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.
Inside the castle area there are three churches, a monastery and a palace. The city Hradcany was founded around the year 1320 in a smaller 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 is the old part of Prague. Centrally located in the town is the square Staromestske namesti (Old Town Square) located. The square is surrounded by historical buildings that can be compared with any other European city.
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.
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 520 meter long Charles Bridge was built in 1357. And until 1741 it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It is built of sandstone blocks; and it is said to have been reinforced with an odd combination of mortar and eggs.
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.
The bridge is a popular place for tourists; and for artists and merchants who offer the wares to the tourists.
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.
The Velvet Revolution in 1989 changed a lot in Prague. Today you can find both Czech products and the major American and Western European brands in the many department stores and specialty shops. So it is easy to spend a whole day shopping. - 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.
Inside the castle area there are three churches, a monastery and a palace. The city Hradcany was founded around the year 1320 in a smaller 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 is the old part of Prague. Centrally located in the town is the square Staromestske namesti (Old Town Square) located. The square is surrounded by historical buildings that can be compared with any other European city.
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.
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 520 meter long Charles Bridge was built in 1357. And until 1741 it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It is built of sandstone blocks; and it is said to have been reinforced with an odd combination of mortar and eggs.
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.
The bridge is a popular place for tourists; and for artists and merchants who offer the wares to the tourists.
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.
The Velvet Revolution in 1989 changed a lot in Prague. Today you can find both Czech products and the major American and Western European brands in the many department stores and specialty shops. So it is easy to spend a whole day shopping. - 29948
About the Author:
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Weekendophold in Prag. Read more about the sights in Shopping in Prag.
