1. PRAGUE CASTLE AND HRADČANY

Prague Castle:

A castle was built on this site in the 9th century, and a Romanesque palace was erected there in the 12th century. In the 14th century, during the rule of Charles IV, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style.

Highlights: St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George Basilica, St. George's Convent, Castle Gallery, Lobkovic Palace,The Powder Tower Mihulka, The Prague Castle Gardens, Golden Lane, The Daliborka Tower, Loretta (Prague 1, Loretanske namesti). For Prague Castle visit we recommend at least half day, if you want to visit interioes of the palaces & churches plan even more time.

Strahov Monastery (Prague 1, Strahovske nadvori 1/132)

A Monastery of the Premonstratensian Order at Strahov, built originally in the Romanesque style, including the Church of Our Lady and the Strahov Library.

2. LESSER TOWN AND CHARLES BRIDGE

Nerudova Street

One of the Prague's most familiar streets. The original name of the street was the Springhaases, which means „the Spur Street“. It leads uphill to the residence of a famous Czech writer and poet Jan Neruda. You can explore the beauties of the street leading from the Lesser-Town Square as far as the gates of the Prague Castle. This street once used to be part of the Royal Route.

Petrin Lookout Tower

A reduced copy of the Eiffel Tower (60 m high) built in 1891 on the occasion of the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition. 299 steps lead up to the top platform. Offers very nice view of Prague, its roofs and towers. Nice attraction for children.

Petrin Labyrinth

A maze of mirrors set up originally for the Jubilee Exhibition (1891) and featuring a diorama of "Battle of the Prager’s with the Swedes in 1648 at the Charles Bridge". Nice attraction for children.

St. Nicolas Church (Prague 1, Malostranske nam.)

This church, built in the period of 1704-55, is the most significant historical structure of the so-called Prague Baroque. The architects were G. Santini, K. I. Dienzenhofer, and A. Lurago. W. A. Mozart played the organ there during his stay in Prague.

The Church of Our Lady Victorious - Infant Jesus of Prague (Prague 1, Karmelitska 9)

An early Baroque structure, built in 1611, and rebuilt in 1644, this church is famous for its wax effigy known as the Prague Infant Jesus donated by Polyxena of Lobkovic and brought to Prague at the end of the 16th century.

Wallenstein Garden (Prague 1, Letenska street)

Geometrically designed, this garden was created in 1623-29 and features a spectacular salla terrena, a small lake, a cave with artificial stalactites and stalagmites, and plenty of roses, rhododendrons, magnolias and Japan cherry trees. The statues are copies of originals by Adrian de Vries from 1626-27.

Wallenstein Palace (Prague 1, Valdstejnske namesti 3)

A large palace complex, the first monumental profane baroque building in Prague built for Albrecht of Wallenstein between 1623 and 1630. Today, the palace houses the Upper House of Czech Parliament, the Senate.

Vrtbovska Garden (Prague 1, Karmelitska Street 18)

This garden is kind of hidden, but is worth to see, highly recommended! This terrace Baroque garden was designed by architect F. M. Kanka. It is remarkable for statues by Matthias Braun.

Palace Gardens below the Prague Castle (Prague 1, Valdstejnske namesti 3)

• Ledebur Garden - a baroque terrace garden founded in the first third of the 18th century, later adapted apparently according to the plans of I. J. Palliardi. A salla terrena and a fountain with a statue of a Gigant in the centre.
• Small Palffy Garden - founded on terraces during the first half of the 18th century, additionally fitted with a staircase. In 1997, after a major renovation, joined to the Great Palffy Garden.
• The Kolowrat and Small Fuerstenberg gardens dating from late Baroque and early Classicism period. Charles Bridge

Started in 1357 by Master Otto and completed by Petr Parler, this is the oldest bridge in Prague. Its statues and sculptural groups date mostly from the 18th century. The most well-known are the works of Matthias Braun and Ferdinand Maxmilian Brokoff. The bridge is 515 metres long and 10 metres wide.

Lesser-Town Bridge Towers

Of the two towers, the lower one was built in the Romanesque style and dates from the 12th century. It is a remnant of the former Judith Bridge. The higher tower is 200 years younger and was erected in the 15th century.

Kampa Island

Kampa Island is one of the most idyllic and tranquil places in the Czech capital. The island is divided into two visibly distinct parts. The section nearest to Charles Bridge is formed by a small, cosy square; the second is a park, formed when several historical gardens were joined together. It is a very popular place for walks. Sometimes it's called the Prague Venice.

3. OLD TOWN

Old Town Square

Dating from the 12th century, the square has witnessed many a significant event. Beside the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the square has several other dominants - the baroque St. Nicholas church (K. I. Dienzenhofer, 1732 - 1735), the rococo Kinsky palace housing the National Gallery graphic collection, the Stone Bell house - a gothic palace from the 14th century, now the Municipal Gallery concert and exhibition rooms, as well as the Master Jan Hus Memorial sculptured by Ladislav Saloun (1915). The square witnessed the execution of 27 Czech noblemen on 21 June, 1621 - in memory of that event, 27 crosses are marked in the pavement. The Prague meridian can be seen not far from there.

The Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock (horologe)

The Town Hall was founded in 1338. In 1364, the tower was joined to a chapel and in 1470, the Town Hall was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The clock dates from the beginning of the 15th century; on the hour, a procession of the Twelve Apostles appears the window in the upper part. In the lower part, there are 12 medallions with the signs of the zodiac, created by Josef Manes (1865). The eastern wing of the Town Hall was destroyed on May 8, 1945, and has not been rebuilt yet.

Church of Our Lady before Tyn (Tynsky chram)

Second only to the St. Vitus Cathedral, it is the most remarkable Gothic church with a Baroque interior in Prague. It contains the tomb of famous astronomer Tycho de Brahe. Part of the iterior is being renovated at present.

Tyn Yard (Tynsky dvur - Ungelt)

One of the places of a great historical value. A block of houses between the Tynska, Stuparska and Mala Stuparska streets. It probably dates back to the 11th century. Originally a fortified merchant yard where the duty on goods called ungelt (the whole area was given this name) was collected. Traces of all important architectural styles that appeared in Prague can be found in Ungelt. The most important building is the Granovsky Palace - one of the best preserved renaissance jewells in Prague.

Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka ranks without doubt among the most significant personalities of our history, inseparably related to Judaism. This recognized Prague writer is one of the most influential and most respected writers of the 20th century who had markedly influenced many world ́ s authors. He studied at the German State Gymnasium in Golz-Kinsky-Palace which was located in Old Town Square (Staroměst ské náměstí). He is buried in the family tomb in the New Jewish Cemetery in Prague- Strašnice

Prague Jewish Town (Prague Ghetto) (Prague 1, Old Town, close to The Square)

It dates back to the 13th century but its present appearance is mainly the result of a vast redevelopment action undertaken between 1893 - 1913. Only a few most significant buildings were saved, the living testimony of the history of Prague Jews which lasted for many centuries. Yet these buildings form the best present complex of Jewish historical monuments in the whole Europe. Six synagogues remain from this old settlement which includes the Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery - the most remarkable in Europe. Except the Old-New Synagogue they are part of the Jewish Museum

• BryanOld-New Synagogue (Staronova synagoga) (Prague 1, Cervena street)
• The oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe. It was built in the early Gothic style in the late 13th century and richly adorned by stonework.
• Jewish Museum (Zidovske muzeum) (Prague 1, U Stare skoly 1)
• Old Jewish Cemetery (Stary zidovsky hrbitov) (Prague 1, Siroka street)

Established in the mid-15th century it served as a burial site till 1787. Among 12 000 gothic, renaissance and baroque tombstones are also those of Rabbi Jehuda Loew (1609) and Mordechai Maisel (1601).

• Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga) (Prague 1, Siroka 3)
• Permanent exhibition: A memorial to 77 297 Holocaust victims. Drawings of childern from the Terezin concentration camp.
• Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga) (Prague 1, Maiselova 10)
• The neo-Gothic synagogue replaced the original Renaissance building built by Maisel and destroyed by fire.
• Klaus Synagogue (Klausova synagoga) (Prague 1, U Stareho hrbitova 1)
• A Baroque building near the cemetery entrance. Permanent exhibition: Jewish customs and traditions.
• Spanish Synagogue (Spanelska synagoga) (Prague 1, Vezenska 1)

Named after its Moorish interior. Permanent exhibition: History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia since their emancipation until now.

Powder Tower (Prague 1, Na Prikope)

A Gothic building from 1475 erected by Matthias Rejsek, and once probably used to store gunpowder. Modified in 1875-86.

The Municipal House (Prague 1, namesti Republiky 5)

An Art Noveau building constructed in 1905 - 1911 (A. Balsanek, O. Polivka) on the site of the former king's court, a seat of the kings of Bohemia from the end of the 14th century until 1438. The rich interior and exterior decorations are the works of A. Mucha, M. Svabinsky, J. V. Myslbek, and others. The monumental Smetana concert hall forms the centre of the building being the place of the International Music Festival Prazske Jaro (Prague Spring), other concerts and important social events.

Betlehem Chapel (Prague 1, Betlemske namesti)

Originally a Gothic chapel dating from 1391. The famous religious reformer Master Jan Hus preached there. Completely damaged, the building was reconstructed in 1950-53 based on old engravings and pictures (architect J. Fragner).

The Estates Theatre (Prague 1, Ovocny trh 1)

Opened in 1783 as the Nostic Theatre. The premiere of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was given here on October 29, 1787. From 1799 the theatre belonged to the Czech Estates. On December 21, 1834, the song "Kde domov muj" (O, Homeland Mine) which later became the Czech national anthem, was premiered there. Today hosts drama, opera and ballet performances.

Rudolfinum (Prague 1, Alsovo nab. 12)

The most precious "burgess house" dating from the Middle Ages. Originally Romanesque, later rebuilt in the Gothic style. Currently, it serves as an exhibition and concert hall.

Carolinum (Prague 1, Ovocny trh 5)

The original Charles University building, established in 1348. A Gothic bay chapel from 1370 was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1718. At present, Charles University graduation ceremonies take place there. There is a gallery on the ground-floor.

4. NEW TOWN, VYSEHRAD & SURROUNDINGS

Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti) (Prague 1, New Town)

Prague's centre of commerce. The upper part of the square is dominated by a statue of the main patron saint of the Czech lands, St. Wenceslas and four other Czech patron saints (St. Prokop, St. Adalbert, St. Ludmila and St. Agnes) by Josef Vaclav Myslbek. Erected in 1912.

The National Museum (Prague 1, Vaclavske nam.68)

A neo-Renaissance building designed by architect Josef Schulz in 1885-90. Newly refurbished and opened in 2018. Permanent Exhibitions, look for more details on their website.

The National Theatre (Prague 1, Narodni trida 2)

A neo-Renaissance building of 1868-81, built to plans of J. Zitek. A fire destroyed much of the building in its first year of existence. It was rebuilt by architect Josef Schulz in 1883 and underwent a thorough renovation a hundred years later. The authors of both exterior and interior decorations are artists of the so-called National Theatre generation: M. Ales, F. Zenisek, V. Hynais, J. V. Myslbek, and others. The National Theatre is a major Czech stage and its repertoire includes drama, opera and ballet.

New Town Hall (Prague 2, Karlovo namesti 23)

A complex of Gothic buildings dating from the late 14th and early 15th centuries, rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. It contains a tower with the Chapel of Our Lady, two Gothic halls with ribbed vaults and a Renaissance hall.

Vysehrad

The ancient seat of the Premyslide princes built on a rock over the river Vltava. The oldest building there is the rotunda of St. Martin. The main landmark of Vysehrad is the St. Peter and Paul cathedral. In its vicinity, there is a residence for canons, casemates, a park, and a cemetery called Slavin with tombs of famous personalities of Czech culture. The Southern part of the fortifications offers a beautiful view of Prague.

Jan Zizka of Trocnov Memorial (Prague 3, Vitkov)

The equestrian statue of the Hussite leader based on B. Kafka's model, cast in 1946 and erected in 1950. It is listed as the biggest bronze equestrian statue by UNESCO.

Brevnov Monastery, Benedictine Arch-abbey of St. Adalbert and St. Margaret (Prague 6, Marketska)

A monastery established in 993 by Prince Boleslav II and bishop Vojtech (Adalbert). Today's shape of the premises including the St. Margaret church, a convent and a prelate house were built by K. I. Dienzenhofer between 1708 - 1745 in a high Baroque style.

Industrial Palace (Prumyslovy palac), (Prague 7, Vystaviste)

Originally built as a pavilion for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891. One of the most valuable art-nouveau historical monuments in Prague. The steel arch structure is 238 meters long with a 51-metre tower in the middle. The palace is accessible during exhibitions, trade fairs and other events.

Emauzy (Prague 2, Vysehradska 49)

Emauzy is an abbey established in 1347. The area was the only Benedictine monastery of the Bohemian Kingdom and all Slavic Europe. The Abby of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Jerome

Prague ZOO

Fourth place among the 25 best zoos in the world – that’s the position conferred upon Prague Zoo by users of TripAdvisor.com, the global travel website. Come to Prague Zoo and see for yourself what makes it so unique! Nice attraction for children

Examples of the most beautiful historical monuments of all architectural styles that you can find in Prague:

Romanesque style ... 9 - 13 century

• Basilica of St. George (Prague Castle)
• Rotunda of St. Longin (Na Rybnicku)
• St. Adalbert's
• Hybernian
• Wilsonova
• basement of No. 222 in Retezova street

Gothic style ... 13 - 16 century

• Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia (U Milosrdnych)
• Old-New Synagogue (Cervena street)
• Charles Bridge with the bridge towers
• St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas' and St. Vojtech's Cathedral - eastern part (Prague Castle)
• Powder Tower (Na Prikope)
• Church of Our Lady before Tyn (Staromestske nam.) Renaissance ... 16 - 17 century
• Queen Anna Summerhouse (Marianske hradby)
• windows of the Vladislav Hall (Prague Castle, Old Royal Palace)
• Ball-Game Hall in the Royal Garden (Prague Castle)
• Schwarzenberg Palace (Hradcanske nam. 2)
• the House U Minuty (Staromestske nam. 2)

Baroque ... 17 - 18 century

• Wallenstein Palace (Valdstejnske nam.)
• St. Nicholas Church (Malostranske nam.)
• Loreta (Loretanske nam.)
• St. James Church (Mala Stupartska)
• Troja Castle (U Trojskeho zamku)

Rococo ... 18 century

• Kinsky Palace (Staromestske nam. 12)
• Sylva-Taroucca Palace (Na Prikope 10) Classicism and Empire style ... end of 18 century
• Estates Theatre (Ovocny trh)
• front of the Slovansky House (Na Prikope 22)
• Church of the Holy Cross (Na Prikope 16)
• Hybernian Palace (nam. Republiky)

Historicism ... second half of 19 and 20 century

• St. Peter and Paul Church (Vysehrad)
• St. Ludmila Church (nam. Miru)
• National Theatre (Narodni trida 2)
• National Museum (Vaclavske nam. 68)
• Rudolfinum (nam. Jana Palacha)

Art-Nouveau style ... about 1890 - 1920

• Municipal House (nam. Republiky 5)
• Evropa Hotel (Vaclavske nam. 25)
• Pariz Hotel (U Obecniho domu 1)
• Main Railway Station - the old building (Wilsonova)
• Topic House (Narodni tr. 9)
• Industrial Palace (Vystaviste - Exhibition grounds) Cubism ... about 1910 - 1920
• Black Madonna House (Celetna 34)
• Adria Palace (Narodni tr./Jungmannovo nam.)
• CSOB bank building (Na Porici 24)
• residental building in Neklanova street 30
• triplex house on Rasinovo nabrezi near Vysehradsky tunnel

Functionalism ... about 1910 - 1940

• Barrandov Terraces
• Trade Fair Palace (Dukelskych hrdinu 47)
• Bila labut department store (Na Porici 23)
• Alfa and Blanik Palaces (Vaclavske nam. 28 a 56)