Viewing entries tagged
prague

Discovering the History and Beauty of Prague: A Personal Journey

Discovering the History and Beauty of Prague: A Personal Journey

But as I delved deeper into Prague's history, I was reminded that not all of its stories are happy ones. In the Jewish Quarter, I visited the Old Jewish Cemetery, a haunting reminder of the city's complex and often tragic past. The cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century, is home to thousands of graves, many of which are piled on top of one another. Here, I reflected on the rich history of Prague's Jewish community, which has faced persecution and discrimination throughout the centuries.

Despite its often tumultuous past, Prague remains a vibrant and thriving city, full of beauty, culture, and history. From its ancient landmarks to its modern cafes and shops, this city truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a new adventure, Prague is a destination that won't disappoint.

As I strolled through the picturesque streets of Prague, I was struck by the city's incredible history and stunning architecture. It's hard to believe that this vibrant, modern city has such a rich past, but as I explored its many sights and attractions, the connections between them began to come into focus.

One of the first places I visited was the Old Town Square, a bustling hub of activity that dates back to the 10th century. Here, I marveled at the ornate façade of the Old Town Hall, which houses the famous Astronomical Clock. The clock, which has been keeping time for over 600 years, is a marvel of medieval engineering, with its intricate moving parts and elaborate figurines.

From the square, I made my way across the iconic Charles Bridge, which connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. As I crossed the bridge, I took in the stunning views of the Vltava River and the city skyline. It's hard to believe that this ancient structure, with its intricate statues and Gothic arches, has been standing for over 600 years.

As I continued my journey, I couldn't help but be drawn to the towering spires of Prague Castle, which loomed above the city on a hilltop. This imposing fortress has been the seat of power for Czech rulers since the 9th century, and its many buildings and courtyards bear witness to centuries of architectural styles and influences. The crown jewel of the castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that took over 600 years to complete. Here, I marveled at the stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings, and took in the panoramic views of the city from the cathedral's bell tower.

 

Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers, and palaces dominate the city center like a fairy-tale fortress. Its history begins in the 9th century when Prince Bořivoj founded a fortified settlement here. It grew haphazardly as rulers made their own additions. Download the Prague Castle Travel Guide and Offline Map and make your way there now.

1. The Crown Jewels

Stowed away in a chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Bohemian Crown Jewels include the St. Wenceslas crown, royal scepter, and coronation cloak. And the Republic isn't taking any chances with their safekeeping. Both the chamber door and iron safe inside have seven locks, the keys to which are held by seven people, including the President, Prime Minister, and Prague Archbishop. The President typically puts them on display every five years. When he does, all seven key holders must head over to the Castle for the unlocking process.

Visit Prague Castle with eTips Guide

2. Its History

A crucial Holocaust organizer, Reinhard Heydrich held court at Prague Castle starting in 1941. Terrified Czechs nicknamed him The Butcher of Prague. But a group of exiled Czech government officials decided to take action. Two Czech soldiers parachuted back into the country and headed for Prague, where they hopped on bicycles and rode toward the Castle. When they spotted The Butcher in his Mercedez convertible, they made their move, shooting and tossing grenades his way.

3. The Largest Castle in the World

The Prague Castle complex is enormous, with an area totaling of 753,474 square feet. That makes it the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The complex extends down to the Lesser Quarter or Mala Strana, where several chateaux and palaces are found. Wallenstein Palace, for one, is home to the Czech Senate and includes 26 houses and six gardens.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Below are the top 4 reasons why you need to visit Prague at least once in your life. Diverse Architecture

The entire city is an architectural marvel. It is a jaw-dropping panorama wherein no matter which way you look, you will find something that amazes you. Just a few examples of its amazing structures are:

  • The Rotunda of St. Martin
  • The Cathedral of Our Lady before Týn
  • The Wallenstein Palace
  • The Municipal House
  • Frank Gehry’s Dancing Building
  • Dejvice National Technical Library
  • Romanesque chapels and cellars
  • Gothic cathedrals
  • Baroque palaces and gardens
  • Worldly Art Nouveau buildings
  • Unique Cubist houses
Visit Prague. Visit tha amazing gothic cathedrals
Visit Prague. Visit tha amazing gothic cathedrals

Diverse Music

You can listen to live performances of almost every genre of music in Prague. The city is like a magical place where music of all places and all generations meet together. The United Islands summer festival where multi-genre music fill each island with multi-genre music is a must see. Even if you can’t make it to the festival, there are still other music havens to visit such as:

  • The Rudolfinum, the Municipal House, or one of the local churches for classical music;
  • The Roxy, Akropolis, Cross Club, or MeetFactory for dance music;
  • The Karlovy Lazně, a four-story club where each floor is dedicated to a different musical genre.

Diverse Booze

If you love beer, you will have a blast when you visit Prague. It has numerous beer bars and pubs that serve different kinds of beer. The most popular saloon is the Zlý časy in the Nusle district, considered by many to have the best bear collection in the city. If you want good Czech cuisine to come with your beer, you can visit the Lokál chain of restaurants.

The Picturesque Vltava River

The Vltava is regarded by many as one of the most majestic rivers in the world and it blends seamlessly with the Prague islands. The river is also known as the Soul of Prague. There are over 30 bridges and footbridges in the city, each one giving a unique view of the river. Its waters are often busy with steamers, rowboats and pedal boats.

Prague bridges crossing Vltava River. Don't miss!
Prague bridges crossing Vltava River. Don't miss!

For more tips about visiting Prague or other famous destinations, visit eTips to ensure you make the most out of your adventure and lastly Prague Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro!