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The Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square has long remained at the heart of the city – a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the pretty pastel houses of the Old Town Square now play home to a wide variety of restaurants, galleries and museums. Plenty of Prague’s most visited sites are located in the Old Town Square, making it an essential stop off point. Once there, browse around the Church of our Lady at Tyn, Prague’s Town Hall or the famed Astronomical Clock Tower. One of the world’s most elaborate and historic clocks ever built, it has remained in the square since 1410, undergoing extensive rebuilding work by Master Hanus in 1490. A must see is the elaborate performance of “The Walk of the Apostles”, which plays on the hour from 9am to 9pm – when the figure of Death rings a bell and the 12 Apostles appear from the clock, along with a selection of charming figures which have delighted viewers for centuries.

The perfect place for a stroll amongst some of Prague’s most historical sites, the centrepiece of the Old Town Square is the Jan Hus statue, erected on 6 July 1915, five hundred years after the great reformer died. Originally criticised for it’s modernist style, the statue is now an important symbol of Czech identity, capturing the more present day sentiments of a town with a story that goes back centuries. The Old Town Square now symbolises the enduring spirit of Prague and is a definite must see for anyone looking to explore Prague.

The Charles Bridge

One of Prague’s most recognisable and important tourist attractions, the Charles Bridge was constructed in the 13th century and is a hotspot for visitors, particularly during springtime and the summer. Straddling the Vltava River in Prague, the Charles Bridge was pivotal in marking Prague as the epicentre of trade between east and west Europe. Formally known as the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, the name ‘Charles Bridge’ has been used since 1870. According to history, the present day Charles Bridge was originally constructed by Peter Parler, an architect and builder that was a notable favourite of King Charles IV. Initially, the bridge was conceived as a host for jousting tournaments, and carried little in the way of ornamentation, boasting just one crucifix. From the 17th to 19th century, more statues began to appear in line with Catholic desires for decoration, and the bridge now contains 75 statues in total. Comprising 16 pillars and 3 bridge towers across a length of 516 metres, the Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful tower bridges Europe has to offer.

A walk across the Charles Bridge is a must for any visitor to the city, and there is a spot by the statue of John Nepomuk which must be visited. According to legend, Nepomuk was a priest who was thrown to his death from the bridge by Wenceslas IV, who ordered his death after Nepomuk refusing to break a vow of confidentiality between himself and Wenceslas’ queen. After he was thrown, it is said a golden halo appeared over the spot in the River Vltava where he drowned, confirming his status as a martyr. Visitors to his statue will note the ring of golden stars that surrounds his head. Near the statue itself, you’ll find a small crucifix which marks the spot where he was thrown – it is said if you touch this crucifix, your wish will come true!

Due to it’s beauty and rich history, the Charles Bridge is often teeming with visitors, street stalls selling various merchandise and a few pickpockets, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to head over early in the morning – however the romantic will find an evening stroll over the Charles Bridge an unforgettable experience. Amidst the backdrop of Prague’s illuminated streets and the many street musicians that line the bridge, you’ll find yourself lost in the beauty of Prague and all it has to offer.

Prague Castle

Perched on top of a large hill just left of the Vltava River, Prague Castle is situated in the Hradcany district, right near the magnificent Charles Bridge. And the castle itself is also a sight to behold – a sprawling complex that differs considerably from the traditional castle with it’s varying styles. Within Prague Castle lies St Vitus Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic structure dating from the 14th Century. Adorned with gargoyles and containing some of Prague’s most elaborate tombs, St. Vitus is home to some of the many relics of Prague’s past, and also boasts a bell tower which offers some remarkable views of the Old Town of Prague.

Dating from the 9th Century, Prague Castle was founded by Prince Borivoj. The varying styles of construction are due to various portions being built at different times, thus, Prague Castle is a wonderful example of the many architectural styles that have shaped Prague over the years. A Romanesque palace was built in the 12th Century, which was rebuilt in a Gothic style during the 14th Century, at the behest of Charles IV. The last reconstruction occurred in the late 1400′s. When Vladislav Hall was built by Benedikt Rejt. The castle was enlarged during the 16th Century, and the Spanish Hall added during the reign of Rudolf II, before final completion in the 18th Century according to plans made by the architect M. Pacassi. The interior and gardens were refurbished by J. Plecnik after the end of WW1, completing the castle as we know it today.

The Castle is now home to a seat of the President of the Czech Republic, and regarded as Prague’s historical and political centre. With much to offer inside the castle walls and in the surrounding areas, Prague Castle is an impressive testament to the city of Prague, and no visit to Prague should be complete without taking in the majesty of Prague Castle.

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