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Best Historic Locations in Prague

By: Cityseeker
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Old Town Square

The oldest and most important square in Prague, Old Town Square was originally a marketplace where merchants from all over Europe gathered. The square has witnessed many events of historical importance including the installation of the new city council in 1784 after the five districts of Prague were united. It was also the epicenter of the Prague Uprising in May 1945. The Hus Monument (1915) stands in the square's center. The monument is surrounded by a baroque mantle of some of the city's finest buildings (all of great historic and architectural interest) colored in pastel hues. Nowadays, the square is closed to traffic and serves as the setting for many outdoor restaurants, bars and cafes as well as for stalls selling traditional Czech arts and crafts.

Staroměstské náměstí, Prague, Czech Republic, 110 00
Josefov

In a small area of the Old Town between Staromestske namesti and Charles Bridge, lies the Josefov, also called the Jewish Quarter. Stroll through the district and see the old walled ghetto, the cemetery with over 12,000 tombstones, and various synagogues including the Old New Synagogue established in 1270. Josefov is rumored to date back as far as the 10th Century and with its many cobbled streets, courtyards and squares, and historic sites, the area provides an atmosphere that is unrivaled anywhere else in Prague.

Staroměstské náměstí, Prague, Czech Republic, 110 00
Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock

Amidst the pulsing Old Town Square of the city, the Old Town Hall is the vortex of tourist activity. The several chambers inside the Gothic Old Town Hall serve as venues for exhibitions and events. While the tower of the hall offers terrific views of the historic neighborhood, the underground section is the keeper of Prague's best-kept secrets. The real attraction, however, is the Astronomical Clock on the facade of the hall. Built in the 15th Century and known as Orloj, the clock is a complex set of dials with astronomical details and also positioning of the Sun and Moon. A legend goes that the clockmaker of this unique structure was blinded after its completion and also that the city will face great peril if the clock is neglected and becomes dysfunctional. The figures of twelve apostles were added in 1940 and are designed to move in a particular motion at every hour, just above the clock face. An intriguing and rare monument, the clock is a popular tourist attraction in Old Town.

Staroměstské náměstí 1/3, Prague, Czech Republic, 110 00
Church of Our Lady before Týn

The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn with its twin towers is an Old Town landmark and its presence has dominated the square for centuries. Work on the church began in the first half of the 14th Century, but it was not until the 16th Century that it was completed. The Church of Our Lady before Týn has a fairy tale look with 80 meter (262.5 foot) towers topped by four small spires that were customary during the reign of Emperor Charles IV. Inside the church is the tomb of Rudolf II's personal astronomer, Tycho Brahe. When the church is lit up at night, it adds to the magical atmosphere of the city.

Staroměstské námesti 5, Prague, Czech Republic, 110 00
Old New Synagogue

Located in Josefov, the Old-New Synagogue is a beautiful Gothic synagogue that was built in 1270. This religious site was originally called the "New Synagogue" or the "Great Synagogue," but in the 16th Century as more synagogues were built it became the "Old New Synagogue." There are a lot of legends surrounding the synagogue, such as that there is a mystical Golem in the attic that was created to protect the city. The Old-New Synagogue is still active to this day.

Maiselova 18, Prague, Czech Republic, 110 01
Prague Castle

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.

Hradčanské námesti, Prague, Czech Republic, 119 08
Schwarzenberg Palace

A long-standing testament to the Renaissance era, the Schwarzenberg Palace is one of the most impressive palaces in the Czech Republic. Designed by master architect Agostino Galli, the palace is named after its last reigning family. Replete with diverse architectural styles and motifs, there is a lot this place has to offer aesthetically. The famous Sgraffito designs, made by a special technique, are noteworthy while lunette cornice, an intricate pattern of lunettes is remarkable to look at. Frescoes showcasing classical depictions from the 16th Century are also present in the interiors. One of the most outstanding landmarks, the Schwarzenberg Palace is a popular tourist attraction in the city.

Hradčanské náměstí 2, Prague, Czech Republic, 118 00
Strahov Monastery

Strahov Monastery was founded in 1143 by the Premonstratensian Order and escaped the dissolution of monasteries in 1783 by Joseph I by virtue of having one of the best libraries in the country. Strahov Monastery also houses an impressive collection of frescoes throughout the building, especially on its ceilings. Still famous for its libraries today, the monastic collections date back over 800 years. In fact, the collection is so expansive it actually is contained in two separate halls containing over 50,000 texts. The wooden carvings on the tops of the bookshelves indicate the type of text stored below. The monastery lies in a quiet courtyard, which is a lovely pleasant walk.

Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, Prague, Czech Republic, 118 00
Olšany Cemetery

It is estimated that over 1,000,000 people are buried here, although the actual number of graves is far less. The Olšany Cemetery was originally created for the victims of the 1680 plague, and while many well-known people are laid to rest here, perhaps the most famous is Jan Palach, the young Czech student who set himself alight in protest at the Soviet occupation in 1969. However, because the grave became the focal point for the dissident movement, the secret police removed his remains in 1973, and it is thought the actual body lies in his hometown of Vsetaty, although his headstone remains here. There are maps available indicating various plots.

Vinohradská 1835/153, Prague, Czech Republic, 130 00
Břevnov Monastery

Founded in 993 by Saint Adalbert, this weathered monastery sits in a quiet, forested area on the edge of town, and is also the oldest in Bohemia. Today, it is still inhabited by monks and they brew beer here, just like they did hundreds of years ago. Just below the monastery are remnants of the original church, which during Communist times was a holding ground for suspicious-looking foreigners detained by the Ministry of Interior. A good way off the beaten tourist trail, the monastery is a beautiful historic gem.

Markétská 28/1, Prague, Czech Republic, 169 00
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