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.
Prague's history began with the founding of the castle Prazsky Hrad in the 9th century. The castle is located high above the Vltava River, which made it a natural center.
Behind the castle wall are a palace, three churches and a monastery located. Around the year 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle's outer courtyard.
The president seat has been located in the castle since 1918. There is changing of the Guard every hour in front of the castle. At noon it even includes 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 around the castle started in the 10th century. From here it spread over the Vltava River to the right bank. Since then the houses and churches where rapidly build around the square.
The city hall (also called the Old Town Hall) was built in 1338. In 1490 the famous astronomical clock was build. Today large groups stand below the clock tower to see the odd show featuring apostles, a rooster, a turkey, the Death, the Vanity and the Greed.
The famous Charles Bridge is 520 meters long and built of sandstone blocks, which is said to be reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. The bridge was built in 1357 and until 1741 was Charles Bridge is the only way 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.
Prague used to be cheaper. But it is still possible to find good and cheap shopping. And it is not just wares from the former East Europe that are for sale.
A lot has happened in Prague since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today you can find Czech, American and Western European brands in the city. So it is easy to spend a whole day in Prague's department stores and specialty shops. - 29948
Prague's history began with the founding of the castle Prazsky Hrad in the 9th century. The castle is located high above the Vltava River, which made it a natural center.
Behind the castle wall are a palace, three churches and a monastery located. Around the year 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle's outer courtyard.
The president seat has been located in the castle since 1918. There is changing of the Guard every hour in front of the castle. At noon it even includes 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 around the castle started in the 10th century. From here it spread over the Vltava River to the right bank. Since then the houses and churches where rapidly build around the square.
The city hall (also called the Old Town Hall) was built in 1338. In 1490 the famous astronomical clock was build. Today large groups stand below the clock tower to see the odd show featuring apostles, a rooster, a turkey, the Death, the Vanity and the Greed.
The famous Charles Bridge is 520 meters long and built of sandstone blocks, which is said to be reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. The bridge was built in 1357 and until 1741 was Charles Bridge is the only way 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.
Prague used to be cheaper. But it is still possible to find good and cheap shopping. And it is not just wares from the former East Europe that are for sale.
A lot has happened in Prague since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today you can find Czech, American and Western European brands in the city. So it is easy to spend a whole day in Prague's department stores and specialty shops. - 29948
About the Author:
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Storbyrejser til Prag. Read more about the sights in Shopping in Prag.
