Prague Summary

Updated: 13.03.2020

Prague Summary

Praha - hlava republiky

River: Vltava
Population: 1,3 million
Founded: 7th century by Slavs, the Czech tribe and their legend of Libuše
Parts: Staré Město, Nové Město, Hradčany, Malá Strana, Vyšehrad, Josefov
UNESCO: the Historic Centre of Prague and Průhonice Park
Sights: Pražský Hrad, katedrála svatého Víta, Staroměstské náměstí, Staroměstská radnice, Karlův most, Petřín,  Staronová synagoga, Václavské náměstí, Národní divadlo, Národní muzeum, Vyšehrad, Zoo Trója, Letohrádek Hvězda, Hladová zeď
Fact: Charles IV built many important sights in the 14th century
Not in the city: Karlštejn, situated 35km in the south-west of Prague

Prague is situated in the north-west of the Czech Republic on the River Vltava. The population is 1,3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 2,6 million, so it is the most populous city in the CR.
          Slavic tribes settled the region in the 6th century and Czech tribes built several fortified settlements in the area. The city is estimated to come from the 7th century and the construction of Prague Castle began in the 9th century. The fort Vyšehrad was founded in the 10th century.
          Prague is a historical city and there are many famous sights. It is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. More than 8 million people visit it every year, it is the 5th most visited city in Europe, because it is relatively cheap compared to other European cities.
          Prague Castle is the biggest royal castle complex in the world and today it is the official residence of the President. The first church on the site of St Vitus was built in the 10th century and in 1344, Jan Lucemburský began the construction of the cathedral. The Czech Crown Jewels were designed in the 14th century by Matthias of Arras and since 1791 they have been stored in St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. The crown was made for the coronation of Charles IV in 1347, so it is the fourth oldest crown in Europe.
          Orloj, the astronomical clock, is located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall since 1410. Staronová synagoga, also called Altneuschul, is situated in Josefov, it was completed in 1270 and it is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. The National Theatre is a national monument or art and history to the Czechs, it was first opened in 1881, and then reopened after a fire in 1883. The National Museum was established in 1818 and today houses 14 million items in dozens of buildings.
          Charles IV founded Nové Město in 1348 and built many landmarks in the city. The construction of Karlův most started in 1357, as a replacement for Juditin most, which was damaged by flood. The construction of Hladová zeď, the Hunger Wall, on Petřín began in 1360 to strengthen the fortification of the city. In 1348, Charles University was founded as the first university in Central Europe.

astronomical clock - orloj