Thursday, October 22, 2009

What to See in Prague

By Morten Elm

If you want to visit a city in Europe with low prices and interesting sight, Prague should be your holiday destination. Here you can find great food, cheap rooms; and beer in large glasses.

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 president seat has been located in the castle since 1918. There is changing of the Guard every hour in front of the castle. At noon it even includes fanfare.

Stare Mesto is the old part of Prague. Centrally located in the town is the square Staromestske namesti (Old Town Square) located. The square is surrounded by historical buildings that can be compared with any other European city.

The first settlements around the castle started in the 10th century. From here it spread over the Vltava River to the right bank. Since then the houses and churches where rapidly build around the square.

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 is 520 meters long and built of sandstone blocks, which is said to be reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. The bridge was built in 1357 and until 1741 was Charles Bridge is the only way 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 tourist magnet. For the same reason a large group of artists and merchants sell the wares to the tourists on the bridge.

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.

Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989 a lot has happened in Prague; both in terms of foreign and Czech products. Today all major American and Western European brands are represented in Prague. And you can easily spend a full day shopping in department stores and specialty shops in downtown Prague.

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