Prague: The Charms of Czech Capital

More than thirty years ago, Prague (or Praha in Czech) was known as just a city of the Eastern bloc, a mere satellite of the Soviet Union. Despite being rich in architectural and cultural heritage, the city was completely overshadowed by the flashier metropoles to the West. But the former capital of the kingdom of Bohemia couldn’t keep its marvel a secret for too long as the veil covering its beauty fell in 1989.

Today, the Czech capital attracts more visitors than ever. Especially with its current appearance: modern offices, glitzy shops, and trendy cafés – all packed in among the beautiful Baroque buildings and stone-cobbled lanes of the Old Town. Even the most experienced travelers would have trouble resisting this city’s charms.

Looming above the Vltava’s left bank, Prague Castle has been an unmistakable symbol of the Czech state for more than a thousand years. Founded in the first quarter of the 9th century, it was the seat of Bohemian princes, kings, and emperors, and after the republic was established in 1918, it also became the residency of the presidents.

Spreading over 45 hectares, the castle is one of the largest complexes in the world. It comprises a palace, a church, several gardens, as well as official and fortification buildings. They represent precious monuments of all architectural styles, ranging from Baroque, and Renaissance to Gothic. Within its walls lies a handful of museums and galleries that house some of the country’s greatest artistic and cultural treasures.

Strolling across Charles Bridge is definitely everybody’s favorite activity while being in Prague. This stone bridge connects the Old Town to the castle and was built at the beginning of the 15th century to replace the Judith Bridge which had been badly damaged by floods in the previous centuries.

Over time, it gradually became the icon of the city and a national monument. Not surprisingly, people from around the world have come in droves, and the bridge is extremely popular among couples. Charles Bridges has sometimes referred to as the Bridge of Love thanks to many padlocks of love on the bridge.

Packed with stored churches, spired towers, and winding narrow alleys, Staré Město (Old Town) easily creates a fairytale urban scene. It is among the oldest and by far, the most magnificent district in the Czech Capital, and the main reason why Prague is often referred to as “The City of Hundred Spires”.

A fairytale urban scene.

The core of the historical center is the Old Town Square, which originated as a marketplace in the 10th century and has been the site for many political and cultural events that have shaped the history of Prague. Surrounding the Old Town Square are several meticulously preserved buildings, such as the Gothic-inspired Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the House at the Minute in Renaissance style, as well as the city’s most noteworthy monument – the Old Town City Hall.

Dating back to 1338, the building draws the greatest number of visitors, especially at the start of every hour when the twelve apostles rotate inside its famous astronomical clock. The city government is long gone from the Old Town City Hall, but it is still the most popular place in Prague to get married.

Encompassing the Old Town on all sides is Nové Město – the New Town. Its creation dates back to the 14th century when King Charles IV ordered to expansion of the city to adjust to the increasing population of Prague. A spacious new area between Vyšehrad and Old Town was, therefore, constructed. Since then, the new district has served as the city’s main commercial center and has become home to countless businesses, banks, and offices, as well as the eye-catching Dancing House.

Having said that, the New Town is also rich in culture, offering many theatres, cinemas, and museums, as well as the State Opera House. It also houses the Vyšehrad Fortress – a citadel that has played a role in Czech history for more than 1,000 years. Perched on a cliff high above the Vltava, the structure can easily be recognized by the twin Gothic spires of the Church of St.Peter and St. Paul – Prague’s oldest surviving building.