One of the most beautiful European cities since the Middle Ages, earning nicknames like "City of 100 Towers," "Heart of Europe," and "Golden Prague." First mention of inhabitants were a Celtic tribe in 500 BC. First Slavonic tribe arrived in about 500 AD. Prince Borivoj built the Prague Castle, and in the 10th Century, Vysehrad Fortress was built on the Right Bank of the River Vltava.
A favorite place to visit for Mozart, Beethoven, British Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II and others, the city is a complex of historical monuments and artistry of all types. There are six prominent Quarters: Old Town, the Jewish-Quarter-Josefov, New Town, Little Quarter, Hradcany and Vysehrad. Prague has been listed with the World Culture and Nature Register of UNESCO since 1992.
YOU MUST SEE
- Charles Bridge - the best night view of Prague Castle
- Magic Lantern Theatre - Modern & controversial glass design
- Municipal House - most prominent Art Nouveau building
- National Theatre - the national symbol of Czech culture and independence in neo-renaissance style
- Observation Tower - a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, on Petrin Hill, which dominates the skyline with trees and fields
- Old Jewish Quarter - small cobbled streets, home of mythical Golem and Jewish Cemetery
- Old Town Bridge Tower - best view of Vltava River and Charles Bridge, with view of the Old Town Prague Castle Complex & State Opera House
- Theatre of Estates - premier venue of Mozart's famous Opera "Don Giovanni"
- Old Town Square - cafes, street entertainment, and beautiful historical buildings surrounding the Square.
Important dates
- 1920 - National Assembly carried the first Constitution
- 1938 - Mnichov Agreement - Czechoslovakia had to renounce Soudets
- 1939 - World War II started (capital of Nazi Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia)
- 1945 - Liberation by the American and Soviet Army
- 1960 - Founding of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic