Historic Centre of Prague
Prag, Czechia
13.08.2011
The Historic Centre of Prague – A Jewel of European Architecture
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a true gem of Europe. Its historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The winding streets, grand architecture, and rich history make it a truly special place.
The history of Prague dates back to the 9th century, when it was founded as a castle town by the Premyslid dynasty. It grew in importance over the centuries and became the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 14th century. The city flourished during the reign of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, who commissioned many of the iconic buildings that still stand today.
One of the most famous landmarks in Prague is the Charles Bridge, a stone bridge that spans the Vltava River. Built in the 14th century, it is adorned with 30 statues of saints and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Another must-see is the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, which has been working since the 15th century and is the oldest operational clock of its kind in the world.
The historic centre of Prague is also home to several stunning churches, including the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady before Týn, both of which feature Gothic architecture and intricate details. The Old Town Hall, with its iconic tower and astronomical clock, is another must-visit spot in the city.
Aside from its impressive architecture, the historic centre of Prague also played an important role in the political and cultural history of Europe. It was the site of many significant events, such as the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, which marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War. It was also a hub for artists and intellectuals, with famous figures such as Franz Kafka and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart living and working in the city.
Today, the historic centre of Prague continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Its unique blend of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, along with its rich history and cultural significance, make it a truly special place to explore.
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Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the New Town speak of the great architectural and cultural influence enjoyed by this city since the Middle Ages. The many magnificent monuments, such as Hradcany Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and numerous churches and palaces, built mostly in the 14th century under the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV.
The Old Town of Prague (Czech: Staré Město pražské, German: Prager Altstadt) is a medieval settlement of Prague, Czech Republic. It was separated from the outside by a semi-circular moat and wall, connected to the Vltava river at both of its ends. The moat is now covered up by the streets (from north to south-west) Revoluční, Na Příkopě, and Národní—which remain the official boundary of the cadastral community of Old Town. It is now part of Prague 1.
Notable places in the Old Town include Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock. The Old Town is surrounded by the New Town of Prague. Across the river Vltava connected by the Charles Bridge is the Lesser Town of Prague (Czech: Malá Strana). The former Jewish Town (Josefov) is located in the northwest corner of Old Town heading towards the Vltava.
