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.

The building of the castle Prazsky Hrad from the 9th century was the beginning of the history of Prague. It is located on a hill high above the Vltava River.

A monastery, three churches and a palace is located behind the castle walls. In 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 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 Old Town Hall was built in 1338 and in 1490 the unusual astronomical clock was added. Today large groups crowd to watch the show with odd performers like a rooster, a turkey, apostles, the Death, the Greed and the Vanity.

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.

Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.

Today the bridge is a tourist magnet, which for the same reason also attracts a large group of artists and merchants, who is offering their wares to tourists.

Prague used to be cheaper. But it is still possible to find good and cheap shopping. And it is not just wares from the former East Europe 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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