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Things to see » Sights
Prague Castle
- Located above the town, founded in the 9th century by Prince Boivoj, the residence of Bohemian princes and kings, since 1918 it has been the seat of the President of the Republic. A legend says that alchemists lived in those cute little houses on Zlata ulicka; what’s more certain is that goldsmiths and later Franz Kafka were residents.
St Nicholas Church
- One of the most important baroque buildings, with a dominant dome and belfry, architects K. Dientzenhofer, K.I. Dientzenhofer, A. Lurago (1704-1756).
The Petøín Tower
- 63,5 m high copy of the Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1891 according to a project by F. Prá¹il.
Charles Bridge
- The most famous monument connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. The Bridge was founded by Charles IV. in 1357 and built following a Petr Parlé design. The gallery of statues was added much later, starting in 1683. Most statues are now copies and the originals are stored away from the harsh elements. A legend says that if you touch the dog at the base of the statue of sv. Jan Nepomucky, you will return to Prague.
National Theatre
- Neo-Renaissance building built in 1868-1881 (arch. J. Zítek). After the fire in 1881 the theatre was re-built in less than two years.
Old Town Hall
- Established in 1338, after King John of Luxemburg agreed to set up the town council. The neo–gothic northern wing was destroyed by Nazi shells on 8 May 1945 and has never been rebuilt. Today the Old Town Hall consists of a row of colorful Renaissance and Gothic buildings with the tower at the end. The Town Hall acquired its clocks in the 15th century. The councillors are said to have been so anxious to prevent clockmaker Hanu¹ from recreating his work elsewhere, that they blinded him.
The Municipal House
- The Municipal House is one of the most remarkable constructions of Prague Art Nouveau. At the time of its creation it was critisized by some architects as its style was considered to be formally outdated. The Municipal House facade is eyecatching not only due to its monumental architectural composition but also because of the unique profile created by its collection of the sculptural art of the time. Monumental allegorical figures, displayed all over the facade of the building, which were created by some of the greatest artists represent particular historical and classical cultural symbols (allegories of the nation, Prague, legendary characters and events, personification of art, philosophy, science, etc.), but they are also inspired by modern day symbols (allegories of industry, trade, transport).
Old-New Synagogue
- Built around 1270 and Europe’s oldest synagogue, one of Prague’s earliest gothic building. According to legend the scholar and writer Rabbi Low hid the Golem, a creature he made from clay and brought it to life by placing a magic stone tablet between its eyes, among the Old-New Synagogue’s rafters.
Bethlehem Chapel
- Founded in 1391 for services held in Czech instead of Latin, cradle of the Bohemian Hussite Reformation. Jan Hus preached here in 1402-1412. Every year on the night of 5 July, the Eve of Hus’ burning at the stake in 1415, a commemorative celebration is held here.
Klementinum
- Originally the Dominican monastery of St. Clement founded in 1232. In 1556 Ferdinand I. invited the Jesuits to Prague to bring the Czechs back into the Catholic fold and Klementinum was chosen as the Jesuit college and academy. After the pope dissolved their order Klementinum became the Prague University library, today the National Library.
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