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1 - Angel's Riverfront Home
Despite having access to the city sewers, Angel's house in Prague is like every other residence he's every had: Stylish, Artistic, and Warm. Spike would hate it.
2 - National Theatre
(Národní divadlo)
Funded entirely by private donations and created by the most important artists of that era, the Neo-Renaissance National Theatre has always been an important symbol of the Czech cultural revival. Opened in 1881 with the opera “Libuše” by Bedøich Smetana, the architect Josef Zítek's masterpiece burned down two months later but it was founded again and restored within two years. The stage curtain is the work of Vojtìch Hynais, the ceiling paintings are by František Ženíšek.
Today, the theatre is used for ballet and opera performances, as well as drama.
The New Stage of the National Theatre was built by architect Karel Prager in the 1970s from Cuban marble plates and glass. It houses Laterna Magica , one of Prague's best-known theatre groups.
3 - Wenceslas Square
Welceslas Square (Václavské námìstí)
Originally a horse market, it got its present name in the mid-19th century. The Wenceslas Square is the main centre of modern Prague surrounded by shops, cinemas, office blocks, hotels, restaurants and cafés. The 750 m long and 60 m wide square has been the scene of a great deal of Czech history. In 1969 a university student Jan Palach burnt himself to death in protest against the Warsaw Pact invasion and in November 1989 protest meetings against police brutality were held here and led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of communism in Czechoslovakia. In the middle of the square is a monument of St Wenceslas on a horse accompanied with sculptures of four Czech patron saints.
4 - Powder Tower
The 65m tall Powder Tower is the gateway to the Royal Route which leads through the Old Town over the Charles Bridge to the castle up the hill. Until 1836, this route was used by the Bohemian Monarchs on the way to their coronation in the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle.
The gothic Powder Tower was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II at the site of an 11th century gate, one of Prague's 13 original city gates. The master builder Matous Rejsek constructed an ornate tower based on the 14th century Old Town Bridge Tower. Construction of the tower was interrupted between 1477 and 1485, when riots forced King Vladislav II to flee the city.
Originally the tower was known as the Mountain Tower, but ever since the structure was used as a gunpowder storage space in the 17th century, it is known as the 'Powder' Tower.
The monumental tower was severely damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757. It was finally rebuilt between 1875 and 1886 by Josef Mocker. In the 1990s the Powder Tower, like many other historical buildings in Prague, was beautifully renovated.
The Powder Tower (Prasná Brána) is located at the edge of Old Town (Staré Mesto), right next to the Municipal House (Obecní Dum).
5 - Municipal House
The Municipal House is one of the most remarkable constructions of Prague Art Nouveau. At the time of its creation it was criticised by some architects as its style was considered to be formally outdated. It was officially opened in 1912 - and now getting on for a century later you can lay the controversy aside and appreciate the building for what it is - a truly beautiful piece of classical architecture.
The semicircular mosaic on the top dome is Karel Spillar's "Homage to Prague." Inside you can find Smetana Hall, Prague's main concert hall, as well as many small restaurants and cafes that offer places to relax in an Art Nouveau atmosphere.
And that's not all! On October 28, 1918 the Municipal House was the site of the proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia, also known as the First Republic.
6 - Old New Synogauge
The Old-New Synagogue, built around 1270, is the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe. It is also one of only three synagogues in Prague's Jewish Quarter 'Josefov' still used for services.
The rather small building in early gothic style consists of one central hall bordered by a number of smaller rooms. The vaulted hall is supported by two octagonal pillars. Only men are allowed to attend services in the central hall, women can access the rooms near the hall. Small windows in the wall, added in the 18th century, allow the women to view the services.
It is almost a miracle the synagogue has survived until today. During its more than 700 years of existence, the building has survived several pogroms, fires and a 19th century redevelopment of the Jewish quarter.
Legend has it that the synagogue is protected by Angels who brought the stones to build the synagogue from the ruins of King Solomon's Temple. In time the synagogue will be dismantled and the stones will be used to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
The same legend gives an explanation for the building's strange name: it would be an incorrect translation from its Hebrew name 'At-Tnay Synagogue'. Misinterpreted as alt-neu (old-new in English), it literally means 'on condition', meaning that the synagogue only exists conditionally - until the Jews return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of Solomon.
A much easier explanation for the name could be that the original name 'New Synagogue' was changed in the 16th century into 'Old-New Synagogue' after newer synagogues were built.
The Old-New Synagogue is located in the center of Josefov, the Jewish quarter just north of Old Town.
7 - Jewish Cemetary
One of the most impressive sights in Prague is the Old Jewish cemetery in Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto. This cemetery was used from 1439 to 1787 and is the oldest existing Jewish cemetery in Europe. The Nazis made it a policy to destroy Jewish cemeteries, sometimes using the tombstones for target practice, but Hitler ordered that this cemetery be left intact, since he was planning to build a Jewish museum in Prague after all the Jews in Europe had been exterminated according to his diabolical plan.
There are more than 100,000 Jews buried in this small plot, the graves being layered 12 deep in some places. This is not unusual for European cemeteries where space is at a premium. In Germany where the graves are also 12 layers deep, the tombstones mark only the top layer of the buried coffins. In the Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov, there are around 12,000 tombstones, crowded closely together with almost no grass between them. Some of the tombstones look like beds, like the one on the left in the photograph below.
8 - Hotel Palace Praha (Buffy, Willow, and Faith are staying here at Game Start. Dawn would be getting a room here as well.)
http://www.ehi.com/travel/ehi/czech/prague-hotels-hotel-palace-praha.htm
Hotel Palace Praha. Established in the romantic tradition at the turn of the century, the Palace was a colorful gathering spot for Prague and Eastern Europe's literary community - the great Czech poet Rainer Maria Rilke was a frequent visitor. A superb renovation in 1989 succeeded in creating both an historic and contemporary Art Nouveau ambience. The lobby dazzles and the cozy guestrooms have white marble in the bathrooms. Two fine dining choices and piano bar. In the very heart of Prague.
9 - Old Town Bridge Tower
The Old Town Bridge Tower was designed by Peter Parler, the architect of the Charles Bridge, as a part of the fortification system around the Old Town. The Late Gothic Tower, known as the most beautiful bridge tower in Europe, was built between 1370 and 1391 at the Old Town side of the Charles Bridge and served as a gateway to Prague's city center.
The 64m tall tower was richly decorated on both the east and west facade, but the sculptures on the west facade (towards the Charles Bridge) were severely damaged during a siege by Swedish troops in 1648 and removed afterwards. Fortunately, the decorations on the east facade were preserved.
Above the arch are the coat of arms of all the lands that were part of the Bohemian Kingdom as well as the kingfisher, the symbol of King Wenceslas IV. The three statues above the coat of arms depict the patron saint of Bohemia, Saint Vitus in the center with King Charles IV to his left and King Wenceslas IV to his right. Near the top of the tower are two statues of Saint Sigismund and Saint Vojtech (Adalbert).
A long stairway leads to an observation room from where you have great views of Old Town and the Charles Bridge.
10 - Charles Bridge
Probably the most touristy place in Prague, the Charles Bridge (Karlov Most) connects the Old Town with Lesser Town. Especially during summertime it is filled with street-painters, street-vendors and tourists.
The first stone bridge over the Vltava, replacing a wood construction, was built between 1158 and 1732 during the reign of King Vladislav I. This bridge, named Judith bridge collapsed in 1342.
In 1357, Charles IV started the construction of a new bridge. The supervisor of the project was Peter Parler, who also constructed the chancel of the St. Vitus Cathedral. The Karlov Most, 502 meters long and resting on 16 arches was wide enough for 4 carriages to cross at the same time and would be the only permanent link between both riversides.
Until 1683, there was no statue on the bridge. The statue of St. John of Nepomuk was the first one placed on the Charles Bridge, resulting in the total of about 30 sculptures presently decorating the Karlov Most.
On the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge are two bridge towers. The smaller one is a 12th century remainder of the Judith Bridge. The taller, Late Gothic tower was erected in 1464 on the orders of King George of Podebrady who wanted a counterweight to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Foundation of this Late Gothic tower was started in 1370 and finished around 1400. The beautiful sculptures decorating this tower are created by Peter Parler.
11 - Kampa Island
This island, mostly given over to parkland, stretches between the two bridges, Most Legii and Manesuv Most. This photo shows the charming area known as the "Venice of Prague", with its charakteristic canals and picturesque houses.
12 - Lesser Town Bridge Towers
On the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge are two towers connected by a gate.
The lowest tower, the Judith Tower, was built together with the romanesque Judith Bridge. This bridge, named after King Vladislav I's wife, was destroyed by flood in 1342 and later replaced by the Charles Bridge. The Judith Tower guarded the entrance to the former Judith Bridge.
In 1464 King George of Podebrady ordered the construction of a new, taller tower newt to the Judith Bridge. The late gothic tower known as the Lesser Town Bridge was built on the remains of an old romanesque tower. Its design was modeled on Peter Parler's Old Town Bridge Tower at the other end of the Charles Bridge. The gate between the Lesser Town Towers was built in 1411 during the reign of Wenceslas IV, even before the second tower was built.
The Judith Tower is not open to the public, but the Lesser Town Bridge Tower can be visited during high season. Inside the tower is an exhibition on the Charles Bridge's history. From the top of the tower you have a nice view over the bridge.
13 - St. Nicholas Church
At the site of a former Gothic church built by German merchants, this St. Nicholas church was designed in 1735 by the principal architect of Czech baroque, K. I. Dienzenhofer. He's the same Dienzenhofer who designed Prague's other St. Nicholas Church, in Lesser Town . This church isn't nearly as ornate as the other but has a more tumultuous history. The Catholic monastery was closed in 1787, and the church was handed over for use as a concert hall in 1865. The city's Russian Orthodox community began using it in 1871, but in 1920 management was handed to the Protestant Hussites. One notable piece inside is the 19th-century crystal chandelier with glass brought from the town of Harrachov. Concerts are still held here.
14 - Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares).
Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Boøivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa.
The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence. Allow at least half a day (it does not include time for museum visits) if you want to examine it in depth.
In spite of the many wars and fires, the Prague Castle has grown into a unique architectural complex. It contains the gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, a monastery, several towers and many wings of palaces.
The first Prague Castle was built in the 9th century. In the 12th and 13th century the castle was fortified and expanded. Around the castle, a small community started to grow. That neighborhood, now called Lesser Town, obtained city rights in 1857. In the 14th century, under the reign of King Charles the whole Castle was renovated.
After the Castle was built into a fortress around 1100 the princes of Bohemia moved into the Royal Palace, also known as the Old Palace. Romanesque and Gothic stories were built on the remains of the first, ninth-century structure. The most remarkable room in the Royal Palace is the majestic Vladislav Hall. Built between 1493 and 1502 by Benedict Ried. It is with its great vaulting, which emanates from six pairs of buttresses into a curvilinear ribbing, one of the finest halls of the Middle Ages. The hall is more than 16 meters wide and more than 14 meters high.
In the center of the Royal Palace is the St. Vitus cathedral , the most recognized landmark in Prague. When Charles IV acquired the bones of St. Vitus, a popular fourth-century martyr, and brought them to Prague, the city became a center of the St. Vitus cult.
In 1344, when Prague became an archbishopric, Charles IV started with the construction of the St. Vitus cathedral. The first part was built by the Frenchman Matthias van Atrecht. After his death in 1352, Peter Parler took over for the next 47 years. In 1421, the Hussite wars stopped work on the cathedral, and it wasn't until 1872 that works resumed and finally in 1929 the cathedral was completed
The most interesting parts of the St. Vitus are the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) and the chancel. The Golden Gate was until the 19th century the main gate and was used as the doorway by which kings entered on coronation day. Just above the entrance is a mosaic of the Last Judgment. The most remarkable part of the church is the tremendously high chancel with a beautiful net vaulting.
A popular sight at the Prague Castle is the Golden Lane, a small picturesque street with colorful wooden houses. Legend wants one to believe alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived in another street at the castle. It was actually goldsmiths living here in the 17th century who gave the street its captivating name.
THE CASTLE AREA:
Chapel of the Holy Cross (Kaple sv. Køíže)
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed in the second half of the 18 century and remodeled in the mid-19 century. It was once a treasury of St Vitus Cathedral. There are cult objects, such as relics, busts, crucifixes, shrines, vestments, monstrances, bibles, plaques, paintings, jewels, gold- and silver-plated weapons.
Picture Gallery of Prague Castle (Obrazárna Pražského hradu)
Created in 1965 the gallery houses paintings from the 16th - 18th centuries. The highlights include Titian's The Toilet of a Young Lady, Rubens' The Assembly of the Olympic Gods and Guido Reni's The Centaur Nessus Abducting Deianeira. There are also sculptures, paintings by Czech Baroque artists and many of Rudolph's II (Emperor, 1575 - 1611) best paintings.
Imperial Stables (Císaøská konírna)
There are temporary art exhibits.
The Spanish Hall (Španìlský sál) and Rudolf Gallery (Rudolfova galerie)
are amongst buildings that have been converted for state purposes. They are open to the public only once a year in early May).
St Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Víta)
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV. The first architect was Matthias of Arras, after his death Petr Parler took over and completed much of the structure in late-Gothic style. Over the following centuries renaissance and baroque details were added and the job was completed in 1929. The most beautiful of numerous side chapels, Parler's Chapel of St Wenceslas, houses the crown jewels and the tomb of “Good King” Wenceslas.
There are many superb exaples of 20th century Czech stained glass and marvellous pieces of art, for example a wooden relief by Caspar Bechterle that shows the escape of Frederik of the Palatinate from Prague in 1621, and wooden Crucifixion by František Bílek
The Royal Crypt contains the remains of Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, George of Podìbrady and Rudolf II.
There are excellent views from the Great Tower on a clear day.
Old Royal Palace (Starý Královský Palác)
Dating from 1135 it is one of the oldest parts of the castle. It was the seat of Bohemian princes but from the 13th to the 16th century it was the king's palace. Vladislav Hall (Vladislavský sál), in the centre of the palace, was used for banquets, councils, coronations and in bad weather, jousting. The other parts are the Rider's staircase (Jezdecké schody), a place where all the Czech presidents have been sworn, Ludvík Wing famous for the defenestration of 1618, New Land Rolls Room, the old map repository for land titles and All Saints' Chapel.
Mihulka Powder Tower (Prašná vìž)
This tower was built at the end of the 15th century originally as a part of the castle's defences, later it was a workshop of a cannon and bell-maker. During Rudolf II's reign (1576 - 1612) the tower became a laboratory for alchemists and then it was used as a gunpowder store until 1754. Today it is a museum of alchemy, bell- and cannon-forging and Renaissance life in Prague Castle.
Convent of St George (Klášter Sv. Jiøí)
Established in 973 by Boleslav II it was Bohemia's first convent. In 1782 it was converted into barracks, in 1962 - 74 reconstructed and today as a branch of the National Gallery it houses an excellent collection of Czech Renaissance and baroque art.
Basilika of St George (Bazilika Sv. Jiøí)
Founded by Prince Vratislav I in the 10th century it is the best preserved Romanesque church in Prague, the fasade is baroque from the 17th century though. There are tombs of Pøemysl royalty. The acoustics make it a good venue for classical concerts.
Royal Garden (Královská zahrada)
This garden was created in 1535 for Ferdinand I. It is a highly recommended place for a stroll especially in spring. The Lions Court is where the Emperor Rudolf II had his zoo. There is also the bronze Singing Fountain and the azalea and tulip garden where tulips were first aclimatised to Europe before being taken to Holland.
Ball-Game House (Míèovna)
It is the most beautiful building of the Royal Garden where the Habsburgs played an early version of badminton. When the game went out of fashion it was converted into stables and today it is open only for exhibitions.
Summer Palace - Belvedere (Letohrádek Kralony Anny)
It is the most authentic Italian Renaissance building outside Italy. It was built from 1538 to 1564 for Ferdinad's beloved wife Anna. It houses temporary modern art exhibitions.
Riding School (Jízdárna)
It was built at the end of the 17th century and since the end of the 1940s it has served as a gallery for temporary modern art exhibitions.
Golden Lane (Zlatá ulièka)
Named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century, Golden Lane is popular with its tiny colourful houses built right into the arches of the Castle walls. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were occupied by squatters, later it was the home of the writer France Kafka (house 22) and the Nobel-laureate poet Jaroslaf Seifert. Most of them are souvenir shops today.
White Tower (Bílá vìž)
It is the place where Irish alchemist Edward Kelley was imprisoned by Rudolf II.
Daliborka Tower (Daliborka)
This tower was built in the 15th century. It is named after Dalibor of Kozojedy who was imprisoned here in 1498 for supporting a peasant rebellion, and later executed. According to a legend he learnt to play the violin and his playing could be heard throughout the castle. The story was used by Bedøich Smetana in his opera Dalibor.
Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkovický palác)
Built in the 1570s it is a branch of the National Museum with a collection on Czech history until 1848 including replicas of the Czech crown jewels and the sword of executioner Jan Mydláø.
Toy Museum (Muzeum hraèek)
This private museum is said to be the second largest museum of its kind in the world.
Schwarzenberg Palace (Švancenberský palác)
Built originally for the Lobkowicz family it passed through several hands before the Schwarzenbergs acquired it in 1719. There has been a Museum of Military history since 1945.
Archbishp's Palace (Arcibiskupský palác)
Bought by Ferdinand I in 1562 for the first Catholic Archbishop it is the seat of archbishops ever since. In the period of after the 1621 it was a powerful symbol of Catholic domination of the city as well as the Czech lands. It is only open to the public one day before Good Friday.
Sternberg Palace (Šternberský palác)
Named after Franc Josef Sternberg, who founded the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts in Bohemia in 1796, it houses the National Gallery's valuable collection of 14th- to 18th- century European art, such as works by Goya and Rembrandt.
Èernín palace (Èernínský palác)
This palace was built in 1668 for the Imperial Ambassador to Venice. It was badly damaged in 1757 when Prussian bombarded Prague and almost 100 years later sold to the state. Since 1918, it has been home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1948 the foreign minister, demokrat and anti-communist, Jan Masaryk fell to his death from one of the bathroom windows. It is still unclear whether it was a suicide or a murder planned by the communist secret service.
The Loreta (Loreta)
This extraordinary baroque pilgrimage church was built in 1626 with funds donated by Countess Lobkowitz. Its grandiose design and miraculous stories about this place were part of Ferdinand II's campaign to recatholicize the Czechs. Worth seeing is especially the treasury on the 1st floor.
Capuchin Monastery (Kapucínský klášter)
Founded in 1600 it was the first monastery of its kind in Bohemia. It is connected to the neighbouring Loreta and it is famous for its miraculous statue of the Madonna and Child. Each year at Christmas there is a delightful Baroque nativity scene of life-sized figures.
Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter)
Founded in 1140 by Vladislav II the Strahov Monastery was completed in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was functioned until the communist government closed it. Now it is a working monastery and a museum. Inside is the Church of St Roch, the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and the Strahov Picture Gallery. The biggest attraction is the Strahov Library - the largest monastic library in the country.
15 - St. Vitus Cathedral
(Katedrála Sv. Víta)
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV. The first architect was Matthias of Arras, after his death Petr Parler took over and completed much of the structure in late-Gothic style. Over the following centuries renaissance and baroque details were added and the job was completed in 1929. The most beautiful of numerous side chapels, Parler's Chapel of St Wenceslas, houses the crown jewels and the tomb of “Good King” Wenceslas.
There are many superb exaples of 20th century Czech stained glass and marvellous pieces of art, for example a wooden relief by Caspar Bechterle that shows the escape of Frederik of the Palatinate from Prague in 1621, and wooden Crucifixion by František Bílek
The Royal Crypt contains the remains of Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, George of Podìbrady and Rudolf II.
There are excellent views from the Great Tower on a clear day.
16 - Golden Lane
At the end of the Prague Castle complex, near the outer wall, is a small street known as the Golden Lane (Zlatá Ulicka in Czech). The small houses were originally constructed in the 16th century for King Rudolph II's castle guards. At that time the lane was known as archery lane. It was later renamed 'golden lane' for the goldsmiths who moved into the houses in the 17th century. Legend wants one to believe alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived in another street at the castle. So it was actually the goldsmiths who gave the street its captivating name.
The lane was originally lined with 24 wooden houses but one side of the street was declared unfit for habitation and demolished in the 19th century. Poor people and criminals now lived in the remaining houses, but they were evicted after the second World War when the lane was nationalized. The houses were restored and repainted with lively pastel colors between 1952 and 1955.
The street is now largely occupied by souvenir and book shops. Speaking of books, several famous writers used to live in the small houses. The most famous of them is Franz Kafka who stayed here at his sister's house between 1916 and 1917. A small plaque at nr. 22 testifies to this fact. Another famous writer who lived here was Nobel prize winner Jaroslav Seifert who lived in the 1930s in a now demolished building.
Unfortunately the Golden Lane cannot be visited for free, you can either buy an entry ticket for the street or buy a combined ticket for the whole Prague Castle complex.
17 - Strahov Monastery
In 1140 King Vladislav II built a new monastery on the approach route to the Prague Castle. The monastery, which became known as the Strahov monastery wasn't much of a success until 1143, when a group of Premonstratensians settled here.
The Premonstratensians are a Roman Catholic order of canons founded in 1120 by St. Norbert. They are also known as the Norbertians or White Canons.
The new monastery soon started to prosper and in a short timeframe it became a center of intellectual and spiritual life. By the end of the 12th century, most of the original wooden buildings had been replaced by stone Romanesque buildings. The monastery was rebuilt in gothic style after a fire destroyed the complex in 1258. It continued to prosper until 1420 when it was plundered by Hussites. The monastery started to decline until the end of the 16th century, when most of the buildings were repaired. It was plundered and sacked again during the 30 years war (1618-1648). In the late 17th and early 18th century the monastery was expanded, this time in baroque style. After a bombardment by the French army in 1742 most of the medieval gothic buildings were rebuilt in baroque style.
The current buildings at the Strahov monastery were constructed mainly in the 17th and 18th century. The most interesting parts of the monastery are the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall. The Theological Hall was built between 1671 and 1679 and houses the theological book collection of the famous Strahov library. Its collection contains over 200,000 books and includes works from famous printers such as Christoffel Plantin from Antwerp.
The frescoes on the ceiling of the Theological Hall took four years to complete. They depict the profession of the librarian. In the hall are several 17th century geographical and astronomical globes.
The Philosophical Hall was built a century later, between 1782 and 1784. The ceiling's frescoes, depicting the history of mankind, were created in 1794 by the Austrian painter Franz Anton Maulbertsch. The two-story high hall contains books obtained from an old monastery in Moravia.
The Strahov monastery's church was originally a romanesque basilica. It was rebuilt in Gothic style after a fire in 1258. Two centuries later it was plundered by the Hussites and repaired in Renaissance style. After a bombardment by French troops in 1742 the church was repaired once again, this time in Baroque style.
The Strahov church, also known as the Basilica of our Lady has a richly decorated interior. The nave's 16 meter high vault features frescoes painted in 1774. Along the side of the nave above the arcades are twelve frescoes depicting the life of St. Norbertus, founder of the Premonstratensians.
The Strahov church also houses an organ on which Mozart played during his visit to the monastery in 1787.
The Strahov Monastery is located about 1.5km (approx 1mile) west of the Prague Castle.
18 - Old Town Hall
After King John of Luxembourg accorded the citizens of Prague the privilege of having their own district council in 1338, they decided to build a Town Hall, paid for by a duty levied on wine. The almost 70 meters high tower was completed in 1364. Due to continuous expansions, the building now is a colorful collection of gothic and renaissance-style façades. During the 2nd WW, the building was severely damaged when the nazis suppressed the Prague uprising, but it is now thoroughly restored.
The first clock of the Town Hall dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Clock maker Hanuš, who perfectioned the construction in 1490 was - according to the legend - made blind by the city council to prevent him from making a more beautiful clock elsewhere. Most of the mechanism still used today is made by Jan Táborský between 1552 and 1572.
The clock is a magnet for tourists, especially just before the hour, when the twelve apostles march past. The skeleton on the right, depicting Death, starts the show by pulling on a string. In the meantime he looks at his other hand, in which he holds an hourglass. Then, two windows open, from where the apostles march. After the ritual, a cock crows. Other figures symbolize vanity, heathenism and parsimony.
Below the apostles is the astronomical clock, which has the earth in the middle of the universe. The clock was created to show the presumed rotation of the sun and the moon around the earth. The clock also shows the movement of the sun and the moon in relation to the signs of zodiac. Below the astronomical clock is a calendar. The calendar, built by Josef Mánes in 1866, shows the days of the year together with symbolic pictures of the months of the year.
19 - Old Town Square
The old town square (Staromestské námestí) and the surrounding quarter form the heart of the city of Prague. In the 14th century the city built around the Prague Castle expanded to the right bank and as early as 1091 a market existed at the site of the old town square.
The square and surrounding streets are pedestrian zones, and during summertime it is filled with terraces from where the many tourists can relax in the middle of many remarkable medieval buildings. Some of the most prominent buildings around the square are the Old Town Hall, the Týn Church, the Kinsky Palace and the St. Nicholas Church.
In the north-east corner of the square is the large Jan Hus Monument. It was erected in 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformer's death at the stake. Jan hus (Jana Husa), born in 1369 was besides a reformer also a fervent Czech nationalist. In 1415 he was declared heretic at the council of Constanz.
The sculpture was made by Ladislav Saloun and was inspired by the works of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The statue depicts the persecution of the Czech nationalists and their reemergence 200 year later with the figure of Jan Hus in the middle.
20 - Tyn Church
The many spires of the historical Týn Church dominate the old town square. Construction of the Romanesque/early Gothic church started in 1365 when German merchants provided funds for a basilica to serve as their main church.
The grand portal was built in 1390. The West front wasn't erected until after the Hussite wars in 1485; the south tower was finished in 1511.
The Týn church has always played a major role in the history of the reformation in Bohemia and it was the most important church of the Hussites in the 16th century. Inside, you will find many fine sculptures from the pre-Hussite period.
The church is entered from the Staromestské námestí via the arcade of the Týn school. The most remarkable aspect of this building, which was used as a school from the 14th to the 19th century, is the gothic vaulting.
21 - St. Nicholas Church
The current St. Nicholas church at Old Town, designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, was completed in 1735. It wasn't until 1901, when the Krenn House was demolished that the Baroque façade was visible from the older square. The white façade is decorated with sculptures made by Antonín Braun. The marvelous interior of the church is inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-invalides in Paris. The delicate stucco decoration was executed by Bernardo Spinetti, the frescos were made by Peter Adam the Elder.
In 1781, after emperor Jozef II ordoned the closure of all monasteries without a social function, all decoration in the church was removed. From 1870 to 1914, the church was used by the Russian orthodox congregation. During the second World War, Czech army units were stationed in the church. During that period, artists, who otherwise would have had to go to the front, were set to work by a colonel to restore the church. After the war, the church was handed over to the Czech Hussite movement.
Note that besides this Church at the Old Town Square, there is another Saint Nicholas Church in Prague, but in Lesser Town across the Vltava river.
22 - The Rudolfinium Concert Hall
The Rudolfinium is a Neo Renaissance building originally designed to house a picture gallery and collection of antiquities. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra found its home there in 1946. The main hall - the Dvorak Hall - is internationally renowned as a venue for the Prague Winter Festival concerts every year.
23 - Petrin Lookout Tower, Mirror Maze, Funicular
A one-fifth-scale copy of Paris's Eiffel Tower, Prague's Petrín Tower was constructed out of recycled railway track for the 1891 Prague Exhibition. It functioned as the city's primary telecommunications tower until the space-age Zizkovská vez (tower) opened across town. Those who climb the 59m (195 ft.) to the top are treated to striking views, particularly at night.
24 - Famous Statue of Baby Jesus (Prazska jezulatko)
Ooooh, Ahhh. Pretty Statue.
25 - National Museum
The National Museum, a scientific institution intended to systematically establish, prepare and publicly exhibit natural scientific and historical collections, was founded through the efforts of many distinguished figures in Bohemia beginning as early as the end of the 18th century. Particular recognition in these endeavors is due to Kašpar Maria, Count Sternberg, who we can consider to be the main founder of the National Museum. Among the enlightened aristocracy of the land and the Czech patriotic political leaders, the specific proposals expressing Kašpar Sternberg conception found their champion in the person of the highest burgrave, Count František Libštejnský from Kolovrat. Their public declaration from the celebratory founder's meeting on April 15th, 1818 can be understood as the founding charter of the National Museum.
Thus arose the institution, which is the oldest museum in Bohemia and today the most distinguished and largest museum in the Czech Republic. The cornerstone of the first museum funds was formed from the private collection of Kašpar Sternberg and other noble patrons, who even with their financial support enabled the activities of the institute. Soon after the founding of the museum, there were alreadz significant collections covering mineralogy, palaeontology, numismatics, as well as a library and archives. Many distinguished figures from the cultural and scientific life of the day took part in the founding of the museum, one of the most important of which was cartainly historian and Czech political leader František Palacký. Among other activities, in 1827 he became the first editor of the National Museum Magazine, which is published to this day and is the oldest professional magazine in the Czech lands. Other outstanding figures contributed their work to the founding of the museum such as Josef Dobrovský, Josef Jungmann, Václav Hanka, Jan Svatopluk Presl, František Josef Gerstner and others.
In the beginning, the collections were teporarily concentrated in several locations throughout Prague. In 1819, the museum acquired its first permanent quarters in Sternberg Palace in Hradčany. After a quarter of a century in 1846, the museum moved to the relatively small Nostic Palace in Na Příkopě street.
It was not until the end of the century that a truly distinguished and appropriate home for the museum collections was constructed at the upper end of Wenceslas Square. Following the design of prominent Czech neo-rennaisance architect Josef Schulz, the new museum was built on the foundation of the Czech parliament from 1885 - 1891 at a cost of approximately two million gold crowns. The beautiful palace became the dominant structure on Wenceslas Square and one of the largest and prominent buildings in Prague. The idea of the building exceeded the mere purposes of the museum: the palace became a representational symbol of the climax of the Czech national revival, a celebrated monument to Czech science and culture. That is why the Pantheon was designed as the focal point of the building, a secular cathedral glorifying the celebrated epochs and figures from Czech history, crowned and accented by the massive central cupola reaching a height of nearly 70 meters. The Pantheon is the site of ceremonial and festive gatherings, it is from this place that the burial processions of the most distinguished Cyech scientists, artists and politicians have led. Here was also the ceremonial meeting of the newly established Czech Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts, which made its temporary home here in the new building which was opened amid much fanfare on May 18th, 1891.
At present the National Museum shelters almost 14 million of items from the area of natural history, history, arts, music and librarianship, located in tens of buildings. Throughout the entire year, visitors may view the permanent exhibits of the National Museum as well as a number of temporary exhibits. These are generally housed in the Hollareum exhibit hall on the ground floor of the main building as well as the two corridors leading to this space from the entrance vestibule. There are often other small exhibits in the Museum of book culture also on the ground floor before the entrance into the study room of the national Museum Library. On the first floor, three rooms across from the Pantheon are occassionally reserved for exhibits. Spacoius less extensive exhibits are presented on the second floor gallery, while in the Pantheon itself there are periodic exhibits of exceptional significance. The Pantheon is also often used for exceptional evening social events. The interior staircase of the National Museum building is a space having remarkably fine acoustics, and thus is the place of favorite traditional chamber and choral concerts.
26 - Laterna Magika Theatre
Laterna Magica, the most famous Czech theatre form admired by people of all around the world. It is the combination of pantomime, ballet, music and film. You can visit this unforgettable performance in New Building of Scene of the National Theatre.
27 - Ahl'Lenn's Demon Bar
Several Hundred Years Old, Ahl'Lenn's (Allen's) Demon Bar has seen many vampires and lesser demons walk through it's doors - of which it currently needs a new one, courtesy of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. The Owner, Allen (Ahl'Lenn) is of an unknown breed of demon, but he has a soft spot for humanity, and a dislike for blood-sucking Vampires. He once through the Vampire Angelus out of his bar (Well, he and a half dozen other demons), but has since become a casual friend of Angel's, and helped Angel purchase passage to America.
28 - Viktor's Antique Weaponsmithy
Ancient and sometimes more modern weaponry is collected, cared for, and resold here.
29 - Hospitale Interntionale
Big place where medicine is practiced for all non-Czech vistors to the city.
30 - Madame Nikita's Grimoire
No one knows how old Madame Nikita is and can't really remember when her shoppe appeared in the City. But everyone who knows magic in the city of Prague knows that Madame Nikita is the woman to speak to for basic magical items and spell components.
Despite having access to the city sewers, Angel's house in Prague is like every other residence he's every had: Stylish, Artistic, and Warm. Spike would hate it.
2 - National Theatre
(Národní divadlo)
Funded entirely by private donations and created by the most important artists of that era, the Neo-Renaissance National Theatre has always been an important symbol of the Czech cultural revival. Opened in 1881 with the opera “Libuše” by Bedøich Smetana, the architect Josef Zítek's masterpiece burned down two months later but it was founded again and restored within two years. The stage curtain is the work of Vojtìch Hynais, the ceiling paintings are by František Ženíšek.
Today, the theatre is used for ballet and opera performances, as well as drama.
The New Stage of the National Theatre was built by architect Karel Prager in the 1970s from Cuban marble plates and glass. It houses Laterna Magica , one of Prague's best-known theatre groups.
3 - Wenceslas Square
Welceslas Square (Václavské námìstí)
Originally a horse market, it got its present name in the mid-19th century. The Wenceslas Square is the main centre of modern Prague surrounded by shops, cinemas, office blocks, hotels, restaurants and cafés. The 750 m long and 60 m wide square has been the scene of a great deal of Czech history. In 1969 a university student Jan Palach burnt himself to death in protest against the Warsaw Pact invasion and in November 1989 protest meetings against police brutality were held here and led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of communism in Czechoslovakia. In the middle of the square is a monument of St Wenceslas on a horse accompanied with sculptures of four Czech patron saints.
4 - Powder Tower
The 65m tall Powder Tower is the gateway to the Royal Route which leads through the Old Town over the Charles Bridge to the castle up the hill. Until 1836, this route was used by the Bohemian Monarchs on the way to their coronation in the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle.
The gothic Powder Tower was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II at the site of an 11th century gate, one of Prague's 13 original city gates. The master builder Matous Rejsek constructed an ornate tower based on the 14th century Old Town Bridge Tower. Construction of the tower was interrupted between 1477 and 1485, when riots forced King Vladislav II to flee the city.
Originally the tower was known as the Mountain Tower, but ever since the structure was used as a gunpowder storage space in the 17th century, it is known as the 'Powder' Tower.
The monumental tower was severely damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757. It was finally rebuilt between 1875 and 1886 by Josef Mocker. In the 1990s the Powder Tower, like many other historical buildings in Prague, was beautifully renovated.
The Powder Tower (Prasná Brána) is located at the edge of Old Town (Staré Mesto), right next to the Municipal House (Obecní Dum).
5 - Municipal House
The Municipal House is one of the most remarkable constructions of Prague Art Nouveau. At the time of its creation it was criticised by some architects as its style was considered to be formally outdated. It was officially opened in 1912 - and now getting on for a century later you can lay the controversy aside and appreciate the building for what it is - a truly beautiful piece of classical architecture.
The semicircular mosaic on the top dome is Karel Spillar's "Homage to Prague." Inside you can find Smetana Hall, Prague's main concert hall, as well as many small restaurants and cafes that offer places to relax in an Art Nouveau atmosphere.
And that's not all! On October 28, 1918 the Municipal House was the site of the proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia, also known as the First Republic.
6 - Old New Synogauge
The Old-New Synagogue, built around 1270, is the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe. It is also one of only three synagogues in Prague's Jewish Quarter 'Josefov' still used for services.
The rather small building in early gothic style consists of one central hall bordered by a number of smaller rooms. The vaulted hall is supported by two octagonal pillars. Only men are allowed to attend services in the central hall, women can access the rooms near the hall. Small windows in the wall, added in the 18th century, allow the women to view the services.
It is almost a miracle the synagogue has survived until today. During its more than 700 years of existence, the building has survived several pogroms, fires and a 19th century redevelopment of the Jewish quarter.
Legend has it that the synagogue is protected by Angels who brought the stones to build the synagogue from the ruins of King Solomon's Temple. In time the synagogue will be dismantled and the stones will be used to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
The same legend gives an explanation for the building's strange name: it would be an incorrect translation from its Hebrew name 'At-Tnay Synagogue'. Misinterpreted as alt-neu (old-new in English), it literally means 'on condition', meaning that the synagogue only exists conditionally - until the Jews return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of Solomon.
A much easier explanation for the name could be that the original name 'New Synagogue' was changed in the 16th century into 'Old-New Synagogue' after newer synagogues were built.
The Old-New Synagogue is located in the center of Josefov, the Jewish quarter just north of Old Town.
7 - Jewish Cemetary
One of the most impressive sights in Prague is the Old Jewish cemetery in Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto. This cemetery was used from 1439 to 1787 and is the oldest existing Jewish cemetery in Europe. The Nazis made it a policy to destroy Jewish cemeteries, sometimes using the tombstones for target practice, but Hitler ordered that this cemetery be left intact, since he was planning to build a Jewish museum in Prague after all the Jews in Europe had been exterminated according to his diabolical plan.
There are more than 100,000 Jews buried in this small plot, the graves being layered 12 deep in some places. This is not unusual for European cemeteries where space is at a premium. In Germany where the graves are also 12 layers deep, the tombstones mark only the top layer of the buried coffins. In the Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov, there are around 12,000 tombstones, crowded closely together with almost no grass between them. Some of the tombstones look like beds, like the one on the left in the photograph below.
8 - Hotel Palace Praha (Buffy, Willow, and Faith are staying here at Game Start. Dawn would be getting a room here as well.)
http://www.ehi.com/travel/ehi/czech/prague-hotels-hotel-palace-praha.htm
Hotel Palace Praha. Established in the romantic tradition at the turn of the century, the Palace was a colorful gathering spot for Prague and Eastern Europe's literary community - the great Czech poet Rainer Maria Rilke was a frequent visitor. A superb renovation in 1989 succeeded in creating both an historic and contemporary Art Nouveau ambience. The lobby dazzles and the cozy guestrooms have white marble in the bathrooms. Two fine dining choices and piano bar. In the very heart of Prague.
9 - Old Town Bridge Tower
The Old Town Bridge Tower was designed by Peter Parler, the architect of the Charles Bridge, as a part of the fortification system around the Old Town. The Late Gothic Tower, known as the most beautiful bridge tower in Europe, was built between 1370 and 1391 at the Old Town side of the Charles Bridge and served as a gateway to Prague's city center.
The 64m tall tower was richly decorated on both the east and west facade, but the sculptures on the west facade (towards the Charles Bridge) were severely damaged during a siege by Swedish troops in 1648 and removed afterwards. Fortunately, the decorations on the east facade were preserved.
Above the arch are the coat of arms of all the lands that were part of the Bohemian Kingdom as well as the kingfisher, the symbol of King Wenceslas IV. The three statues above the coat of arms depict the patron saint of Bohemia, Saint Vitus in the center with King Charles IV to his left and King Wenceslas IV to his right. Near the top of the tower are two statues of Saint Sigismund and Saint Vojtech (Adalbert).
A long stairway leads to an observation room from where you have great views of Old Town and the Charles Bridge.
10 - Charles Bridge
Probably the most touristy place in Prague, the Charles Bridge (Karlov Most) connects the Old Town with Lesser Town. Especially during summertime it is filled with street-painters, street-vendors and tourists.
The first stone bridge over the Vltava, replacing a wood construction, was built between 1158 and 1732 during the reign of King Vladislav I. This bridge, named Judith bridge collapsed in 1342.
In 1357, Charles IV started the construction of a new bridge. The supervisor of the project was Peter Parler, who also constructed the chancel of the St. Vitus Cathedral. The Karlov Most, 502 meters long and resting on 16 arches was wide enough for 4 carriages to cross at the same time and would be the only permanent link between both riversides.
Until 1683, there was no statue on the bridge. The statue of St. John of Nepomuk was the first one placed on the Charles Bridge, resulting in the total of about 30 sculptures presently decorating the Karlov Most.
On the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge are two bridge towers. The smaller one is a 12th century remainder of the Judith Bridge. The taller, Late Gothic tower was erected in 1464 on the orders of King George of Podebrady who wanted a counterweight to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Foundation of this Late Gothic tower was started in 1370 and finished around 1400. The beautiful sculptures decorating this tower are created by Peter Parler.
11 - Kampa Island
This island, mostly given over to parkland, stretches between the two bridges, Most Legii and Manesuv Most. This photo shows the charming area known as the "Venice of Prague", with its charakteristic canals and picturesque houses.
12 - Lesser Town Bridge Towers
On the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge are two towers connected by a gate.
The lowest tower, the Judith Tower, was built together with the romanesque Judith Bridge. This bridge, named after King Vladislav I's wife, was destroyed by flood in 1342 and later replaced by the Charles Bridge. The Judith Tower guarded the entrance to the former Judith Bridge.
In 1464 King George of Podebrady ordered the construction of a new, taller tower newt to the Judith Bridge. The late gothic tower known as the Lesser Town Bridge was built on the remains of an old romanesque tower. Its design was modeled on Peter Parler's Old Town Bridge Tower at the other end of the Charles Bridge. The gate between the Lesser Town Towers was built in 1411 during the reign of Wenceslas IV, even before the second tower was built.
The Judith Tower is not open to the public, but the Lesser Town Bridge Tower can be visited during high season. Inside the tower is an exhibition on the Charles Bridge's history. From the top of the tower you have a nice view over the bridge.
13 - St. Nicholas Church
At the site of a former Gothic church built by German merchants, this St. Nicholas church was designed in 1735 by the principal architect of Czech baroque, K. I. Dienzenhofer. He's the same Dienzenhofer who designed Prague's other St. Nicholas Church, in Lesser Town . This church isn't nearly as ornate as the other but has a more tumultuous history. The Catholic monastery was closed in 1787, and the church was handed over for use as a concert hall in 1865. The city's Russian Orthodox community began using it in 1871, but in 1920 management was handed to the Protestant Hussites. One notable piece inside is the 19th-century crystal chandelier with glass brought from the town of Harrachov. Concerts are still held here.
14 - Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares).
Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Boøivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa.
The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence. Allow at least half a day (it does not include time for museum visits) if you want to examine it in depth.
In spite of the many wars and fires, the Prague Castle has grown into a unique architectural complex. It contains the gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, a monastery, several towers and many wings of palaces.
The first Prague Castle was built in the 9th century. In the 12th and 13th century the castle was fortified and expanded. Around the castle, a small community started to grow. That neighborhood, now called Lesser Town, obtained city rights in 1857. In the 14th century, under the reign of King Charles the whole Castle was renovated.
After the Castle was built into a fortress around 1100 the princes of Bohemia moved into the Royal Palace, also known as the Old Palace. Romanesque and Gothic stories were built on the remains of the first, ninth-century structure. The most remarkable room in the Royal Palace is the majestic Vladislav Hall. Built between 1493 and 1502 by Benedict Ried. It is with its great vaulting, which emanates from six pairs of buttresses into a curvilinear ribbing, one of the finest halls of the Middle Ages. The hall is more than 16 meters wide and more than 14 meters high.
In the center of the Royal Palace is the St. Vitus cathedral , the most recognized landmark in Prague. When Charles IV acquired the bones of St. Vitus, a popular fourth-century martyr, and brought them to Prague, the city became a center of the St. Vitus cult.
In 1344, when Prague became an archbishopric, Charles IV started with the construction of the St. Vitus cathedral. The first part was built by the Frenchman Matthias van Atrecht. After his death in 1352, Peter Parler took over for the next 47 years. In 1421, the Hussite wars stopped work on the cathedral, and it wasn't until 1872 that works resumed and finally in 1929 the cathedral was completed
The most interesting parts of the St. Vitus are the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) and the chancel. The Golden Gate was until the 19th century the main gate and was used as the doorway by which kings entered on coronation day. Just above the entrance is a mosaic of the Last Judgment. The most remarkable part of the church is the tremendously high chancel with a beautiful net vaulting.
A popular sight at the Prague Castle is the Golden Lane, a small picturesque street with colorful wooden houses. Legend wants one to believe alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived in another street at the castle. It was actually goldsmiths living here in the 17th century who gave the street its captivating name.
THE CASTLE AREA:
Chapel of the Holy Cross (Kaple sv. Køíže)
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed in the second half of the 18 century and remodeled in the mid-19 century. It was once a treasury of St Vitus Cathedral. There are cult objects, such as relics, busts, crucifixes, shrines, vestments, monstrances, bibles, plaques, paintings, jewels, gold- and silver-plated weapons.
Picture Gallery of Prague Castle (Obrazárna Pražského hradu)
Created in 1965 the gallery houses paintings from the 16th - 18th centuries. The highlights include Titian's The Toilet of a Young Lady, Rubens' The Assembly of the Olympic Gods and Guido Reni's The Centaur Nessus Abducting Deianeira. There are also sculptures, paintings by Czech Baroque artists and many of Rudolph's II (Emperor, 1575 - 1611) best paintings.
Imperial Stables (Císaøská konírna)
There are temporary art exhibits.
The Spanish Hall (Španìlský sál) and Rudolf Gallery (Rudolfova galerie)
are amongst buildings that have been converted for state purposes. They are open to the public only once a year in early May).
St Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Víta)
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV. The first architect was Matthias of Arras, after his death Petr Parler took over and completed much of the structure in late-Gothic style. Over the following centuries renaissance and baroque details were added and the job was completed in 1929. The most beautiful of numerous side chapels, Parler's Chapel of St Wenceslas, houses the crown jewels and the tomb of “Good King” Wenceslas.
There are many superb exaples of 20th century Czech stained glass and marvellous pieces of art, for example a wooden relief by Caspar Bechterle that shows the escape of Frederik of the Palatinate from Prague in 1621, and wooden Crucifixion by František Bílek
The Royal Crypt contains the remains of Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, George of Podìbrady and Rudolf II.
There are excellent views from the Great Tower on a clear day.
Old Royal Palace (Starý Královský Palác)
Dating from 1135 it is one of the oldest parts of the castle. It was the seat of Bohemian princes but from the 13th to the 16th century it was the king's palace. Vladislav Hall (Vladislavský sál), in the centre of the palace, was used for banquets, councils, coronations and in bad weather, jousting. The other parts are the Rider's staircase (Jezdecké schody), a place where all the Czech presidents have been sworn, Ludvík Wing famous for the defenestration of 1618, New Land Rolls Room, the old map repository for land titles and All Saints' Chapel.
Mihulka Powder Tower (Prašná vìž)
This tower was built at the end of the 15th century originally as a part of the castle's defences, later it was a workshop of a cannon and bell-maker. During Rudolf II's reign (1576 - 1612) the tower became a laboratory for alchemists and then it was used as a gunpowder store until 1754. Today it is a museum of alchemy, bell- and cannon-forging and Renaissance life in Prague Castle.
Convent of St George (Klášter Sv. Jiøí)
Established in 973 by Boleslav II it was Bohemia's first convent. In 1782 it was converted into barracks, in 1962 - 74 reconstructed and today as a branch of the National Gallery it houses an excellent collection of Czech Renaissance and baroque art.
Basilika of St George (Bazilika Sv. Jiøí)
Founded by Prince Vratislav I in the 10th century it is the best preserved Romanesque church in Prague, the fasade is baroque from the 17th century though. There are tombs of Pøemysl royalty. The acoustics make it a good venue for classical concerts.
Royal Garden (Královská zahrada)
This garden was created in 1535 for Ferdinand I. It is a highly recommended place for a stroll especially in spring. The Lions Court is where the Emperor Rudolf II had his zoo. There is also the bronze Singing Fountain and the azalea and tulip garden where tulips were first aclimatised to Europe before being taken to Holland.
Ball-Game House (Míèovna)
It is the most beautiful building of the Royal Garden where the Habsburgs played an early version of badminton. When the game went out of fashion it was converted into stables and today it is open only for exhibitions.
Summer Palace - Belvedere (Letohrádek Kralony Anny)
It is the most authentic Italian Renaissance building outside Italy. It was built from 1538 to 1564 for Ferdinad's beloved wife Anna. It houses temporary modern art exhibitions.
Riding School (Jízdárna)
It was built at the end of the 17th century and since the end of the 1940s it has served as a gallery for temporary modern art exhibitions.
Golden Lane (Zlatá ulièka)
Named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century, Golden Lane is popular with its tiny colourful houses built right into the arches of the Castle walls. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were occupied by squatters, later it was the home of the writer France Kafka (house 22) and the Nobel-laureate poet Jaroslaf Seifert. Most of them are souvenir shops today.
White Tower (Bílá vìž)
It is the place where Irish alchemist Edward Kelley was imprisoned by Rudolf II.
Daliborka Tower (Daliborka)
This tower was built in the 15th century. It is named after Dalibor of Kozojedy who was imprisoned here in 1498 for supporting a peasant rebellion, and later executed. According to a legend he learnt to play the violin and his playing could be heard throughout the castle. The story was used by Bedøich Smetana in his opera Dalibor.
Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkovický palác)
Built in the 1570s it is a branch of the National Museum with a collection on Czech history until 1848 including replicas of the Czech crown jewels and the sword of executioner Jan Mydláø.
Toy Museum (Muzeum hraèek)
This private museum is said to be the second largest museum of its kind in the world.
Schwarzenberg Palace (Švancenberský palác)
Built originally for the Lobkowicz family it passed through several hands before the Schwarzenbergs acquired it in 1719. There has been a Museum of Military history since 1945.
Archbishp's Palace (Arcibiskupský palác)
Bought by Ferdinand I in 1562 for the first Catholic Archbishop it is the seat of archbishops ever since. In the period of after the 1621 it was a powerful symbol of Catholic domination of the city as well as the Czech lands. It is only open to the public one day before Good Friday.
Sternberg Palace (Šternberský palác)
Named after Franc Josef Sternberg, who founded the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts in Bohemia in 1796, it houses the National Gallery's valuable collection of 14th- to 18th- century European art, such as works by Goya and Rembrandt.
Èernín palace (Èernínský palác)
This palace was built in 1668 for the Imperial Ambassador to Venice. It was badly damaged in 1757 when Prussian bombarded Prague and almost 100 years later sold to the state. Since 1918, it has been home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1948 the foreign minister, demokrat and anti-communist, Jan Masaryk fell to his death from one of the bathroom windows. It is still unclear whether it was a suicide or a murder planned by the communist secret service.
The Loreta (Loreta)
This extraordinary baroque pilgrimage church was built in 1626 with funds donated by Countess Lobkowitz. Its grandiose design and miraculous stories about this place were part of Ferdinand II's campaign to recatholicize the Czechs. Worth seeing is especially the treasury on the 1st floor.
Capuchin Monastery (Kapucínský klášter)
Founded in 1600 it was the first monastery of its kind in Bohemia. It is connected to the neighbouring Loreta and it is famous for its miraculous statue of the Madonna and Child. Each year at Christmas there is a delightful Baroque nativity scene of life-sized figures.
Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter)
Founded in 1140 by Vladislav II the Strahov Monastery was completed in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was functioned until the communist government closed it. Now it is a working monastery and a museum. Inside is the Church of St Roch, the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and the Strahov Picture Gallery. The biggest attraction is the Strahov Library - the largest monastic library in the country.
15 - St. Vitus Cathedral
(Katedrála Sv. Víta)
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV. The first architect was Matthias of Arras, after his death Petr Parler took over and completed much of the structure in late-Gothic style. Over the following centuries renaissance and baroque details were added and the job was completed in 1929. The most beautiful of numerous side chapels, Parler's Chapel of St Wenceslas, houses the crown jewels and the tomb of “Good King” Wenceslas.
There are many superb exaples of 20th century Czech stained glass and marvellous pieces of art, for example a wooden relief by Caspar Bechterle that shows the escape of Frederik of the Palatinate from Prague in 1621, and wooden Crucifixion by František Bílek
The Royal Crypt contains the remains of Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, George of Podìbrady and Rudolf II.
There are excellent views from the Great Tower on a clear day.
16 - Golden Lane
At the end of the Prague Castle complex, near the outer wall, is a small street known as the Golden Lane (Zlatá Ulicka in Czech). The small houses were originally constructed in the 16th century for King Rudolph II's castle guards. At that time the lane was known as archery lane. It was later renamed 'golden lane' for the goldsmiths who moved into the houses in the 17th century. Legend wants one to believe alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived in another street at the castle. So it was actually the goldsmiths who gave the street its captivating name.
The lane was originally lined with 24 wooden houses but one side of the street was declared unfit for habitation and demolished in the 19th century. Poor people and criminals now lived in the remaining houses, but they were evicted after the second World War when the lane was nationalized. The houses were restored and repainted with lively pastel colors between 1952 and 1955.
The street is now largely occupied by souvenir and book shops. Speaking of books, several famous writers used to live in the small houses. The most famous of them is Franz Kafka who stayed here at his sister's house between 1916 and 1917. A small plaque at nr. 22 testifies to this fact. Another famous writer who lived here was Nobel prize winner Jaroslav Seifert who lived in the 1930s in a now demolished building.
Unfortunately the Golden Lane cannot be visited for free, you can either buy an entry ticket for the street or buy a combined ticket for the whole Prague Castle complex.
17 - Strahov Monastery
In 1140 King Vladislav II built a new monastery on the approach route to the Prague Castle. The monastery, which became known as the Strahov monastery wasn't much of a success until 1143, when a group of Premonstratensians settled here.
The Premonstratensians are a Roman Catholic order of canons founded in 1120 by St. Norbert. They are also known as the Norbertians or White Canons.
The new monastery soon started to prosper and in a short timeframe it became a center of intellectual and spiritual life. By the end of the 12th century, most of the original wooden buildings had been replaced by stone Romanesque buildings. The monastery was rebuilt in gothic style after a fire destroyed the complex in 1258. It continued to prosper until 1420 when it was plundered by Hussites. The monastery started to decline until the end of the 16th century, when most of the buildings were repaired. It was plundered and sacked again during the 30 years war (1618-1648). In the late 17th and early 18th century the monastery was expanded, this time in baroque style. After a bombardment by the French army in 1742 most of the medieval gothic buildings were rebuilt in baroque style.
The current buildings at the Strahov monastery were constructed mainly in the 17th and 18th century. The most interesting parts of the monastery are the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall. The Theological Hall was built between 1671 and 1679 and houses the theological book collection of the famous Strahov library. Its collection contains over 200,000 books and includes works from famous printers such as Christoffel Plantin from Antwerp.
The frescoes on the ceiling of the Theological Hall took four years to complete. They depict the profession of the librarian. In the hall are several 17th century geographical and astronomical globes.
The Philosophical Hall was built a century later, between 1782 and 1784. The ceiling's frescoes, depicting the history of mankind, were created in 1794 by the Austrian painter Franz Anton Maulbertsch. The two-story high hall contains books obtained from an old monastery in Moravia.
The Strahov monastery's church was originally a romanesque basilica. It was rebuilt in Gothic style after a fire in 1258. Two centuries later it was plundered by the Hussites and repaired in Renaissance style. After a bombardment by French troops in 1742 the church was repaired once again, this time in Baroque style.
The Strahov church, also known as the Basilica of our Lady has a richly decorated interior. The nave's 16 meter high vault features frescoes painted in 1774. Along the side of the nave above the arcades are twelve frescoes depicting the life of St. Norbertus, founder of the Premonstratensians.
The Strahov church also houses an organ on which Mozart played during his visit to the monastery in 1787.
The Strahov Monastery is located about 1.5km (approx 1mile) west of the Prague Castle.
18 - Old Town Hall
After King John of Luxembourg accorded the citizens of Prague the privilege of having their own district council in 1338, they decided to build a Town Hall, paid for by a duty levied on wine. The almost 70 meters high tower was completed in 1364. Due to continuous expansions, the building now is a colorful collection of gothic and renaissance-style façades. During the 2nd WW, the building was severely damaged when the nazis suppressed the Prague uprising, but it is now thoroughly restored.
The first clock of the Town Hall dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Clock maker Hanuš, who perfectioned the construction in 1490 was - according to the legend - made blind by the city council to prevent him from making a more beautiful clock elsewhere. Most of the mechanism still used today is made by Jan Táborský between 1552 and 1572.
The clock is a magnet for tourists, especially just before the hour, when the twelve apostles march past. The skeleton on the right, depicting Death, starts the show by pulling on a string. In the meantime he looks at his other hand, in which he holds an hourglass. Then, two windows open, from where the apostles march. After the ritual, a cock crows. Other figures symbolize vanity, heathenism and parsimony.
Below the apostles is the astronomical clock, which has the earth in the middle of the universe. The clock was created to show the presumed rotation of the sun and the moon around the earth. The clock also shows the movement of the sun and the moon in relation to the signs of zodiac. Below the astronomical clock is a calendar. The calendar, built by Josef Mánes in 1866, shows the days of the year together with symbolic pictures of the months of the year.
19 - Old Town Square
The old town square (Staromestské námestí) and the surrounding quarter form the heart of the city of Prague. In the 14th century the city built around the Prague Castle expanded to the right bank and as early as 1091 a market existed at the site of the old town square.
The square and surrounding streets are pedestrian zones, and during summertime it is filled with terraces from where the many tourists can relax in the middle of many remarkable medieval buildings. Some of the most prominent buildings around the square are the Old Town Hall, the Týn Church, the Kinsky Palace and the St. Nicholas Church.
In the north-east corner of the square is the large Jan Hus Monument. It was erected in 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformer's death at the stake. Jan hus (Jana Husa), born in 1369 was besides a reformer also a fervent Czech nationalist. In 1415 he was declared heretic at the council of Constanz.
The sculpture was made by Ladislav Saloun and was inspired by the works of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The statue depicts the persecution of the Czech nationalists and their reemergence 200 year later with the figure of Jan Hus in the middle.
20 - Tyn Church
The many spires of the historical Týn Church dominate the old town square. Construction of the Romanesque/early Gothic church started in 1365 when German merchants provided funds for a basilica to serve as their main church.
The grand portal was built in 1390. The West front wasn't erected until after the Hussite wars in 1485; the south tower was finished in 1511.
The Týn church has always played a major role in the history of the reformation in Bohemia and it was the most important church of the Hussites in the 16th century. Inside, you will find many fine sculptures from the pre-Hussite period.
The church is entered from the Staromestské námestí via the arcade of the Týn school. The most remarkable aspect of this building, which was used as a school from the 14th to the 19th century, is the gothic vaulting.
21 - St. Nicholas Church
The current St. Nicholas church at Old Town, designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, was completed in 1735. It wasn't until 1901, when the Krenn House was demolished that the Baroque façade was visible from the older square. The white façade is decorated with sculptures made by Antonín Braun. The marvelous interior of the church is inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-invalides in Paris. The delicate stucco decoration was executed by Bernardo Spinetti, the frescos were made by Peter Adam the Elder.
In 1781, after emperor Jozef II ordoned the closure of all monasteries without a social function, all decoration in the church was removed. From 1870 to 1914, the church was used by the Russian orthodox congregation. During the second World War, Czech army units were stationed in the church. During that period, artists, who otherwise would have had to go to the front, were set to work by a colonel to restore the church. After the war, the church was handed over to the Czech Hussite movement.
Note that besides this Church at the Old Town Square, there is another Saint Nicholas Church in Prague, but in Lesser Town across the Vltava river.
22 - The Rudolfinium Concert Hall
The Rudolfinium is a Neo Renaissance building originally designed to house a picture gallery and collection of antiquities. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra found its home there in 1946. The main hall - the Dvorak Hall - is internationally renowned as a venue for the Prague Winter Festival concerts every year.
23 - Petrin Lookout Tower, Mirror Maze, Funicular
A one-fifth-scale copy of Paris's Eiffel Tower, Prague's Petrín Tower was constructed out of recycled railway track for the 1891 Prague Exhibition. It functioned as the city's primary telecommunications tower until the space-age Zizkovská vez (tower) opened across town. Those who climb the 59m (195 ft.) to the top are treated to striking views, particularly at night.
24 - Famous Statue of Baby Jesus (Prazska jezulatko)
Ooooh, Ahhh. Pretty Statue.
25 - National Museum
The National Museum, a scientific institution intended to systematically establish, prepare and publicly exhibit natural scientific and historical collections, was founded through the efforts of many distinguished figures in Bohemia beginning as early as the end of the 18th century. Particular recognition in these endeavors is due to Kašpar Maria, Count Sternberg, who we can consider to be the main founder of the National Museum. Among the enlightened aristocracy of the land and the Czech patriotic political leaders, the specific proposals expressing Kašpar Sternberg conception found their champion in the person of the highest burgrave, Count František Libštejnský from Kolovrat. Their public declaration from the celebratory founder's meeting on April 15th, 1818 can be understood as the founding charter of the National Museum.
Thus arose the institution, which is the oldest museum in Bohemia and today the most distinguished and largest museum in the Czech Republic. The cornerstone of the first museum funds was formed from the private collection of Kašpar Sternberg and other noble patrons, who even with their financial support enabled the activities of the institute. Soon after the founding of the museum, there were alreadz significant collections covering mineralogy, palaeontology, numismatics, as well as a library and archives. Many distinguished figures from the cultural and scientific life of the day took part in the founding of the museum, one of the most important of which was cartainly historian and Czech political leader František Palacký. Among other activities, in 1827 he became the first editor of the National Museum Magazine, which is published to this day and is the oldest professional magazine in the Czech lands. Other outstanding figures contributed their work to the founding of the museum such as Josef Dobrovský, Josef Jungmann, Václav Hanka, Jan Svatopluk Presl, František Josef Gerstner and others.
In the beginning, the collections were teporarily concentrated in several locations throughout Prague. In 1819, the museum acquired its first permanent quarters in Sternberg Palace in Hradčany. After a quarter of a century in 1846, the museum moved to the relatively small Nostic Palace in Na Příkopě street.
It was not until the end of the century that a truly distinguished and appropriate home for the museum collections was constructed at the upper end of Wenceslas Square. Following the design of prominent Czech neo-rennaisance architect Josef Schulz, the new museum was built on the foundation of the Czech parliament from 1885 - 1891 at a cost of approximately two million gold crowns. The beautiful palace became the dominant structure on Wenceslas Square and one of the largest and prominent buildings in Prague. The idea of the building exceeded the mere purposes of the museum: the palace became a representational symbol of the climax of the Czech national revival, a celebrated monument to Czech science and culture. That is why the Pantheon was designed as the focal point of the building, a secular cathedral glorifying the celebrated epochs and figures from Czech history, crowned and accented by the massive central cupola reaching a height of nearly 70 meters. The Pantheon is the site of ceremonial and festive gatherings, it is from this place that the burial processions of the most distinguished Cyech scientists, artists and politicians have led. Here was also the ceremonial meeting of the newly established Czech Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts, which made its temporary home here in the new building which was opened amid much fanfare on May 18th, 1891.
At present the National Museum shelters almost 14 million of items from the area of natural history, history, arts, music and librarianship, located in tens of buildings. Throughout the entire year, visitors may view the permanent exhibits of the National Museum as well as a number of temporary exhibits. These are generally housed in the Hollareum exhibit hall on the ground floor of the main building as well as the two corridors leading to this space from the entrance vestibule. There are often other small exhibits in the Museum of book culture also on the ground floor before the entrance into the study room of the national Museum Library. On the first floor, three rooms across from the Pantheon are occassionally reserved for exhibits. Spacoius less extensive exhibits are presented on the second floor gallery, while in the Pantheon itself there are periodic exhibits of exceptional significance. The Pantheon is also often used for exceptional evening social events. The interior staircase of the National Museum building is a space having remarkably fine acoustics, and thus is the place of favorite traditional chamber and choral concerts.
26 - Laterna Magika Theatre
Laterna Magica, the most famous Czech theatre form admired by people of all around the world. It is the combination of pantomime, ballet, music and film. You can visit this unforgettable performance in New Building of Scene of the National Theatre.
27 - Ahl'Lenn's Demon Bar
Several Hundred Years Old, Ahl'Lenn's (Allen's) Demon Bar has seen many vampires and lesser demons walk through it's doors - of which it currently needs a new one, courtesy of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. The Owner, Allen (Ahl'Lenn) is of an unknown breed of demon, but he has a soft spot for humanity, and a dislike for blood-sucking Vampires. He once through the Vampire Angelus out of his bar (Well, he and a half dozen other demons), but has since become a casual friend of Angel's, and helped Angel purchase passage to America.
28 - Viktor's Antique Weaponsmithy
Ancient and sometimes more modern weaponry is collected, cared for, and resold here.
29 - Hospitale Interntionale
Big place where medicine is practiced for all non-Czech vistors to the city.
30 - Madame Nikita's Grimoire
No one knows how old Madame Nikita is and can't really remember when her shoppe appeared in the City. But everyone who knows magic in the city of Prague knows that Madame Nikita is the woman to speak to for basic magical items and spell components.