Today Prague is one of the most fascinating places for vacation in Europe. Great sights and low prices make it a very popular destination. In Prague you can find cheap gourmet food and hotels; and probably the largest beers in Europe.
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.
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.
The old part of Prague is called Stare Mesto. Centrally located in the area is Staromestske namesti (in English Old Town Square). A lot of historical buildings surround the square; a sight that can be compared with almost any other European city.
In the 1000 century the first settlements started around the castle. From here the settlers spread to the right side of the Vltava River, where houses and churches where build around the square.
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.
Originally the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross, but in 1683 the first statue was set up. Since then a wide range of statues has been added, which gives the bridge its characteristic appearance.
Today the bridge is a tourist magnet, which for the same reason also attracts a large group of artists and merchants, who is offering their wares to tourists.
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.
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.
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.
The old part of Prague is called Stare Mesto. Centrally located in the area is Staromestske namesti (in English Old Town Square). A lot of historical buildings surround the square; a sight that can be compared with almost any other European city.
In the 1000 century the first settlements started around the castle. From here the settlers spread to the right side of the Vltava River, where houses and churches where build around the square.
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.
Originally the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross, but in 1683 the first statue was set up. Since then a wide range of statues has been added, which gives the bridge its characteristic appearance.
Today the bridge is a tourist magnet, which for the same reason also attracts a large group of artists and merchants, who is offering their wares to tourists.
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.
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 Prag. Read more about the sights in Sevaerdigheder Prag.
