Exploring the historic architecture of Prague
Exploring the historic architecture of Prague
Overview of Prague.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
Transcript
Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic with a population of more than one million. While there's no shortage of hustle and bustle here, for the most part Prague is quite a relaxed place. The so-called Golden City has a uniform look, distinguished by Gothic and Baroque architecture. Prague is one of central Europe's oldest and largest cities. Spared in large part from the destruction of World War II, Prague and its sights remain a major tourism destination. Its historic city center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The best place to begin exploring Prague is the Old Town, a unique monument in and of itself. The Old Town Hall boasts a 70-meter-tall tower featuring Prague's famous Astronomical Clock. Prague Castle is the place to be at 5 p.m. to observe the changing of the guard.
Ground was initially broken for the castle in the 9th century. Prague Castle boasts the world's largest uninterrupted castle expanse and serves as the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. The castle is the Czech Republic's most popular monument and an absolute must-see. The Golden Lane is located in the center of the Prague Castle site and runs along the old defense wall. The lane originally consisted of 18 cottages where the castle guards were housed. Czech author Franz Kafka once lived in No. 22. Today the Golden Lane is home to numerous cafés and souvenir shops. The Vltava River and the Charles Bridge are two of the city's most prominent features.
The Charles Bridge was built in 1357, with its famous statues added later. The bridge was once the only connection between the Old Town and the Malá Strana district of Prague. A construction boom took place here in the 16th century consisting primarily of villas for Prague's more prosperous elite. Malá Strana gained a reputation as a district populated by the wealthy and the aristocracy, and much of this former splendor is still evident here today.
Construction on St. Nicholas's Church began in 1703. Its frescoes, statues and paintings are the work of that era's most important artists. Once you've completed an extensive walking tour through the city, this baroque church is just the right spot to rest and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Ground was initially broken for the castle in the 9th century. Prague Castle boasts the world's largest uninterrupted castle expanse and serves as the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. The castle is the Czech Republic's most popular monument and an absolute must-see. The Golden Lane is located in the center of the Prague Castle site and runs along the old defense wall. The lane originally consisted of 18 cottages where the castle guards were housed. Czech author Franz Kafka once lived in No. 22. Today the Golden Lane is home to numerous cafés and souvenir shops. The Vltava River and the Charles Bridge are two of the city's most prominent features.
The Charles Bridge was built in 1357, with its famous statues added later. The bridge was once the only connection between the Old Town and the Malá Strana district of Prague. A construction boom took place here in the 16th century consisting primarily of villas for Prague's more prosperous elite. Malá Strana gained a reputation as a district populated by the wealthy and the aristocracy, and much of this former splendor is still evident here today.
Construction on St. Nicholas's Church began in 1703. Its frescoes, statues and paintings are the work of that era's most important artists. Once you've completed an extensive walking tour through the city, this baroque church is just the right spot to rest and enjoy a little peace and quiet.