Highlights of Prague

Charles Bridge at dawn in Prague. This beautiful stone Gothic bridge is the main connection between the Old Town and Mala Strana.

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Velvet Revolution, the popularity of Prague has brought in a surge of visitors eager to take in this spectacular city. While no longer the bargain it was in earlier days, the city’s combination of thrilling history and stunning architecture remains as compelling as ever for those looking to experience it’s wonders.

Here are just a few of the city’s best highlights.

Prague Castle

A proud symbol of Prague, this magnificent castle was constructed in the 9th century by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty and is the largest medieval castle in the world. It consists of a massive-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century. The castle also houses several museums, including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art.

St Vitus’s Cathedral

Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of Bohemian kings including Charles IV, Wenceslas IV and Rudolf II, this cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the largest and most important church in the country. You can climb the southern tower for a wonderful view of the city.

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square started life as the central marketplace for Prague during the late 12th century. Over the years, many buildings of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market. Today, it is a bustling area with cafe tables, street vendors, horse carriages, holiday markets and crowds of tourists. It’s most notable sights are the Jan Hus Memorial, Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock and the stunning Church of St. Nicholas.

The Loreto

This grandiose church was built during the 17th century and is a renowned place of pilgrimage. It’s most proud possession is a replica of the original Santa Casa in Loreto, Italy, believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary received the Incarnation. Inside is the Church of the Nativity, which has fully clothed remains of two Spanish saints, St. Felicissimus and St. Marcia. The exterior of the Loreto is decorated with statues of religious figures, including Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as cherubs and other saints. The Loreto Treasury also has a wealth of liturgical items.

St Agnes’s Convent

St Agnes’s Convent was established in 1234 by Agnes, a sister of King Wenceslas I. It is the oldest Gothic building in the Czech Republic. The convent consists of two buildings, the convent of the Order of Poor Ladies and the monastery of Franciscans. In 1960′s, the complex was restored to its original splendor and is used by the National Gallery to display a collection of medieval and early Renaissance art.

Charles Bridge

Commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, this beautiful stone Gothic bridge is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures. On both ends of the bridge are large towers which can be climbed to get an excellent view of the city. Keep in mind that Charles Bridge can get extremely crowded, so it’s best to go early in the day or late in the evening.

The Old Jewish Quarter

The Old Jewish Quarter in Prague, known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. Jews are believed to have settled in Prague as early as the 10th century. The area is a living testimony to the history of Prague Jews, spanning many centuries from the medieval ages through the Nazi German occupation to present day. Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery and several synagogues are just a few of the fascinating things to see.

Petrin Hill

Covered with forests, orchards, and gardens, Petrin Hill is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll in the city. You can walk or take the funicular for a ride up the hill. Sights in the area include the Observation Tower, the Strahov Monastery, Karel Hynech Macha Statue and the Mirror Maze.

The Lennon Wall

Graffiti started appearing on this wall when John Lennon and his music became a symbol of protest by young people against the hardline Communist regime in what was then Czechoslovakia. The wall has been a continual work in progress ever since.