Introduction :
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic situated in the north west of the country. Home to 1.3 million people, Prague measures 496 square km in area and has been the political, cultural and economic centre of central Europe during its 1100 years of existence. Due to its rich history, many areas in Prague has been designated as World Heritage Sites that form the Historic Centre of Prague in 1992 and is a world famous tourist attraction for people all over the world.
Evening towards night fall in Prague
Image attribution to djidjiperroto @ Flickr
The Old Town Square
Astronomical Clock Tower
Image attribution to jonk @ Flickr
The bridge tower at Charles Bridge
Image attribution to Massimo Catarinella @ Wiki
Some attractions :
Old Town Stare Mesto – A medieval settlement of Prague that dates bac to 1100 AD. Check out the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town city hall and the Gothic Church of Our Lady as well as the Old New Synagogue built during the 13th century
Charles Bridge – Connecting bridge from the Old Town to the Lesser Town, this bridge is one of the main landmarks of Prague and is filled with musicians and painters while also providing lots of picture taking opportunities
Lesser Town Mala Strana – Located on the left bank of river Vltava, this was a dominant centre of the ethnic Germans in Prague and is home to the Wallenstein Palace as well as the St Nicholas Church.
New Town Nove mesto – The youngest and largest of the 5 independent towns in the historic center of Prague. Home to the busy Wenceslas Square and National Museum as well as the Dancing House also known as the Fred and Ginger Building
Prague Zoo – Rated the 7th best Zoo in the world by Forbes in 2007
Rudolfinum – Built between 1876 to 1884, the Rudolfinum is a major cultural institution and music auditorium in Prague situated on the Jan Palach Square.
Nice shot of the Rudolfinum
Image attribution to Heinz-Josef Lücking @ Wiki
Wenceslas Square is one of the busiest place in Prague
Image attribution to Peter Stehlik @ Wiki
The Fred and Ginger building also known as Dancing House
Image attribution to Frank Gehry @ Wiki
The Saint George’s Basilica is the oldest surviving church building in the Prague Castle
Image attribution to Michel27 @ Flickr
History :
Settlements in Prague was founded as early as 200 BC by the Celts establishing a settlement in the south. Germanic tribes slowly began to settle around the area and Prague was known as a Germanic city named Casurgis in the 2nd century. Prague prospered during the Holy Roman rule and was at one pont the third largest city in Europe and the New Town and Charles Bridge was also built during their rule. World War 1 lead to the defeat of the Austro-Jungarian Empire and the creation of the country of Czechoslovakia with Prague being chosen as its capital and remain the capital city of Czech Republic after its seperation with Slovakia in 1993.
Aerial view of the Lesser Town Mala Strana
Image attribution to Michel27 @ Flickr
The Wallenstein Palace is the most popular attraction in Mala Strana
Image attribution to Michel27 @ Flickr
The oldest rotunda at the Vysehrad historical fort
Image attribution to Michel27 @ Flickr
Getting there :
The nearest international airport to Prague is the Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) also formerly known as Prague Ruzyne Airport and is 10 km away from the city centre of Prague.
