Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, which stretches along both banks of the Vltava river and is known as the city of hundred spires.
Old Town was the original place of settlement in Prague. In the 14th century, Charles IV expanded the city by founding the New Town. The two parts are separated by Na Příkopě street.
The Old Town Hall with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. The Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town, the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague. Prague presents itself to you as a changeable city, which likes to alternate styles and is used to welcoming foreigners. It is time to get acquainted.
In the Old Town
What I saw!
▲▲▲ Old Town Square Magical main square of Old World Prague, with dozens of colorful facades, the dramatic Jan Hus Memorial, looming Týn Church, and fanciful Astronomical Clock.
▲▲▲ Charles Bridge Atmospheric, statue-lined bridge that connects the Old Town to the Little Quarter and Prague Castle.
▲▲▲ The Powder Tower or Gate 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.
▲▲ Church of St Francis Seraph It is the second oldest organ in Prague and many famous personalities such as W.A. Mozart, A. Dvorák, J. F. N. Seger and others played this historic musical instrument.
What I missed:
▲▲ Jewish Quarter Finest collection of Jewish sights in Europe, featuring various synagogues and an evocative cemetery.
▲ Klementinum National Library’s lavish Baroque Hall and Observatory Tower (with views), visit possible by 45-minute tour only.
▲▲ Museum of Medieval Art Best Gothic art in the country, at the former Convent of St. Agnes.
▲ Havelská Market Colorful open-air market that sells crafts and produce.
In the New Town
What I saw!
▲▲ Wenceslas Square Lively boulevard at the heart of modern Prague.
▲▲ Church of St. Nicholas Jesuit centerpiece of Little Quarter Square, with ultimate High Baroque decor and a climbable bell tower.
▲▲ Petřín Hill Little Quarter hill with public art, a funicular, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
▲▲ Wallenstein Palace Garden Largest and beautiful Renaissance palace garden.
What I missed:
▲▲ Mucha Museum Easy-to-appreciate collection of Art Nouveau works by Czech artist Alfons Mucha.
▲▲ Municipal House Pure Art Nouveau architecture, including Prague’s largest concert hall and several eateries.
▲▲ Museum of Communism The rise and fall of the regime, from start to Velvet finish.
▲ National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror Tribute to members of the resistance, who assassinated a notorious Nazi architect of the Holocaust.
In the Castle Quarter
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus, located on the territory of Prague castle, is one of the most beautiful European cathedrals! The Foundation of the present building was laid in 1344 by order of the Czech king and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Charles IV, inspired by monumental French temples. The construction was completed only in 1929, exactly 1,000 years after the death of the main patron Saint of the Czech Republic, St. Wenceslas.
▲▲▲ St. Vitus Cathedral The Czech Republic’s most important church, featuring a climbable tower and a striking stained-glass window by Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha.
▲▲ Prague Castle Traditional seat of Czech rulers, with St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St. George, shop-lined Golden Lane, and lots of crowds.
What I missed:
▲▲ Lobkowicz Palace Delightful private art collection of a Czech noble family.
▲ Strahov Monastery and Library Baroque center of learning, with ornate reading rooms and old-fashioned science exhibits.