In close proximity to the Prague Castle, the Loreto Church is a monumental sight with baroque architecture that reflects the grandeur of the eras gone by. The church was established in 1737, constructed by Christoph Dientzenhofer and his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. The imposing carillon with 30 bells invites pilgrims and tourists in droves, and is the first thing that one might notice here. There are many chapels and courtyards within the construction and noteworthy among them is the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows which features the statue of Saint Wilgefortis. This statue is a depiction of Christ dressed in robes as opposed to a loin cloth. There is an exhibition of historical and religious artifacts in the room upstairs.
Vysehrad Castle is situated on the right bank of the Vltava River in Prague. This magnificent fortress was established in the mid-10th Century and was the oldest seat of the Czech nobility. Charles IV built a system of walls linking Vysehrad with Nove Mesto but over the years, most of these were gradually destroyed. The ramparts of the complex offer excellent views of the Vltava River. Nestled inside the premises is the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, where the legendary Devil's column lies. The Vysehrad Cemetery is the final resting place of musical genius Antonin Dvorak. Home to antiquated granite statues, the fort also features the oldest Rotunda of Prague. A popular location for tourist photography, the castle is a spectacular historical remnant.
The restored Maisel Synagogue is a 16th-century temple, part of the multi-site Jewish Museum - and it's also Prague's most popular museum. The exhibits were collected during World War II as the occupying Nazis pillaged each and every Czech Jewish community and stockpiled the booty in Prague, where a small Jewish Museum had existed since 1906. The synagogue now houses the first part of an exhibition called "History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia" covering the period from the 10th Century to the 18th Century. Displays include silver Torah shields, pointers, fine tapestry, Torah curtains, documents, books and items from the ordinary everyday life of the city's Jews. Many of the finest objects date back to the relatively prosperous 16th Century, when several of the richest synagogues in the Jewish quarter were built. For a more contemporary view of Jewish history, be sure to visit the Spanish Synagogue.
Rare animals, themed exhibits and a series of trails slicing across its expanse make Prague Zoo a favorite among visitors of all ages. One of the largest zoos in the country and among the most visited spots as well, the Prague Zoo boasts of more than 5000 animals today. From polar bears, fur seals, hippopotamuses and Sumatran tigers to flamingos, penguins and vultures, numerous species thrive within enclosures resembling their natural habitats. The zoo complex is large and can be explored on foot, by chairlift and also zoo trams. A must-visit, the zoo is perfect for a family day out.
Established by Emperor Ferdinand in 1534, the Royal Gardens outside of Prague Castle are gorgeous with manicured lawns and beautiful flower arrangements. These gardens were organically created in a Renaissance-style and the Royal Family would walk among the greenery and admire rare plants. Today, the garden has an mostly an English-style appearance, though it does still have some Renaissance elements as well as Baroque characteristics.
The walls of the Prague Castle encompass a whopping 70,000 square meters (750,000 square feet) within their embrace, making this the largest ancient castle in the world. Shaped over 13 centuries, the origins of the castle go back to 870 CE when the Church of the Virgin Mary was built. Former residence of the kings of Bohemia, Roman Emperors and the Presidents of Czechoslovakia, the regal abode is rife with historic treasures, man-made marvels and artistic triumphs. A mélange of architectural styles that spans the ages, the castle is an inspiring sight to behold; a monumental, visual chronicle of the march of time and the prevalent trends of each era. Of special interest is the St. Vitus Cathedral boasting vibrant stained glass windows and the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk.
Prague Walks is the practical way to see this historic city. With knowledgeable tour guides at your service, take a journey through history that allows you to see the actual places that changed Czechoslovakia and the world. Prague, survivor of two world wars, three revolutions, and the fall of Communism, has been a ray of hope and freedom for the world. Visit the Jewish Quarter and tread the roads of Franz Kafka, artist of paranoia. Other sights include Old Town Square, Lennon's Wall, Charles Bridge, and the Czech Parliament. Prague Walks is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the city and its rich history to life. Trips from one to six hours long are available at various prices, starting from CZK300.
Impeccable symmetry, manicured hedge labyrinths, and a burst of colorful flower beds define the beauty of the Vrtba Gardens. One of the three Baroque style gardens, it was created by Frantisek Maxmilan Kanka around the 1720s for Count Josef of Vrtboska. The palace gardens are an outstanding example of Baroque grandeur that radiates through the intricate planning of the garden expanse. Colorful veils festooned on palace roofs and walls add to its magnificence. The garden is a Baroque celebration with splendid sculptures and statues mounted on multi-level avenues, that diverge as patte d'oie. A fitting venue for events and weddings, the Vrtba Garden is a weave of floral wonders and glory of the Baroque era.
In close proximity to the Prague Castle, the Loreto Church is a monumental sight with baroque architecture that reflects the grandeur of the eras gone by. The church was established in 1737, constructed by Christoph Dientzenhofer and his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. The imposing carillon with 30 bells invites pilgrims and tourists in droves, and is the first thing that one might notice here. There are many chapels and courtyards within the construction and noteworthy among them is the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows which features the statue of Saint Wilgefortis. This statue is a depiction of Christ dressed in robes as opposed to a loin cloth. There is an exhibition of historical and religious artifacts in the room upstairs.
Vysehrad Castle is situated on the right bank of the Vltava River in Prague. This magnificent fortress was established in the mid-10th Century and was the oldest seat of the Czech nobility. Charles IV built a system of walls linking Vysehrad with Nove Mesto but over the years, most of these were gradually destroyed. The ramparts of the complex offer excellent views of the Vltava River. Nestled inside the premises is the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, where the legendary Devil's column lies. The Vysehrad Cemetery is the final resting place of musical genius Antonin Dvorak. Home to antiquated granite statues, the fort also features the oldest Rotunda of Prague. A popular location for tourist photography, the castle is a spectacular historical remnant.
The Letná Park is a huge park that overlooks Old Town. It is instantly recognizable by the high red reverse pendulum (Metronome), which can be seen from a distance. Until 1956, a statue of Stalin occupied this place, but times have changed and it is long gone. The view of Old Town and the Moldau from here is lovely, and one can follow footpaths along the river back to Prague Castle.
To get to these beautiful gardens ride the Petřín Hill Funicular from street level to the top of the Petřín Hill. At the top you'll discover magnificent views from Petrin Lookout Tower, check out Stefanik Observatory, and be able to take a stroll through two formal gardens. As you explore, look for a gate in the ancient Hunger Wall and you'll find a lush, quiet garden with a small waterfall and pond and lovely flowers. At street level there is a rose garden planted around a children's maze. All of these gardens make this one of the of the most idyllic spots in the city.