Today Prague is one of the most fascinating places for vacation in Europe. Great sights and low prices make it a very popular destination. In Prague you can find cheap gourmet food and hotels; and probably the largest beers in Europe.
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.
Inside the castle area there are three churches, a monastery and a palace. The city Hradcany was founded around the year 1320 in a smaller 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 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 520 meter long Charles Bridge was built in 1357. And until 1741 it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It is built of sandstone blocks; and it is said to have been reinforced with an odd combination of mortar and eggs.
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.
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.
The Velvet Revolution in 1989 changed a lot in Prague. Today you can find both Czech products and the major American and Western European brands in the many department stores and specialty shops. So it is easy to spend a whole day shopping.
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.
Inside the castle area there are three churches, a monastery and a palace. The city Hradcany was founded around the year 1320 in a smaller 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 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 520 meter long Charles Bridge was built in 1357. And until 1741 it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It is built of sandstone blocks; and it is said to have been reinforced with an odd combination of mortar and eggs.
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.
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.
The Velvet Revolution in 1989 changed a lot in Prague. Today you can find both Czech products and the major American and Western European brands in the many department stores and specialty shops. So it is easy to spend a whole day shopping.
About the Author:
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Prag Storbyferie. Read more about the shopping in Prag Shopping.
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