The Capital City of Prague

The centre of Czech statehood, the largest castle and other monuments

The area of what is today the territory of Prague was inhabited by various tribes. The first Slavic people settled the area of Prague in the 6th century during the Great Migration. The town gradually grew and experienced its first golden age during the 14th century under Charles IV. Prague became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and later the centre of science, alchemy and knowledge. The town remained important in subsequent centuries and new architectural styles such as Renaissance and Baroque influenced its appearance. The Industrial Revolution, the domination of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Nazi occupation and coexistence in the Eastern Bloc significantly reshaped the city into its modern form.

At the end of the 9th century, during the reign of the Přemyslid dynasty, the construction of Prague Castle began. From the 10th century onward, it was not only the seat of the head of state, the prince and later the king, but also of the highest representative of the Church, the Bishop of Prague. It is a large complex with many historical buildings such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace, which were used by the Holy Roman Emperors and Czech kings. The hundred-metre high tower of the cathedral is the dominant feature of the castle complex. At the same time, the cathedral houses the Czech crown jewels and underground is where the relics of the patron saints of the country are kept. Nowadays, the historic buildings are also used for the purposes of the President of the Czech Republic and in October, for example, the leaders of the enlarged European countries format met here.

The Lesser Town at the foot of the castle combines stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture. Many famous Czech personalities lived in the picturesque district in the past, such as Jan Neruda, Jan Werich and Karel Čapek. Nerudova street then leads to a pleasant walk to the famous Charles Bridge. The oldest bridge in Prague and the second oldest in the country was an important part of trade routes in the past. Along the bridge there are thirty Baroque statues and sculptures, each representing a particular saint. Petr Parléř, a prominent Gothic architect who, among other things, participated in the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Town Hall or the cathedral in Kutná Hora, worked on the construction of the bridge.

Charles Bridge and the eggs

According to legend, eggs were used in the construction of Charles Bridge and mixed into the mortar mixture. The bridge was thus supposed to gain the necessary firmness. At the king's command, people gathered eggs from all over the kingdom. However, some research suggests that no eggs were used in the construction. Others suggest the use of milk, cottage cheese or wine.

On the other side of the bank, the so-called King's Road continues through Celetná street to the Old Town Square. There are several impressive sights such as the Old Town Hall with the most famous and oldest still functioning astronomical clock in the world, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the monument of Jan Hus or the Hussite Church of St. Nicholas. The beginning of King's Road used to be at the site of today's Municipal House. The breathtaking Art Nouveau building has witnessed the establishment of Czech statehood several times during the course of history

The city of culture and hospitality

Prague is synonymous with culture because of its many concerts, galleries, various shows and events. Traditional concerts are held in the Municipal House and the Rudolfinum, where you can listen to famous compositions by the most illustrious Czech composers, such as Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana. Modern and classical theatre and opera performances take place in the State Opera House, the National Theatre, The Estates Theatre and many others in the city. Popular art galleries include the National Museum, the Mucha Museum, the National Gallery Prague, the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art and the Kampa Museum.

The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day on 17 November is celebrated on Národní třída every year and visitors will appreciate the varied programme of the Korzo Národní street festival on this occasion. A spinning mechanical sculpture by artist David Černý, depicting the head of writer Franz Kafka, can be seen at Národní třída. People can discover Černý's works all over Prague, for example at the Žižkov transmitter, in the Lucerna Palace arcade, and now in Karlín, where the artist has erected a 20-metre high sculpture. At the beginning of October, visitors to Prague could admire artistic gems at Designblok, the largest and most important design and art show in Central Europe. Soon afterwards, the Signal Festival of digital and creative culture began. These three major events also became part of the accompanying cultural programme of the Czech Presidency.

In Prague it is worth trying traditional Czech cuisine such as sirloin with dumplings, pork with dumplings and cabbage, roast duck with cabbage and fried cheese. Visitors to Prague will appreciate the endless list of interesting bars and cafés. People can enjoy a traditional honey dessert - honey cake, or kolaches and crullers. The gastronomic experience of Czech chlebíčky (open sandwiches) is on a whole other level. All this can be tasted at once at farmers' markets held during the week, for example at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square or on Saturday morning at the so-called Náplavka.

Tours outside the city centre

It's not a bad idea to explore Prague in other ways and go to more distant places outside the centre, where most tourists are concentrated. Prague offers beautiful parks and nature reserves. Visitors to Prague can start, for example, in Petřín park. The iconic funicular takes you up to the local lookout tower, imitating the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The surroundings of Vyšehrad offer a beautiful view and a pleasant walk. Practically untouched nature can be discovered by walking through the Prokop Valley.

The largest natural area is offered by the Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve. The climb up the rock massifs offers remarkable views of the surroundings of Prague. Every summer, open-air opera performances are held in the local natural theatre. Nearby is the natural landmark Obora Hvězda, a place that invites for a morning run or quiet walk. For cycling enthusiasts, the Modřanská cycle path leads from Vyšehrad through the surroundings of the stone quarry to Vraná nad Vltavou. The historic Troja Palace and its surrounding park are definitely worth a visit, as is the Hostivař-Záběhlice Park, whose dam is a popular place for swimming in summer.

Useful links:

Prague - the official tourist portal of Prague

VisitCzechRepublic - Prague

Basic information

Area: 496 km²

Population: 1 275 406 (2022)

Capital of the Region: Prague

Highest point: Teleček (399 m above sea level)

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