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The ancient city of Prague is concentrated in the five historic districts (Hradčany, Malá Strana, Staré Město, Nové Město and Vyšehrad), two of which, Hradčany and Malá Strana, are located on the left bank of the Vltava. The tourist attractions of Prague are mainly located in its historical center.
The oldest settlement is the Prague Castle (Hradcany), founded in the ninth century and around which arose the rest of the city, south of the castle lies the district of Malá Strana (Lesser Town), which was the neighborhood where lived the population of the German language and ethnicity of the city, and that up to half of the nineteenth century was the majority of the inhabitants of Prague.
On the right bank of the Vltava River are the other three districts, the medieval center of town is the district of Stare Mesto (Old Town), which also houses the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), to the south lies the district of Nové Mesto (New Town) dating from the fourteenth century, and finally further south, on a hill overlooking the Vltava River is the fort of Vyšehrad.
All the Prague tourist attractions, all the most important monuments, palaces and places of tourist interest in Prague are concentrated in this area which extends for 4 km in length and 2.5 km in width. This area of the city lends itself well to a visit on foot or by using the efficient public transport network of the city for short stretches.
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, there are many monuments and works of art of various styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, which testify to its long history.
THE CITADEL
Prague is one of the most scenic European cities, the city is characterized by the presence of the Citadel (Hrad) which dominates the rest of the city from above. Here is the castle of medieval origin but enlarged and modified in the eighteenth century, during the reign of Maria Theresa of Austria, thanks to the work of Italian artists.
Inside the citadel are some of the most interesting buildings in the city. These include the royal palace, the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Basilica of St. George, the Royal Pavilion Belvedere and the Sternberg Palace. For a nice panorama of the city, it is worth visiting the former Strahov monastery.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF MALA STRANA AND STERE MESTO
If you want a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, the neighborhood of Mala Strana, full of characteristic streets with ancient buildings, is worth visiting: the monumental Waldstein Palace and the Baroque Church of Saint Nicholas.
The famous Charles Bridge (Karluv most) connects this district with the Staré Mesto (the Old Town). In the central square of the Old Town (Staré Mesto) there is the Town Hall, the Tyn church and the monument to Jan Hus. Also in the Staré Mesto (the Old City) are the Powder Tower, the ancient Jewish Ghetto (with the Staronova Synagogue (1270), the Town Hall with the Jewish clock, the Jewish Museum, the cemetery).
Of modern Prague, do not forget the lively Wenceslas Square. The city center can be easily walked around, to reach it it is better to use the Metro.
Summary of the main tourist attractions of Prague: The splendid Old Town (Staré Mesto, the superb synagogues and the Jewish Quarter cemetery). The Castle complex (which also includes the Cathedral) and the surrounding area (the Golden Lane and the Nový Svět, one of the most characteristic streets of the city). Malá Strana (Small Part) with the beautiful Strahov Monastery (and its wonderful library). Among the museums, the most important is the National Gallery, a first-rate art gallery.
THE SURROUNDINGS OF PRAGUE
THE BOHEMIAN CASTLES: The most famous is certainly the Karlstejn Castle. This castle was built in the 14th century at the behest of Charles IV. Inside, the Chapel of the Holy Cross holds the treasure of the crown of the Bohemian kings. In the same chapel there are the famous frescoes by Magister Theodoricus. Another imposing castle is that of Konopiste which was built in the 14th century. Zvikov Castle is an ancient castle with a chapel which is a late Gothic (15th century) jewel decorated with medieval paintings. Duchcov Castle is of Renaissance origin but rebuilt in the Baroque period, Giacomo Casanova also stayed here. Finally, the castles of Krivoklat and Zbraslav are worth visiting.
Prague: a beautiful city in Central Europe.
