25. Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and lies in the middle of Bohemia. Prague is divided into many boroughs.

Prague arose over one thousand years ago. According to a legend Prague was founded by Libuše of the Přemistic dynasty. Libuše was the daughter of the Czech prince Krok. The legend says that the name “Praha” comes from the Czech word for “threshold” (threshold means “práh” in Czech).

Prague is often called “the mother of towns” or “the town of a hundred spires”.

The dominant feature of the city is Prague Castle with the St. Vitus Cathedral, a pearl of gothic architectures. The Prague Castle was founded in 885 by the first Přemyslid prince Bořivoj. Besides the Cathedral, which construction was started in 1344, you can admire the royal palace, the late gothic Vladislav Hall, royal gardens and Golden Lane with its tiny houses where alchemists are said to have lived in the days of Emperor Rudolf II. at the break of the 16th and 17th centuries. Than you can walk down the narrow crooked streets of the Lesser Town past the biggest Prague Baroque church – St. Nicolas Church and finally find yourselves on Charles Bridge, which was built under the rule of Charles IV. in the 14th century. The Bridge is lined with statues and there are towers on both ends. It’s always full of tourists, mainly foreigners. They take pictures or buy souvenirs etc. Some people have their portraits drawn.

Near the Charles Bridge is Old Town Square. The main tourist attraction here is the Old Tower. Hall with an astronomical clock strikes every 60 minutes. When it strikes 12 apostles appear in small windows and at the end of their parade the cock crows. In the middle of the Square is the monumental to Master John Hus, the church reformer, who was burnt to death on the 6th of July in 1415. The chapel where he used to preach stands in one of Old Town street.

Another interesting historical building is the National Theatre. It was built in late renaissance style from the public money collection of the people in the 19th century. Other important places of culture include the Smetana´s Theatre, the Palace of Culture, the Lucerna Hall, the Tyl Theatre, the Vinohrady Theatre etc.

The center of city is Wenceslas Square. There is statue of the Czech patron – St. Wenceslas made by J.V. Myslbek. It is a symbol of a free and independent republic. At the top of Wenceslas Square is the National Museum.

Prague it isn’t only history and sights. It is a modern busy city with more than one million people. As an every capital, Prague is a residence of the president, government and parliament.