Prague: Castle, Old Town and Stromovka

In Prague, Prague Castle offers the public tours of historic buildings and exhibitions, concerts and guided tours. The extensive complex of palaces and sacred buildings in various architectural styles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; these include Romanesque remains from the 10th century and Gothic alterations from the 14th century.

Culture and History

The historic centre of Prague preserves its overall medieval urban structure, its fabric and its spatial composition. This centre also contains architectural works from the Gothic period of the 14th and 15th centuries, the High Baroque period from the first half of the 18th century and the emerging modern era after 1900.

Prague Castle was probably founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty. The exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” tells the thousand-year history of the site where Czech statehood took shape, using original objects from the collections of Prague Castle, stories about people who worked there and an interactive programme.

The House at the Stone Bell is used by the Prague City Gallery for exhibitions and concerts.

Old Town and Bridge

Charles Bridge is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic; it was founded in 1357 and completed in 1402. Thirty statues and sculptural groups of saints guard the bridge.

Old Town Square has served as a marketplace since the 10th century; markets selling various goods were held there regularly and annually. The square was established in the 12th century and witnessed many historical events.

Since 1410, the oldest still-functioning astronomical clock in the world has measured time on the tower of the Old Town Hall.

Nature and Paths

Stromovka is a large green oasis in the middle of the city, with mature trees, water and lawns, opportunities for picnics, and places for walking and relaxing. The park also has many playgrounds as well as a network of routes and paths for recreation.

The main areas of Prague can be clearly distinguished: Prague Castle, the historic centre, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square bring together architectural history, exhibitions, concerts and historical events. With its water and lawns, playgrounds, routes and paths, Stromovka represents a different urban environment. In addition, the Štvanická pedestrian bridge and the Všerubská and Železná pilgrimage routes provide two further named route connections.

When booking a hotel in Prague, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions are separate details on the respective offer page. Which of these details carries more weight in an individual travel plan remains a personal decision and may vary depending on the purpose of the trip.

The Štvanická pedestrian bridge, also called Lávka HolKa, is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. The Všerubská and Železná pilgrimage routes begin in Prague at the Church of St. James in the Old Town.

Further destinations: Prague 10, Lipence, Újezd Nad Lesy, Karlín, Strašnice, Komořany, Hloubětín and Prague 3.

To the higher-level travel overview: Prague.