Tourist information and destination rating
Pros
clean metro
art galleries
distinctive atmosphere
tasty beer
easy-to-access
jazz clubs
cosmopolitan city
breathtaking architecture
inexpensive
romantic
bustling destination
flat surrounding area
splendid sceneries
delicious meals
nice weather
nice people
Cons
rather expensive
queues
overcrowded
heavy traffic
poor or deceitful service
poor night life
chilly in winter
Suitable for
business
history
nightlife
cruises
nature
romantic vacation
shopping
sport tourism
study
art
health tourism
Why to go there?
historical centre
old&new architecture
skyscrapers
political centre
christmas markets
Transportation and means of transport
air
metro
international airport
trams
railway
business travel (industry)
food processing
engineering
Information and Facts
Last update: 2012-10-22 07:03:00
Prague is the capital and the biggest city of the Czech Republic. It is the political, economic, cultural and tourist centre. It spreads out on both banks of the river Vltava. The banks were settled as early as prehistoric times.
Prague is full of historic monuments, historic architecture, churches, palaces, sculptures, museums and galleries. The historic centre of Prague is the Prague heritage site reserve, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
The dominant of the city is the Prague Castle, the seat of the President. Its oldest parts go back to the 9th century. The castle's complex consists of palatial, office, church and residential buildings. Parts of the castle are St. Vitus Cathedral, Riding School, Daliborka Tower, Golden Lane, Old Royal Palace, St. George' s Basilica and others. Nearby the castle the Petřín Observation Tower can be found. The tower was built in 1891.
Below the castle there is the Lesser Quarter with crooked streets, beautiful palaces and romantic gardens. The baroque St. Nicholas Church is the dominant on the Lesser Quarter Square. From the square you can easily get to Charles Bridge over the river Vltava. The construction of the bridge was promoted by the King Charles IV. It is the oldest stone bridge in Prague. The bridge is protected by the Lesser Quarter Bridge Tower and Old Town Bridge Tower.
On the other bank of the river you can find the Old Town Square with the Old Town Hall, Astronomical Clock and the Týn Church. Not far from the square is the Bethlehem Chapel, the most important centre of the Reformation movement where Jan Huss preached.
Another famous square is the Wenceslass Square. In the upper part of the square stands St. Wenceslass Memorial. The dominant of the square is the National Museum.
One of the most important Czech cultural institutions is the National Theatre, which is located on the bank of the river Vltava facing the panorama of the Prague Castle.
Prague offers its visitors a wide range of interesting buildings such as Břevnov Monastery, Emauzy Monastery, St. Agnes Convent, the Powder Tower, Municipal House, Letohrádek Folly and others. Modern architecture is represented by Adolf Loos's Villa.
At present time, the Dancing House is the most remarkable building in Prague. It occupies the position by the river Vltava.
Another significant part of Prague is also the Vyšehrad Castle, which was built in the 10th century.
Prague attracts thousands of visitors not only with its historic monuments, but also with a wide range of concerts, festivals, exhibitons and sporting events.
Prague can be also very proud of its ZOO, botanical gardens and parks.