Beautiful Places In Prague

by OPULENTIVE on March 12, 2019 in beautiful destinations

Prague is the capital and largest city of Czech Republic, 14th largest city in European Union and the historical capital of Bohemia. It has a temperate climate with warm summers and chilly winters. Prague is situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 2.6 million.

Prague is home to a number of famous cultural attractions, many of which survived the destruction and violence of 20th century Europe. Main beautiful destinations include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with Prague astronomical clock and the Jewish quarter.

Prague presents itself to you as changeable city, which likes to alternate styles, it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern, but above all it is a city that is cosmopolitan through and through, and is used to welcoming foreigners.

PRAGUE CASTLEPrague Castle

Prague Castle was most likely founded in 880 by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Premyslovci). According to the Guinness Book of World record, Prague Castle is the largest ancient Castle complex in the World with an area of almost 70,000 m². The castle is among the most visited tourists attractions in Prague attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually.

Prague Castle is the location in the second level of Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb video game. It is also mentioned in the video game Assassin Creed IV Black Flag as a hidden file found in a hacked computer at Abstergo Entertainment.

The Breath-taking Castle has traditionally been the seat of Czech rulers and is today the official residence of president. Entry to the grounds of the castle are free although many buildings such as the St Vitus Cathedral, Basillica of St George and Golden lane can be visited with a combined entry ticket.

Castle Interior

It's an incredible building on the inside tall vaults with diagonal ribs, peculiar column designs, vibrant stained glass windows and statues throughout. Overall Prague is a beautiful destination. The central area is an full of interesting architecture that captures visitors eye as they wander through the winding streets.

Coronation of Kings and Queens

Within these walls, the coronations of Czech kings and queens have taken place. Buried underneath it are several Holy Roman Emperors.

CHARLES BRIDGE

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is a historic bridge for the many statues of saints that embellish the bridge along its length. For centuries, the bridge was the only link between lesser town on the left bank of the Vltava river and Old town on the opposite side.

Its construction started in 1357 under the auspicious of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. This bridge replaced the old Judith bridge built 1158-1172 that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. This new bridge actually called the stone bridge (Kamenny most) or Prague bridge (Prazsky most) but has been "Charles Bridge" since 1870.

It has survived many floods, most recent in August 2002 when the country experienced the worst flood in the past 500 years.

Originally the Charles bridge as devoid of any ornamentation, expect for a wooden cross that was placed at its center. It's hard to imagine now but this Bridge was long a major thoroughfare and there even used to be a tram on the bridge. In 1950 the bridge was pedestrianized and it is the most beautiful destinations and almost always crowded with visitors and street vendors.

Whoever said that "The best things in life are free" may well have been referring to the Charles bridge in Prague.

OLD TOWN SQUAREOld Town square

Despite Prague's lively history of invasions, the "Old Town Square" has remained relatively untouched since the 10th century. It is located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge.

The features buildings belonging to various architectural styles, including the Gothic Church of our lady before Tyn, which has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. Its characteristics towers are 80m high. The BaroqueSt. Nicholas Church is another church located in the square. Swarms of tourists crowd the historical streets. The Old Town square is the perfect place to admire the wonderful architecture Prague has to offer and if that isn't your thing then the various street performers, musicians and merchants that line the streets here will certainly keep you entertained.

Christmas Market (old town square)

At Christmas and Easter, markets are held on the square, they resemble medieval markets. A tall Christmas tree and a musical stage are set up.

These markets are the largest markets in the Czech Republicand are visited by hundreds and thousands of visitors of Czech and abroad.

PRAGUE ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK

Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj is medieval Astronomical Clock in Prague. The clock was first installed in 1410 and despite being damaged and repaired during its lifetime, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the World.

The Clock itself is on the south face of the town hall and is the pride of Prague.

Clock Dial

The Clock mechanism itself has three main components; the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon

and displaying various astronomical details; statues of various Catholic saints stand on either side of the clock; "The walk of Apostles", a clock work hourly show of figures of Apostles and the other moving sculptures-notably a figure of death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy; a ghost, mounted on the clock, was supposed to nod its head in confirmation.

The Orloj was taken down for reconstruction and replaced by a LED screen in early 2018.

JEWISH QUARTER (GHETTO)

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

The Jewish Quarter also known as Josefov is a town quarter, is located between the Old Town square and the Vltava River. The quarter is often represented by the flag of Prague's Jewish community.

Its history began in the 13th century when Jews living in Prague were ordered to vacate their homes and settle in this one area. Currently Josefov is over build with buildings from the beginning of 20th century.

Fortunately, many significant historical buildings remain including six synagogues and are well worth a visit.

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