Prague has become one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. The combination of great sights and low prices makes it a very great place for a vacation. You can find cheap hotels, cheap gourmet food and large beers.
The first historical building in Prague was the castle Prazsky Hrad. It was built in the 9th century. The castle sits on a hill high above the Vltava River.
A monastery, three churches and a palace is located behind the castle walls. In 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle's outer courtyard.
Since 1918 the castle has been the seat of the country's president. There is changing of the Guard in front of the castle every hour; and at noon it includes a fanfare.
Stare Mesto can be described as the old part of Prague. Centrally located in this part of Prague is the square Staromestske namesti (translated: Old Town Square). From the square you can view a lot of historical building that easily can be compared to most other European cities.
The first settlements started in the 10th century around the castle. From here it spread to the other side of the Vltava River. The main building point was around the square in the old town.
In 1338 the city hall was build (it is now being called the Old Town Hall). Today it is known for its astronomical clock from 1490. Every hour a large crowds flock to see the show, where an odd group of apostles, the Death, a rooster, a turkey, the Vanity and the Greed performs their own little show.
The famous Charles Bridge unites the two parts of Prague. The 520 meter long bridge was built in 1357 of sandstone blocks. It is said to have been reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. Until 1741 it was the only bridge to cross the Vltava.
Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.
The bridge is a tourist magnet. For the same reason a large group of artists and merchants sell the wares to the tourists on the bridge.
Even though Prague is more expensive than it used to be, it is still a great place for shopping. And it is not just wares from former East European countries that are for sale.
Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989 a lot has happened in Prague; both in terms of foreign and Czech products. Today all major American and Western European brands are represented in Prague. And you can easily spend a full day shopping in department stores and specialty shops in downtown Prague. - 29948
The first historical building in Prague was the castle Prazsky Hrad. It was built in the 9th century. The castle sits on a hill high above the Vltava River.
A monastery, three churches and a palace is located behind the castle walls. In 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle's outer courtyard.
Since 1918 the castle has been the seat of the country's president. There is changing of the Guard in front of the castle every hour; and at noon it includes a fanfare.
Stare Mesto can be described as the old part of Prague. Centrally located in this part of Prague is the square Staromestske namesti (translated: Old Town Square). From the square you can view a lot of historical building that easily can be compared to most other European cities.
The first settlements started in the 10th century around the castle. From here it spread to the other side of the Vltava River. The main building point was around the square in the old town.
In 1338 the city hall was build (it is now being called the Old Town Hall). Today it is known for its astronomical clock from 1490. Every hour a large crowds flock to see the show, where an odd group of apostles, the Death, a rooster, a turkey, the Vanity and the Greed performs their own little show.
The famous Charles Bridge unites the two parts of Prague. The 520 meter long bridge was built in 1357 of sandstone blocks. It is said to have been reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. Until 1741 it was the only bridge to cross the Vltava.
Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.
The bridge is a tourist magnet. For the same reason a large group of artists and merchants sell the wares to the tourists on the bridge.
Even though Prague is more expensive than it used to be, it is still a great place for shopping. And it is not just wares from former East European countries that are for sale.
Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989 a lot has happened in Prague; both in terms of foreign and Czech products. Today all major American and Western European brands are represented in Prague. And you can easily spend a full day shopping in department stores and specialty shops in downtown Prague. - 29948
About the Author:
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Miniferie in Prag. Read more about the sights in Shopping Prag.
