Today Prague is one of the most fascinating places for vacation in Europe. Great sights and low prices make it a very popular destination. In Prague you can find cheap gourmet food and hotels; and probably the largest beers in Europe.
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.
Behind the castle wall are a palace, three churches and a monastery located. Around the year 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle's outer courtyard.
The castle has been the seat of the president since 1918. Every hour there is changing of the Guard in front of the castle. At noon it includes a fanfare.
Stare Mesto can be described as the old part of Prague. Centrally located in this part of Prague is the square Staromestske namesti (translated: Old Town Square). From the square you can view a lot of historical building that easily can be compared to most other European cities.
The first settlements started in the 10th century around the castle. From here it spread to the other side of the Vltava River. The main building point was around the square in the old town.
The city hall (also called the Old Town Hall) was built in 1338. In 1490 the famous astronomical clock was build. Today large groups stand below the clock tower to see the odd show featuring apostles, a rooster, a turkey, the Death, the Vanity and the Greed.
The famous Charles Bridge unites the two parts of Prague. The 520 meter long bridge was built in 1357 of sandstone blocks. It is said to have been reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. Until 1741 it was the only bridge to cross the Vltava.
The original decoration was just a simple cross. In 1683 the first of many statues was set up. Today all the statues give the bridge its characteristic look.
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.
A lot has happened in Prague since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today you can find Czech, American and Western European brands in the city. So it is easy to spend a whole day in Prague's department stores and specialty shops.
Author Resource:
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Miniferie Prag . Read more about the sights in Sevaerdigheder Prag .
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