Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic; the largest metropolis and the most popular tourist center in Europe, annually receiving more than 6 million guests. Everyone who understands the beauty of architecture and beer dreams of visiting this elegant and friendly city. Since ancient times, Prague has been considered the most beautiful city in Europe, its names speak eloquently - “Golden Prague”, “Stone Dream”, “City of a Hundred Spires”. Prague is narrow cobbled streets, amazing Charles Bridge, a lot of unique sights, unforgettable Czech cuisine.
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History
The exact date of the city's foundation is unknown, but already in the 6th century there were settlements and fairs near the confluence of the Berounka and Vltava rivers. In the 9th century, the Prague Castle began to form, and in the next century Prague already became the capital of the Czech kingdom. In the XII century, the city developed rapidly and became the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
During the Second World War, Prague was occupied by the Germans, but, fortunately, the hostilities practically did not affect the architecture of the city.
During the Soviet period, a subway appeared in Prague, there was an active construction of new districts.
After the Velvet Revolution and the overthrow of the communist regime, Prague became one of the most visited European cities, the historical center of which is protected by UNESCO.
Climate and weather
The Prague climate is mild continental, with fairly warm but not hot summers and mild winters with little snow. In winter, the temperature stays around zero, rarely dropping to -10°. The average summer temperature is +22… +27°, sometimes there are hot days when the air heats up to +35°. The rainiest months are May, July and August, the windiest are December, January and March. Although Prague is comfortable in any season, the best time to visit the Czech capital is spring and early autumn.
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Nature
Prague lies on the banks of the Vltava River, the length of which within the city is 23 km. Its waters are washed by eight islands connected to the city by bridges. On the territory of Prague, the river makes a turn and flows into Laba.
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The left bank of the Vltava is elevated and steep, while the right bank only slightly rises above the river level. On the territory of the city, the Berounka River also flows into the Vltava.
Prague is located on nine hills (according to the Prague Information Service), creating an impressive panorama of unique views of the city, where not the last place is occupied by the Prague gardens - spacious green areas.
Sights of Prague
The city is divided into 15 districts, which are numbered depending on the distance from the center, and on the map they are located clockwise.
Prague 1 is the oldest district, considered the most beautiful and includes the historical districts of Staro Mesto (Old Town), Mala Strana and Prague Castle (Hradcany).
It is recommended to start a walk through the Old Town from the Powder Gate, moving along Celetnaya Street, where you should pay attention to several remarkable objects: the building of the mint; house "At the Black Mother of God" - an example of Czech cubism; old house number 2, where Kafka, Faust and Petrarch lived.
Celetnaya Street will lead you to the Old Town Square, famous for its abundance of attractions, the most famous of which is the astronomical clock with moving figures on the City Hall. Opposite the town hall rises the Temple of the Virgin Mary of Tyn with the richest interior decoration - a wonderful example of the Gothic style. You can enter the cathedral for free, but photography and video filming is prohibited. The church of St. Nicholas competes with the temple in terms of the beauty of the interior; the style of this religious building is baroque.
In the center of the square there is a monument to the country's national hero Jan Hus.
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In the Old Town, the historical Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is very interesting, where persecuted Jews began to settle in the 13th century. Today it is a one-of-a-kind architectural complex in which ancient synagogues, a cemetery and a town hall have been preserved.
It is worth visiting the building of the oldest European University Carolinum and Clementum - a former college that belonged to an educational institution, now the National Library is located in the building.
Prague Castle is one of the symbols of the Czech Republic, a large ensemble of unique castle buildings, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and in the Guinness Book of Records. Grad has several beautiful gardens and many palaces, churches and ancient buildings, as well as the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Every hour, a guard of honor is changed near the representative office of the head of state. The best time to watch the ceremony is at 12 noon, when it is accompanied by the music of a military band. Prague Castle is a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces, the most famous of which are St. Vitus Cathedral, Zlata Lane, the old royal palace, the Loretta Church, St. George's Monastery, the royal garden and the Strahov Monastery.
Catholics from all over the world come to Mala Strana to visit local churches, temples and church monuments. On Lesser Town Square, built up with baroque palaces, the majestic Cathedral of St. Mikulas rises.
In the western part of Malaya Strana, on Petrin Hill, there is a tower of the same name, a replica of the Eiffel tower, which appeared here in 1891. The height of the structure is 60 meters, you can climb it by funicular, elevator or on foot along the stairs of 299 steps. The tower has an observation deck, a cafe, a souvenir shop and a museum of the Czech literary hero Yar Zimmerman. Worthy of attention are the Wallenstein Palace, Nerudova Street and Krizhovnitskaya Square.
Wenceslas Square, the center of city life, is located in the same district. On the square itself and the streets adjacent to it, there are many shops, cafes, restaurants, cultural sites, casinos, and hotels. Theater lovers can visit the National Museum.
Mala Strana and Staro Mesto are connected by the Charles Bridge, which stretches 502 meters over the Vltava and is one of the most popular places in Prague. The pedestrian bridge, 9.5 meters wide, is decorated with 30 sculptures, however, copies, and historical originals are stored in the National Museum.
In Prague 2, there are the districts of Nove Mesto (New Town) and Vysehrad, famous for their architectural monuments.
Vysehrad is an ancient fortress built in the 10th century, on the territory of which you can see many memorable buildings. It is worth visiting the Church of Saints Peter and Paul located in the area, the cemetery and the Vysehrad Gardens.
The Vinohrady district of the same district is remote from tourist routes - there are fashionable residential areas.
Prague 3 is known for the Zizkov district, the so-called Czech Montmartre, where many entertainment venues and interesting places are concentrated. Here you can visit the cemetery with the grave of Kafka, see the largest equestrian statue in Europe - a monument to the national hero Jan Zizka, climb the tallest building in the country - the Zizkov TV Tower, which has an observation deck and a restaurant.
Prague 4 is the largest district of the city, famous for its Folimanka Park with its cascading fountains and beautiful statues.
Prague 5 is located near Ruzyně Airport, there are many cathedrals, churches and historical monuments in the area. In the Smichov district, next to the Anděl metro station, a Pop Art figure of an angel attracts everyone's attention. In Smichov there is a brewery "Staropramen", in the bar where excellent fresh beer is served.
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Prague 6 is the business part of the city, but tourists also drop in here - there are many architectural monuments in the Bubeneče district.
Prague 7 is known for its picturesque parks (Tromovka, Letna). And in the Troja Park there is the Prague Zoo, an old castle built in the 17th century and a botanical garden with a collection of exotic butterflies. At U Výstaviště 1/20, you can spend a wonderful evening enjoying the water show of the Křižikov Fountains.
Prague 8 is a residential area of Kobylisy and historical Karlin.
Prague 9 - the sleeping area of Prosek and the industrial quarter of the Black Bridge.
Prague 10 is a district of villas where Praguers live, who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The districts of Vršovica, Strašnicka and Skalka are located in the district. The first of them is always crowded - on its territory there are many cafes and bars selling excellent beer of different varieties. Strašnicka is a popular place for shopping - here, next to the metro station of the same name, there are two large shopping centers that please with affordable prices.
Prague districts with numbers from 11 to 15 are residential areas of the city.