This Prague city guide is a showcase of some of the many wonderful
attractions Prague has to offer. Unlike other city guides it is not a
comprehensive and detailed fact sheet, but rather a glimps of what the city of
Prague has to offer. I hope you enjoy this Prague city guide:
Prague Castle
The castle was first established in the 9th century. In the 12th century the
Romanesque palace was built. Later in the 14th century, Charles IV had the
castle rebuilt in the Gothic style. The final changes to the palace were made
by the Jagellons late in the 15th century. The Vladislav Hall was built in the
late Gothic style by the builder Benedikt Rejt and completed in 1500. The
Castle was enlarged in the 16th century after the fire of 1541. The Spanish
Hall in the newer section of the castle was constructed under the rule of
Rudolf II. The interior and gardens of the castle were redesigned by J. Plecnik
after WW1. Now it is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. It also
serves as the political center of the Czech Republic. You can catch the
changing of the guards at the castle on the hour from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
St. George's Convent
St. George's was founded in 973 by Prince Boleslav. In 1782 it was dissolved. It
was reopened in 1976.
St. Vitus' Cathedral
A gothic cathedral built over 6 centuries. It was finally completed in 1929.
Construction of St. Vitus was started in the 14th century by Mathias Arras and
Peter Parler. Peter Parler was also responsible for building St. Wenceslas
Chapel. The cathedral is decorated with semiprecious stones and frescoes.
Beneath it are the tombs of Czech kings.
The Golden Lane
A lane with little houses from the 16th century. Most were built in the late
Gothic fortifications.
Prague Castle Gallery
The Prague castle gallery was built for the art collections at
Prague Castle in the place of the former stables. It includes works by
Tintoretto and Rubens.
Basilica of St. George
This romanesque basilica was founded in 920 near the monastery of the
Benedictines. The basilica of St. George was rebuilt in the 10th and the
12th centuries.
The Burgrave's House
A 16th century Renaissance building which now serves as a toy museum!
The Royal Summer Palace
IThe Royal Summer Palace is the most remarkable Renaissance building in
Prague. It was completed in 1563 by B. Wohlmut. In the Belvedere's
garden is the musical Singing Fountain. It was designed by Tomaq
Jaroq in 1568.
Loretto
The Loretto ia a Baroque church built in 1631. The facade of
the church was rebuilt by K. I. Dienzenhofer in 1722. The church tower
contains 27 loretto bells which play the melody of Our Lady choirs. The
most prized item is the liturgic treasury containing the diamond
monstrance called the Prague Sun. The Prague Sun weighs more
than 12 kg and is embellished with more than six thousand diamonds.
The Royal Garden
The garden was started in 1534 under the reign of Ferdinand I
and promoted during Rudolf II's rule. The Game Hall is now used as an
exhibition hall. It is only open to the public in summer.
Cernin Palace
Cernin Palace is an early Baroque building. It was painted by Francesco
Caratti in 1687. Present it is used as the seat of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
Strahov Monastery
Strahov monastery is a Romanesque builing containing the
historical library. It is decorated with frescoes by A. Maulbertsch.
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