Sights of Prague – the most detailed information with photos and a card. What to see in Prague – TOP-10 attractions.
Contents
Top 10 sights of Prague
Prague has a whole lot of magnificent sights: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square with Tyn Church, ancient fortress Vysehrad. All the most famous historical monuments and architectures are concentrated in the historical areas of Mala Strana, Stare Mesto and Vysehrad. Although Prague is so interesting and diverse that you can discover something new at every step and at each visit. All you need to see in the capital Czech Republic – in our TOP-10!
Article about the city – Prague
Maps of Prague in Russian.
- Vysehrad
- The Charles Bridge
- Kampa Island
- Powder tower
- Prague Castle
- Old Town Square
- dancing House
- Yosefov
- Wallenstein Garden
- Clementium
sights
Vysehrad
Vyshegrad (czech. Vyšehrad) – an ancient fortress (castle), historic district and landmark of Prague. Vysehrad located on a hill above the Vltava south of the city center. From here a beautiful view of Prague.
View of Vysehrad
Also in Vyshegrad there is something to see – in the walls of the ancient Fortresses are places of interest such as the Novogothic Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, remnants of the oldest Romanesque Basilica, St. Martin’s Romanesque rotunda. Vysehrad cemetery – the burial place of famous figures of the Czech Republic.
Basilica of sv. Peter and Paul on Visegrad
Vysehrad fortress was founded around the 10th century. Legend attributes it to Prince Kroc, the father of Princess Libouche. Considered one of the centers of the Czech state along with Prague hail According to the existing legend, it is here that the legendary princess Libuse predicted the flourishing and world fame of the Czech capital – Prague
Under Vratislav II, the period for Vyshegrad came heyday. In 1070, Vratislav II founded an independent vyshegradsky chapter chapter, independent of the Prague bishopric. With the basilica of sv. Peter and Paul, the rotunda of the Holy Martin A Czech coin was minted in Visegrád. By the end of the XI century construction of fortifications was completed. Then the value of Vyšehrad has fallen.
Rotunda of sv. Martina
In the XIV century, when Charles IV decided that Prague would become the residence emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. As a descendant of Premyslovichey he tried to revive the glory of Vysehrad. Charles IV reconstructed The Royal Palace, built new fortifications, connecting them and built them by Nové Mesto. At his direction, the main approach to Prague from the south now led through Vysehrad. Was completely rebuilt church of sv. Peter and Paul – in the place of the demolished old basilica The construction of a new Gothic cathedral began. In the era Charles IV from Visegrád began the coronation procession Czech kings and continued further along Nové Mesto, Stare Mesto and Mala Strana, leading to Prague Castle.
After the death of Charles IV, construction in Vyshegrad almost has stopped. Experienced fame, he will not find ever. Further Vysehrad develops more like a military fortress than a city. AT the period of the Hussite Wars (1420) Vysehrad suffered greatly and emptied
In the 17th century, Vysehrad was rebuilt in the form of a baroque fortress with powerful brick walls. In 1866, the fortress was closed.
In 1883, Vyshegrad was annexed to Prague, since then has been one of its administrative districts.
Now Vyshegrad – a monument significant cultural monument, which be sure to visit if you are in Prague.
Getting there: Metro – line “C” station Vyšehrad. Tram – 6, 7, 18, 24; 53, 56, stop – Ostrčilovo náměstí. Bus – stop Vratislavova.
The Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge (Czech Karlův most) – the most beautiful stone bridge in Prague through the Vltava, connecting the historic districts of Mala Strana and Stare Mesto. This is one of the main attractions of Prague and probably the most beautiful stone bridge in the world. He started operate back in 1380
According to legend, the first stone was laid in 1357 by Charles IV – the emperor Holy Roman Empire. For a long time, Charles Bridge served for Passage of kings and delegations to Prague Castle. Bridge entrance from both the sides are decorated with magnificent gothic towers: Old Town bridge tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž) and Little Mostransky pavements towers (Malostranská mostecká věž).
The Charles Bridge
The bridge was conceived by Charles IV. Earlier in his place was Yuditin Bridge, which was almost completely destroyed during the flood. Leftovers Yuditina bridge can be seen at the base of the pylon, which stands Old Town Tower. Construction of the Charles Bridge continued with 1357 to the beginning of the XV century. The architect of the bridge was Peter Parler. The bridge tower on the Old Town shore was built by architects from workshop of Peter Parler around 1380.
Charles Bridge is decorated with 30 unique sculptures, most of them were established from the end of the 17th to the beginning of the 18th century. These sculptures were created by the best masters of the time. Each The sculpture of the bridge tells its story. Most sculptures made of sandstone. Now mostly – these are exact copies. originals, which in the XX century were transferred to the National the museum.
Sculptures of the Charles Bridge
Part of the architectural complex of Charles Bridge is monumental neo-gothic staircase that leads directly from the bridge on the island of Campo Vltava. This island is sometimes called “Prague Venice “. The staircase was built in 1844 instead of the former, wooden.
Kampa Island
Kampa Island (czech Kampa) – an artificial island in Prague, referred to as the “Venice of Prague”. It is amazingly picturesque and romantic place. You can get to Kampa Island by going down the stairs from the Charles Bridge, right behind the statue of Brunswick. From one Kampa is separated by the majestic Vltava, on the other hand Devil, one of her sleeves.
Kampa Island
Kampa Island was formed around the 15th century. He was originally covered with gardens. But after the fire in 1541, from which Prague has suffered greatly, the rest of the people were brought to the island struck buildings. Due to this, it was possible to level the surface and build up an island. The first artisans began to settle here. Behind they began to settle the island and wealthy people.
Now on Kampa Island there are many cafes and restaurants with a great view. to the Vltava and Charles Bridge, many hotels. The island is nice take a walk along the banks of the Vltava and Chertovka, admire architecture of buildings, which are located at the very edge of the water.
Powder tower
The Powder Tower (czech. Prašná brána) – the majestic gothic Tower in Prague, built in the 15th century. Powder tower located on the square of the republic. At the gate begins the first part of the road, leading to Prague Castle. The height of the powder tower 65 m. At the height 44 m there is an observation deck, which can be reached by spiral staircase. The first stone of the tower was laid in 1475.
Powder tower
According to the builders, the tower was supposed to serve as a gate who led to the Old Town. But these plans were not destined come true. The king returned to Prague Castle, and the tower remained unfinished. Later, the tower acquired a temporary roof and served powder warehouse. It was then that the tower got its modern title. The modern neo-gothic form of the tower acquired at the end of 19 century during large-scale reconstruction under the leadership of Yosef Mockera.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle (czech. Pražský hrad) – a fortress in Prague with a rich history, located on a hill that stretches from Petršinsky Hill. The Prague Castle offers a wonderful view. to Prague. In the south, the fortress is connected to the Mala Strana district, on the north is bounded by the Stag Moat.
Prague Castle is a complex of buildings, temples and fortifications. structures located around the three main courtyards, square St. George and Irzhskaya street. Main architectural landmark – the majestic Cathedral of St. Vitus and the Golden small street.
Prague Castle
Now Prague Castle is the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Previously, the fortress was such for the Czech kings and emperors Holy Roman Empire. Throughout its long history Prague Castle developed not only as a fortress, but also as the residence of kings, the Czech cultural center.
The appearance of the fortress is associated with the appearance of Prague itself. A place construction of the fortress was not chosen by chance. From this point the fortress rose above the whole valley in which the most important approaches to fords through the Vltava. These benefits are more important. the fact that the hill on which the Prague Castle stands is rather crowded limited creek Brusnice. On the opposite shore similar Vyšehrad was born, but it is located on a wide hill so in terms of defense could not compete with Prague Hail The first stone structure on a hill erected Borzhivoy I in about 885. It was the stone church of St. Mary. In 930, Prince Vaclav founded the rotunda of St. Vitus, predecessor of the main cathedral of Prague Castle.
Cathedral of sv. Vita
The fortress walls were not yet built and the territory Prague hail defended earthen ramparts, fortified with stones. Their defensive properties improved Brzhetislav I around 1050 year. About south tower lay stone princely palace, to the north, in place rotunda, a cathedral appeared, rebuilt in 1061–96 in the basilica
In the architecture of Prague Castle romance intricately intertwined, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The Romanesque style began to manifest itself in the appearance of Grad only when Přemyslovich Sobeslav I and Vladislav II. From among the fortifications best preserved southern fortress wall, reinforced whole turrets, as well as western between the third and fourth courtyard. The black tower at the eastern end of the city was completely preserved.
Golden Lane
The Gothic style of Prague Castle was received by Charles 4 in the 14th century. Late gothic appearance of the city received during the reign of Vladislav Jagiellonian, who started an extensive restructuring in 1483. With his arrival in Prague in 1333, he began to build the Gothic a two-story palace with a throne room in place of the old Romanesque Palace, which destroyed the fire of 1303 year. A little later building was supplemented by the Chapel of All Saints. Most of the work led Peter Parler.
Despite the fact that the architecture of Benedictom Reed is pronounced late Gothic style, he first brought to the Czech Republic forms of the Renaissance. The motives of revival came from Italy through the work of the Hungarian Masters and made Prague the center of the new style in Central Europe.
In the future, the value of Prague Castle all decreased. Construction activities subsided.
The cost of tours of Prague Castle
Types of tours of the Prague Castle:
- Prague Castle (large circle) – 350 crowns
- Prague Castle (small circle) – 250 CZK,
- the exposition of the history of Prague Castle – 140 crowns
- art gallery – 150 CZK,
- powder tower – 70 kroons,
- big tower of St. Vitus Cathedral – 150 CZK
Old Town Square
Old Town Square (czech Staroměstské náměstí) – the old Square in Prague, located in the historic center of the city in Stare Mesto area. On the square, different bizarrely mixed architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo. Old Town Square embodies the spirit of Prague, so here you need Be sure to visit all the tourists.
Old Town Square
The area has been known since the 12th century. Then the area was a big market. at the intersection of trade routes. Its modern name is square Received in 1895. In the Middle Ages, royal procession following in Prague Castle. There have also been tragic events: clashes, executions.
Sights of the Old Town Square Tyn Church, Old Town Hall, astronomical clock, the fountain Krotsinova Kashna, Mariana pillar, as well as a monument to Jan Hus.
Tyn Church
Old Town Square is a pedestrian zone.
dancing House
The Dancing House is an office building in Prague. Building built in deconstruction style. Consists of two cylindrical towers, one of which is normal and the other is destructive. dancing House stands out from the surrounding architecture. dancing House like a dancing couple. One part of the building (the one that expands up) symbolizes a male figure, and the second part of the building visually resembles a female figure.
dancing House
The Dancing House is located in Prague 2, on the corner of Resslova and Rasinovo promenade. The authors of the project are Croatian architect Vlado. Milunich and Canadian architect Frank Gehry. Construction was carried out with 1994 to 1996.
Yosefov
Josefov (czech. Josefov) – Jewish quarter. Located in the area Prague 1. Until 1850, it was the center of the Jewish community. Title quarter comes from the name of Emperor Joseph II, who during reforms improved the lives of the Jews. Jewish quarter is between right bank of the Vltava River and Old Town Square.
Old Jewish Cemetery, Josephon
Josefov appeared in Prague in 1850 during the administrative transform. Here are some interesting Attractions: Old New Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, Klaus Synagogue, High Synagogue, Jewish Town Hall, Prague Jewish Cemetery.
Old New Synagogue
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, some of the old buildings were demolished, the proportion of Jewish population.
Josefov is one of the most mystical districts of Prague. According to the legend it was here that the Golem was created – a man from inanimate matter (clay), enlivened by Kabbalists with the help of secret knowledge. And now the golem rests somewhere in the attic of the Old Synagogue.
Wallenstein Garden
Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) – one of the most beautiful gardens, it is located in the center of Prague. There was a garden at the Palace Waldstein at the beginning of the XVII century, now in this quiet and comfortable place is the Senate of the Republic. Walking through the garden, you can admire the pool in the center of which is green an island, and above it towers the figure of Hercules (a copy of creation sculptor Adrien de Vries).
Wallenstein Garden
Here you can admire the golden carps in the pond and watch the freely walking peacocks. According to the alley of statues of heroes of Greek mythology, you can go straight to the fountain “Venus”, which is located near the loggia of Giovanni Pieronni, affecting both its colonnade and frescoes on the theme of the Trojan of war. In the southern part of the garden you can see an unusual wall of man-made stalactites. Nearby is an aviary with owls.
Clementium
Clementium (Czech Klementinum) – an architectural complex in Prague, located in the historic area of Stare Mesto. This is one of the largest architectural complexes of the city, second only Prague Castle.
Clementium
First, in its place was located the church of St. Clement who took the Dominican order in 1232. They built here monastery and ruled it for four whole years, until in Prague the emperor Ferdinand I did not invite the Jesuits. They bought the monastery, built a library, school and other buildings. Even though that during the uprising of 1618 they were expelled from Prague, they were able return, rebuild everything anew and subjugate Karolyum (university).
Now here is the National Library of the Czech Republic.