Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, with about 1.2 million inhabitants. It is the cultural, historical, and governmental heart of the republic.
History
- The city was established in the 9th century as the seat of Czech princes and later kings of Bohemia.
- Charles IV, Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor, chose Prague as the capital of his Empire, founding Charles University, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, and the New Town. Many beautiful landmarks associated with Prague can be traced back to Charles IV.
- Prague is linked with Czech religious reformer Jan Hus and the Hussite movement.
- The Thirty Years’ War began in Prague with the uprising of the Czech Estates in the early 17th century.
- In the 19th century, Prague was the center of the National Revival, during which the National Theatre was built to express Czech national pride.
- In 1918, the city became the capital of independent Czechoslovakia, and after the peaceful division of Czechoslovakia in 1993, it became the capital of the Czech Republic.
Prague Districts
The old center of Prague consists of five historical districts:
- Old Town
- New Town
- Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
- Lesser Quarter
- Hradčany (Castle District)
The Old Town
- Charles Bridge: Built in the 14th century, legend says that builders added eggs to the mortar to strengthen it. It features 30 unique Baroque statues, including the statue of St. John of Nepomuk.
- Old Town Square: Considered the most important market place in Prague, it features the Old Town Hall with its world-famous astronomical clock, as well as two prominent churches: Gothic Týn Church and Baroque St. Nicholas Church.
- The Estates Theatre: The world premiere of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni took place here in 1787.
The Lesser Quarter
- Kampa Island: Separated from the Lesser Quarter by a small canal called Čertovka, Kampa was historically home to many mills; two large wooden mill wheels are still preserved.
- Church of St. Nicholas: A prime example of Baroque architecture located in the center of the Lesser Quarter.
- Nerudova Street: Known for its characteristic house signs, with No. 233, At The Two Suns, being significant as the residence of Czech writer Jan Neruda.
Hradčany = The Castle District
- Cathedral of St. Vitus: The largest church in Prague, home to the Czech coronation jewels. Wenceslas Chapel protects the relics of St. Wenceslas, the most important Czech saint and national patron.
- Loreta: A well-known site in the Castle District, notable for its Treasure Chamber containing a diamond monstrance.
Other Places of Interest
- Vyšehrad:
- Vyšehrad Castle is located on a rock overlooking the Vltava River. Legend has it that Czech Princess Libuše prophesied the glory of Prague from this vantage point. It serves as a burial place for many notable figures, including writer Karel Čapek, sculptor J. V. Myslbek, and composers A. Dvořák and B. Smetana.
- Petřín Hill:
- Features a 60-meter tall viewing tower, a mirror labyrinth, and the Prague Municipal Observatory.
- The Powder Tower (Powder Gate)
- Municipal House
- Rudolfinum
- The National Gallery: Houses a collection of modern art.
- The National Theatre
- Dancing House