists from 5 countries. The public is also allowed to leave their mark on the wall, but only in a designated space and using pens, markers, or chalk. The use of spray paint is forbidden!
