Located in central Bohemia, on the Vltava River, lays the remarkable city of Prague. Playing the role of capital city of Czech Republic, Prague stands as a center of politics, culture and economy for more than 1000 years. Living through the eras of Gothic and Renaissance, it was the seat of two Roman Emperors and once the seat of the Holy Roma Empire. It is now one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Interesting fact about Prague is that it is one of the few cities in Europe intact from the destruction of the Second World War.
The most famous landmark in Prague, target for many movie directors is The Charles Bridge. This monument stone bridge is founded in 1357 by Charles IV as replacement of Judith Bridge, damaged in 1342 by floods. The Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town Bridge Towers stand on both ends of the bridge and thirty sculptures and sculptural groups of saints were set on the bridge in a time span from 1683 to 1928. The Charles Bridge presents a symbolic connection between the Old and New Town of Prague.
On the Eastern Bank lies the Old Town of Prague which was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire with medieval architectural look made by Charles IV. This town was once separated by walls. The way the streets are positioned stand as remaining traces of this division. Crowds of people walk through the famous Old town Square located in Staré Město. The Municipal House, Prague’s largest concert hall built in the early 1900’s, has an interior filled with artistic sculptures and mosaics featuring Art Nouveau glass top covering the Smetana Hall. It is the home of many artist and festivals throughout the entire year. Further attractions in the eastern bank are the Museum of Czech Cubism, Museum of Decorative Arts, Josefov (a small cadastral area of Prague) and the Astronomical Clock placed on the Southern wall of the Old Town Hall. Buildings in the New Town date as far back as 19th century to early 20 century. This is the place of remarkable attractions like Wenceslas Square, Lucerna Palace, Mucha Museum, National Theatre and Museum.
Known as “Lesser Town" or "Lesser Quarter", Malá Strana is located on The Western bank of the river Vltava. It was a center for German citizens of Prague during the middle ages. A baroque square filled with churches, boutiques, pubs and restaurants is located in the center of Malá Strana. Alongside the river are the attractive ancient cellars with scenic views. Other main sights featured in the western bank are the Lennon Wall, Hradčany Square and Prague Castle.
Prague is Europe’s untouched beauty completing the idiom ‘sights for sore eyes’. |