Prague's Old Town is commonly thought of as one of the most stunning and celebrated feats of architecture anywhere in Europe. As soon as you arrive and walk…
Prague's Old Town is commonly thought of as one of the most stunning and celebrated feats of architecture anywhere in Europe. As soon as you arrive and walk through the cobbled streets, you'll see what all the fuss is about; there are buildings in the Old Town dating back to the tenth century and each has been built with style and attention to detail. Old Town Charm the Old Town got its name in the 14th century when Prague began to build up the New Town, but there's nothing old-fashioned about the heart of the Golden City. Its buildings and cobblestone streets read like a storybook of the long and vibrant history of Prague, and there are plenty of attractions, restaurants, and boutique shops to keep you busy while you explore. The architecture in Prague's Old Town is part of what makes the city so special to visitors. In the center of it all is the Old Town square, the site of some of the most important and ground-breaking events in the history of Prague. Today, the Old Town Square is filled with restaurants and cafes and is the perfect starting point for the other attractions nearby like Kinsky Palace and the Church of Our Lady of Týn. Something new in Prague Old Town the Old Town in Prague has a lot more to offer than beautiful architecture and while you're visiting you can get tucked into museums, art galleries, fabulous restaurants as well as lively bars and beer gardens. Take a closer look and you'll see lots of new and exciting shops and restaurants and when the sun goes down, the Old Town comes alive as both locals and tourists fill the bars and clubs for some evening entertainment.
The Church of Mother of God before Týn, often translated as Church of Our Lady before Týn, is a Gothic church and a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic. It has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is a Jewish cemetery in Prague, Czech Republic, which is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and one of the most important Jewish historical monuments in Prague. It served its purpose from the first half of the 15th century until 1786. Renowned personalities of the local Jewish community were buried here; among them rabbi Jehuda Liva ben Becalel – Maharal (ca. 1526–1609), businessman Mordecai Meisel (1528–1601), historian David Gans (ca. 1541–1613) and rabbi David Oppenheim (1664–1736). Today the cemetery is administered by the Jewish Museum in Prague. The cemetery is mentioned in Umberto Eco's The Prague Cemetery, the novel which was named after it.
The Spanish Synagogue (Czech: Španělská synagoga) is the newest synagogue in the area of the so-called Jewish Town, yet paradoxically, it was built at the place of the…
The Spanish Synagogue (Czech: Španělská synagoga) is the newest synagogue in the area of the so-called Jewish Town, yet paradoxically, it was built at the place of the presumably oldest synagogue, Old School (also known as Altshul). The synagogue is built in Moorish Revival Style. Only a little park with a modern statue of famous Prague writer Franz Kafka (by Jaroslav Róna) lies between it and the church of Holy Spirit. Today, the Spanish Synagogue is administered by the Jewish Museum in Prague.
Municipal House (Czech: Obecní dům) is a civic building that houses Smetana Hall, a celebrated concert venue, in Prague. It is located on Namesti Republiky next to the…
Municipal House (Czech: Obecní dům) is a civic building that houses Smetana Hall, a celebrated concert venue, in Prague. It is located on Namesti Republiky next to the Powder Gate in the center of the city. The Royal Court palace used to be located on the site of the Municipal House. From 1383 until 1485 the King of Bohemia lived in the property. After 1485, it was abandoned. It was demolished in the early 20th century. Construction of the current building started in 1905. It opened in 1912. The building was designed by Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek. The Municipal House was the location of the Czechoslovak declaration of independence. The roof of the building was the location for the INXS music video for their huge hit New Sensation. The building is of the Art Nouveau architecture style. The building exterior has allegorical art and stucco. There is a mosaic called Homage to Prague by Karel Špillar over the entrance. On either side are allegorical sculpture groups representing The Degradation of the People and The Resurrection of the People by Ladislav Šaloun. Smetana Hall serves as a concert hall and ballroom. It has a glass dome. It houses artwork by Alfons Mucha, Jan Preisler, and Max Švabinský. Today, the building is used as a concert hall, ballroom, and civic building ng, and includes a café to the left of the lobby and a French restaurant on the right side. Beneath the ground, there is also a wine bar and an American bar. Many of the rooms in the building are closed to the public and open only for guided tours.
This monumental entrance by which the coronation processions of Czech kings entered the Old Town is one of the most significant monuments of Late Gothic Prague. Completed in…
This monumental entrance by which the coronation processions of Czech kings entered the Old Town is one of the most significant monuments of Late Gothic Prague. Completed in 1475, the Powder Gate Tower, which formerly served as a gunpowder store, is still the starting point for the Coronation or Royal Route to Prague Castle. The viewing gallery is located at a height of 44 m.
Prague Castle is perhaps the most iconic testament to the history of the city. Since it was first built in the 9th century, the elaborate castle has been…
Prague Castle is perhaps the most iconic testament to the history of the city. Since it was first built in the 9th century, the elaborate castle has been home to Kings, Emperors, and Presidents. Today, Prague Castle is home to the Czech crown jewels and draws visitors keen to view the castle's stately interior from all over the globe. A castle to remember in Prague the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle displays every architectural style from the last millennium and inside the grounds, there are several palaces, beautiful gardens, and even a defense tower. The modern-day castle is home to the head of state of the Czech Republic in Prague, as well as the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica. Visitors can also feast their eyes on the National Gallery's collection of art, learn about Czech history, or catch a show at the Summer Shakespeare Festival that takes place each year in the courtyard of Burgrave Palace. Visiting Prague Castle Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, for most visitors Prague Castle is something you first see from a distance. The castle is open daily for visitors and opening hours to the main attractions are typically from 9-5, making it easy to stop by even on a busy schedule. There is also an information center inside the castle itself to help guide you through everything inside and outside the palace walls.
A classic landmark in Prague, the Charles Bridge is the beautiful gothic link connecting Prague's old town with Malá Strana and Prague castle. Walk along the Charles Bridge…
A classic landmark in Prague, the Charles Bridge is the beautiful gothic link connecting Prague's old town with Malá Strana and Prague castle. Walk along the Charles Bridge and experience the city from a new vantage point when you gaze out over the water and see the fairytale views that draw tourists from around the world. The history of Prague on the Charles Bridge Once known as the Stone Bridge, Prague's iconic landmark was renamed and rebuilt in 1375 after Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and has been a testament to the city's unique architecture ever since. Architect and close friend of the King, Peter Parler built a functional bridge named after Charles, but it was not until the 17th century that the bridge was ornamented with an additional 30 statues. Today, there are 75 statues along the Charles Bridge including the famous St. John of Nepomuk. Travelers are encouraged to touch the statue's bronze plates, rumored to bring good luck, and ensure visitors return to Prague
There are two parts to the National Museum in Prague: The main building (pictured), the interior of which is closed for renovation until June 2015. And the New…
There are two parts to the National Museum in Prague: The main building (pictured), the interior of which is closed for renovation until June 2015. And the New Building of the National Museum - the dark building to the left of the main building as you face it from Wenceslas Square - which remains open. Prior to its closure, the main building was the oldest and the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It is the foremost attraction in Wenceslas Square, set in a commanding position at its top, behind the statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse. The National Museum is a monumental neo-renaissance building, designed by Josef Schultz as an architectural symbol of the Czech National Revival. Construction lasted from 1818-1891. The National Museum is built on the site of the former Horse Gate, so named because Wenceslas Square once served as the main Prague horse market. The entrance hall of the National Museum is very grand, with sweeping staircases and intricate stonework. There are also beautiful frescos on the ceilings. The exhibition rooms, which were looking tired, will be the main beneficiary of the restoration works. Before joining the National Museum, the New Building served as the parliament of Czechoslovakia during the communist era. And more recently, it was home to Radio Free Europe. The New Building presents a program of temporary exhibitions.
The National Theatre (Czech: Národní divadlo) in Prague is known as the Alma Mater of Czech opera and as the national monument of Czech history and art. The…
The National Theatre (Czech: Národní divadlo) in Prague is known as the Alma Mater of Czech opera and as the national monument of Czech history and art. The National Theatre belongs to the most important Czech cultural institutions, with a rich artistic tradition that was created and maintained by the most distinguished personalities in Czech society. This tradition helped to preserve and develop the most important features of the nation–the Czech language and a sense of a Czech musical and dramatic way of thinking. Today the National Theatre consists of three artistic ensembles–opera, ballet, and drama–which alternate in their performances in the historic building of the National Theatre, in the Theatre of the Estates, and in the Kolowrat Theatre. All three artistic ensembles select the
The Dancing House, or Fred and Ginger, is the nickname given to the Nationale-Nederlanden building on the Rašínovo nábřeží in Prague, Czech Republic. It was designed by the…
The Dancing House, or Fred and Ginger, is the nickname given to the Nationale-Nederlanden building on the Rašínovo nábřeží in Prague, Czech Republic. It was designed by the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Canadian American architect Frank Gehry on a vacant riverfront plot.
The Petřín Lookout Tower is a steel-framework tower 63.5 meters tall on Petřín Hill in Prague, built-in 1891. It resembles the Eiffel Tower and was used as an…
The Petřín Lookout Tower is a steel-framework tower 63.5 meters tall on Petřín Hill in Prague, built-in 1891. It resembles the Eiffel Tower and was used as an observation tower as well as a transmission tower. Today the tower is a major tourist attraction.
