Prague info
The Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The story of this best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in the Europe dates back to 13th century. Not only it symbolizes restrictions against Jewish community throughout the centuries, but preserves the tangible part of the Jewish identity as well. Six synagogues, Jewish Town Hall, and the most remarkable Old Jewish Cemetery in Europe are only a fragment of what you can see in this part of the Golden Prague.
Old Town Square
Eight centuries ago, the Old Town Square was the central marketplace in Prague. As time went by, growing number of buildings in Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles surrounded the square and created its fabulous atmosphere. Destinies of their wealthy owners together with spectacular sights such as Church of the Old Lady, Old Town Hall Tower with Astronomical Clock, or St. Nicholas Church is story which brings people from all over the world to Prague.
Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) on the side of the Old Town Hall Tower
This profound construction situated on the Old Town Square originated in 15th century. Astronomical dial, calendar dial and moving animated sculptures makes it the most outstanding attraction of the Square. Its fame comes from the unique procession of the Twelve Apostles. At every hour, sculptures flanking the clock with the Christ and his disciples are set in motion. When the small trap door opens and procession starts, one side of the Old Town Hall Tower becomes the most photographed scene in the Golden Prague for a few seconds.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is one of two most popular city squares. Centre of nightlife, entertainment, shopping zone, ideal starting point for sightseeing tours and many more attributes can be given to this world-known boulevard. Two decades ago the Velvet Revolution, symbol of the fall of the Communism and end of Soviet Invasion in the middle Europe, started here. The notorious statue of Saint Wenceslas on his horse at the upper part of the square, the witness of large demonstrations in the past, serves as popular meeting point today.
National Museum
The monumental building of the National Museum dominates the top of the Wenceslas Square. The museum itself is the largest and the oldest museum (established 190 years ago) in Czech Republic. Its long-term exhibitions include zoological, paleontological, anthropological and mineralogical & petrological collections. The closeness to Prague dominants (National Assembly building- now the world headquarters of Radio Free Europe, statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse, State Opera House) and majestic view of the whole Wenceslas Square boulevard ranks it among top visited places in Prague.
State Opera
Former New German Theatre, the Prague State Opera opened in 1888. After peripetia and neglection during comunist regime, opera house experienced its revival in 1992 and regained its independence. Today, magnificent building hosts repertoire of balet and opera from Prokofiev, Musorgsky, Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Verdi and other legends as well as occasional classical music concerts. An evening spent in State Opera is still a highlight of the staying for many Prague visitors.
National Theatre
National Theatre is known as Alma Mater of Czech Opera and belongs to most important Czech cultural institutions. Since its establishement in 1868, the theatre became inevitable part of the Czech cultural heritage and played role in preserving and cultivating Czech language. One argument which gives evidence about its uniqueness- famous „Don Giovanni" Mozart´s work saw world premiere in this theatre.
Powder Gate
Resembling ghostly structure or impressive part of the fortress, this striking icon is the gate separating the Old Town established in 11th century and New town, formed in 14th century. The name Powder Tower came from 17th century when the tower was used to store gunpowder. Today, the Powder Gate houses an exhibition "Prague Towers" and photos by Ladislav Sitensky.
Bethlehem Chapel (on Bethlehem Square)
Bethlehem Chapel is a Gothic Chapel built in 1394. Inconspisuous, but remarkable due to connection with the Bohemian Hussite Reformation. Famous Czech reformer Jan Hus preached sermons in front of his followers here from 1402 to 1412. His statue dominates the Bethlehem Square situated nearby the chapel.
Prague Centre
Historical Centre of the Prague- „City of hundred spires" consisting of the Old and the New Town, the Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter (Josefov).