
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia, Prague has been the political, cultural and economic centre of the Czech state for more than 1100 years. For many decades during the Gothic and Renaissance eras, Prague was the permanent seat of two Holy Roman Emperors and thus was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Since 1992, the historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, making the city one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century - many of the city's most important attractions date back to that age.
The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. Hitler ordered the German Army to enter Prague on 15 March 1939 and from Prague Castle proclaimed Bohemia and Moravia a German protectorate. For most of its history Prague had been a multiethnic city with important Czech, German and Jewish populations. From 1939, when the country was occupied by Nazi Germany, and during World War II, most Jews fled the city. Once the outcome of the war was decided and it was known that Germany would surrender to the Allies, Prague revolted against the Nazi occupants on 5 May 1945. Four days later the Soviet Army entered the city. The majority of the German population either fled or was expelled in the aftermath of the war. Prague became a city in the territory of military and political control of the Soviet Union.
In 1993, after the split of Czechoslovakia, Prague became the capital city of the new Czech Republic. In the late 1990s Prague again became an important cultural centre of Europe and was notably influenced by globalisation.
Some popular sights include the Old Town with its Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock (Orloj). The picturesque Charles Bridge (Karlův Most), one of several bridges over the Vltava, its construction started in the 14th Century and it is one of Prague's most beautiful attractions. Over the day it is a bustling place of trade and entertainment., New Town, constructed as an extension of the old town at the 14th Century, with its busy and historic Wenceslas Square which has many stalls, shops and restaurants. The Lesser Town, across the Vltava from the city centre and leading to the castle, this quarter also offers beautiful streets and churches, of which St. Nicholas Church is the most renowned. The biggest ancient castle in the world which rises above the city offering beautiful views of the areas below., Prague Castle, with its St. Vitus Cathedral and nearby Josefov, the old Jewish quarter.
My time in Prague was short, still, Prague really left me with feeling like I had visited some fantasy out of Walt Disney, the buildings and architectures have the wow appeal. Any visit to Europe should include a visit to Prague, its a must see, and remains one of my best places I've ever visited, and hopefully to return again some day.
| Country | Czech Republic |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,188,126 (2003) |
| Area | 191.5 sq mi / 496 km² |
| Currency | Korunar |