Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is located in the heart of Europe. It is one of the finest cities on the continent and serves as the country’s main economic and cultural center. The city boasts a rich architectural heritage that reflects both urban trends spanning more than 1,000 years, and Prague’s tourist attractions are plentiful and fascinating.
The City of Prague
The city is filled with many attractions and physical landmarks. Among the best of these is the Charles Bridge, which stands over the Vltava River. The river’s winding course contrasts with the succession of shifting bridges and changing scenery, set against the permanent backdrop of the magnificent Hradčany Castle (Prague Castle), which dominates the left bank of the city from behind its towering massive walls.
The narrow streets and small restaurants of the old quarters contrast with the sweeping Wenceslas Square, modern gardens, and residential developments, while the city is also adorned with magnificent 18th-century Baroque palaces known for their elegance and splendor.
Looking toward the surrounding hills, the numerous church spires create a unique panorama, giving Prague its famous description as the “City of a Hundred Spires.”
This architectural harmony was reinforced by post-1945 planning, which preserved the city’s historic core as a major monument and carefully oversaw all modern building developments.
The Prague metropolitan area covers 192 square miles (496 km²).
The city center, with its historic buildings, bridges, and museums, is a major hub for employment and heavy traffic. Surrounding the heart of the city is a mixed industrial and residential zone that houses about half of Prague’s population and provides about half of its jobs.
Beyond this lies an outer urban development zone and another development area containing new industrial districts, parks, recreational spaces, and sports facilities.
The city’s lowest point is 623 feet (190 meters) above sea level, while the highest point reaches 1,247 feet (380 meters) at the top of the White Mountain.
Encircling Prague is a belt of farmland and open countryside, where farms and horticultural projects meet the city’s demand for food.
Prague’s population is largely homogeneous. There is a small Slovak community, but the vast majority of residents are Czechs.
The city has several demographic characteristics that stem mainly from the effects of World War II.
Top Tourist Attractions in Prague
There are many tourist attractions in Prague that draw the attention of visitors. These include Prague Zoo, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Prague Botanical Garden, and many other sites throughout the Czech capital.
Let us now explore some of the best tourist attractions in Prague:
1. Prague Zoo
Most visitors to the Czech capital come to enjoy its many treasures and landmarks, but Prague also offers a wonderful experience for all animal lovers.
Prague Zoo covers an area of more than 0.5 square kilometers (around 60 hectares). It is home to over 4,000 animals from more than 650 species, including a large number of endangered species.
The zoo opened its doors to the public in 1931.
The idea dates back to 1881, when Count Špork began the initiative to create a zoo in Prague. Over the following decades, the plan gradually took shape, including the establishment of the Zoological and Acclimatization Association.
On September 28, 1931, the Prague Zoo officially opened. Since then, it has been continuously developed and is now claimed to be the fourth best zoo in the world.
However, this successful development was severely threatened by several major floods.
Tragic Events in the Zoo’s History
The worst floods struck in 2002 and 2013, with the 2002 flood being the most devastating event in the zoo’s history, when Prague (and much of Europe) experienced what became known as the “Millennium Flood.”
Water levels rose more than 7 meters above the landscape, and unfortunately, many animals at the zoo became victims of the flood.
The 2013 flood was also catastrophic, but this time the zoo staff were better prepared and managed to evacuate almost all the animals from the floodplains in time. Even so, the damage caused massive costs.
Apart from the animals mentioned, thousands of birds, reptiles, mammals, and creatures from every corner of the world have made Prague Zoo their home. The zoo has created different environments that suit each species’ specific needs and resemble their natural habitats.
Over the years, Prague Zoo has gradually built a total of 12 pavilions and more than 150 exhibits.
2. Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad Castle was built on Vyšehrad Hill, originally called Krásín, during the 10th century.
The site is surrounded by legends about Princess Libuše, the War of the Women, Bivoj, and others. As a result, the idea of ancient times and historical resources here is itself steeped in myth.
During the reign of Boleslav II, the classic Vyšehrad Castle served as a mint for manufacturing denarii coins, which for the first time bore the name “Vyšehrad” that appears only in written records.
Vyšehrad reached its peak fame in the 11th century when it became the residence of King Vratislav I for a period. His successors ruled from Vyšehrad until 1140.
The original wooden fortress was then rebuilt into a stone castle with new churches, and the Vyšehrad Chapter was re-established.
In the latter half of the 12th century, its importance began to decline. However, Charles IV decided to restore the castle out of respect for his ancestors. He included in the coronation decrees for Bohemian kings the obligation to make a pilgrimage to Vyšehrad on the eve of the coronation.
The first to do this pilgrimage was on September 1, 1347.
Instead of the Roman court, Charles built a magnificent royal palace with high arcades, adjacent houses for castle staff, a water channel, and a school.
Fortifications and Restorations
In 1348, new fortifications were built with walls, towers, and gates. The remains of the gate—still called Břetislav Gate today—were restored by Antonín Wiehl in 1903.
After 1364, the Church of St. Peter and Paul was extensively rebuilt. Archaeological research revealed Romanesque foundations that were part of the original cathedral dating from after 1070.
These foundations belonged to a cathedral measuring 110 meters in length, making it the largest sacred structure in Prague at that time. There is believed to be a crypt beneath the church floor, but it has not yet been found.
Nearby, you can also see the remains of the Gothic palace walls built by Charles IV on the western side.
3. Prague Castle
Prague Castle has been an important symbol of the Czech state for more than a thousand years.
It was founded in the 9th century and became the residence of Czech rulers and later presidents. The castle is one of the largest complexes in the world, consisting of historic palaces, offices, ecclesiastical buildings, gardens, and scenic spots, covering 45 hectares.
Its panoramic view is among the most breathtaking in the world.
The castle is a national cultural monument and a symbol of the Czech state’s thousand-year development.
Since its founding in the late 9th century, the castle has been continuously developed for over eleven centuries. It is a massive complex of ecclesiastical, defensive, residential, and administrative buildings representing all architectural styles and periods. Three courtyards surround the castle.
Originally, it was the seat of Czech princes and kings, and since 1918, it has served as the presidential residence. In 1962, Prague Castle was officially declared a national cultural monument due to its archaeological discoveries.
The origins of Prague Castle are linked to the first historically documented member of the Přemyslid dynasty. The earliest structure was a stone princely building and the oldest Christian shrine—the Church of the Virgin Mary. The second church inside the castle was the Church of St. George, built by Prince Vratislav I.
When the bishopric of Prague was established in 973, Prague Castle became not only the seat of the head of state but also the seat of the Bishop of Prague. At the same time, the first Czech monastery was founded by the Church of St. George.
In the 10th century, the castle covered about 6 hectares. During the Romanesque period, the earlier settlement was rebuilt into a strong medieval fortress. After 1135, the imperial stone palace was constructed, and the new stone fortifications were strengthened with several towers, the finest of which was the Black Tower.
The castle’s appearance was strongly influenced by the Gothic period, particularly during the reign of Charles IV (1346–1378). Together with his father John (1310–1346), he persuaded the Pope to promote Prague to an archbishopric and laid the foundation for major construction projects, including the famous street.
With its long and rich history, Prague Castle stands today as one of the top tourist attractions in Prague.
4. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a Gothic stone bridge that connects Prague’s Old Town with the Lesser Town.
For centuries, it was known simply as the Stone Bridge. It was commissioned by Charles IV, the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, and construction began in 1357.
The chief architect was Peter Parler, who also worked on St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle.
Charles Bridge is one of many monuments built during Charles IV’s reign, but it was not the first bridge to span the Vltava River. Its predecessor was Judith Bridge, the first stone bridge over the river, built in 1172 but destroyed by a flood in 1342.
Unlike its predecessor, Charles Bridge survived many floods, including the devastating flood of August 2002, the worst in 500 years.
Bridge towers stand at both ends. Visitors can climb the towers at the Old Town end for a breathtaking view of Prague.
There are 30 statues along both sides of the bridge dating from the 17th century. Many are now replicas, with the originals preserved in Prague’s museums.
The most famous statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech saint who was executed during the reign of Wenceslas IV by being thrown from the bridge into the Vltava River. Over the centuries, countless visitors have touched and polished his statue.
Charles Bridge tops every “must-visit” list for Prague. It is also beloved by Czech artists, musicians, and souvenir vendors, who set up their stands year-round. Sunset is a magical time to enjoy the illuminated Prague Castle against the evening sky.
Today, the bridge is a pedestrian zone (although trams and car traffic were once allowed), and it is always bustling with people. For the most stunning experience, visit late at night or early in the morning.
5. Old Town Square
Old Town Square in the Czech capital is one of the must-visit places when in Prague. It deserves a place on every traveler’s itinerary.
Do you know why so many people—locals as well as tourists—visit Old Town Square at any time? It’s not just because it’s the oldest square in the city; the main reason is simply because it is extraordinarily beautiful.
There are so many things to see and do, and everyone wants to admire the breathtaking architecture and the square’s magical, vibrant atmosphere.
Old Town Square is often voted among the most beautiful squares in the world. Even though such rankings are subjective, it’s hard to compete with its grandeur.
Many historic events that shaped the nation’s history took place here. Even today, people gather here to celebrate national victories and sporting triumphs. Whenever something major happens, you’ll definitely notice it in Old Town Square.
The square is often crowded because no visitor wants to miss this must-see landmark. However, you can still enjoy its peaceful ambiance by exploring early in the morning.
The square is especially busy during Easter holidays, December Christmas markets, and on New Year’s Eve, when crowds gather to celebrate and bid farewell to the old year.
Year-round, you’ll find stalls selling Trdelník, a sweet pastry. However, like many central tourist spots around the world, prices here are quite inflated. To be smart, it’s better to eat at a nearby restaurant or bakery for better quality and price.
6. St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in Prague.
In addition to religious services, Czech kings and queens were crowned here. It is also the burial place of many saints, kings, nobles, and bishops.
This is the third church on the same site dedicated to the same saints. Around 925, Prince Wenceslas founded the original rotunda, which was rebuilt after 1060 into a three-aisled basilica with two towers.
The church’s importance grew after the establishment of the Prague bishopric in 973, and the founding of the Chapter of Canons, which later became a key cultural and administrative institution.
Construction of the Cathedral
In 1344, Charles IV began constructing the cathedral in Gothic style, with Matthias of Arras as the first builder, followed later by Peter Parler. They built the choir with a ring of chapels, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Golden Gate, and the lower part of the great southern tower.
Peter Parler began building the tower but did not complete it.
The Renaissance viewing gallery was completed in the 16th century, and later in the 18th century, the old dome was replaced with a new one.
Unfortunately, construction was halted in 1419 due to the Hussite Wars, and despite several kings’ efforts to continue, the cathedral remained unfinished for centuries, with the western façade temporarily sealed.
In the late 19th century, construction resumed, restoring the original parts and completing the building in Neo-Gothic style.
The church was officially consecrated in 1929, and the interior continued to be adapted in subsequent years.
Visitors enter the cathedral through the western portal, facing the passage between the second and third courtyards of Prague Castle. The bronze door is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the cathedral’s history and legends of St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert.
The Neo-Gothic section consists of a main nave, narrow side aisles, the northern arm of the transept, and chapels with stained glass windows. In the transept, you can see the ceremonial entrance to the cathedral and the Golden Gate, which leads to the third courtyard.
7- The National Theatre in Prague
The National Theatre in Prague is the official drama theatre of the Czech Republic.
It was built through funding from a national group and was opened for the first time in 1881, and then for the second time in 1883 after a devastating fire.
The stunning exterior and interior décor, adorned with gold, consist of masterpieces by 19th-century Czech artists such as Aleš, Šeinek, Hynais, Myslbek, and others.
We highly recommend attending drama, opera, and ballet performances, which offer unforgettable experiences in these beautiful spaces.
The productions of Czech national drama are visually compelling and remarkable.
The classical building is suitable for staging international classical plays as well as contemporary Czech and foreign works.
The new stage, which dates back to the 1980s, was built gradually and mainly hosts original projects and Czech premieres.
Performances
Between seven and eight premieres are held each year, along with a range of accompanying activities and educational programs.
Performances are preceded by theatrical introductions followed by discussions with the creators.
The national drama theatre also offers courses in critical writing and playwriting, and it collaborates with theatre school students who actively participate in the programs.
The origins of theatre in the Czech Republic date back to the 12th century, when theatrical performances were held in church settings as part of liturgical rituals (such as Easter and Christmas plays and saints’ plays).
Theatre was staged in church and monastery buildings, and the actors were priests and religious figures, making the plays more entertaining in their effect.
The performers were mainly religious students, but also students from private home schools.
The establishment of a university in the 14th century was of great importance, as theatrical texts began to be written in Latin (including original plays).
During the Renaissance, many noble palaces were built.
They had large halls that were also used for theatrical performances.
However, these theatrical performances were not public; they were reserved for invited guests only.
Today, the National Theatre stands as one of the top tourist attractions in Prague, Czech Republic.
8- The Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the oldest fully functional astronomical clocks in the world.
It is one of the city’s most popular landmarks, over 600 years old, and remains one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in existence.
It is also a magnificent combination of mechanical engineering and art.
Like other astronomical clocks, it is effectively a mechanism specially designed to display astronomical information, typically showing the relative positions of the sun, moon, zodiac constellations, and sometimes other planets.
The Prague Astronomical Clock does all this and much more: it tells the time, provides the date, displays astronomical and zodiac information, and, most importantly, offers a kind of “theatre” to its viewers around the clock.
Unsurprisingly, this level of functionality is divided into several distinct parts.
The Astronomical Dial
The first and most eye-catching feature is its impressive and beautifully decorated astronomical dial.
This represents the positions of the sun and moon in the sky and various other astronomical details.
The astronomical dial is a form of mechanical astrolabe, which was commonly used for timekeeping and astronomical studies during the Middle Ages.
The fixed main background of the clock face contains a wealth of information for anyone able to read it.
On the outer part of the background, there is a series of graphic letters representing the Old Czech time.
Approaching the center, you can see a set of Roman numerals.
These, like most traditional clocks, are used to indicate 24 hours.
The various shades of blue and red inside the main dial indicate events such as sunrise, dawn, daytime, and nighttime, among others.
Additionally, it includes different geographical information such as the position of the tropics and the equator.
The Earth—or the observer’s position—is at the center of the dial, while the zodiac ring is placed on the main astrolabe.
It displays the different zodiac signs and is intended to show the sun’s position on the ecliptic.
The zodiac signs are arranged in a counterclockwise order.
The next most impressive part is a set of fixed statues that seem to symbolize four “vices” or “evils” next to the clock and four “virtues” next to the lower calendar dial.
9- The Powder Tower
The Powder Tower, standing 65 meters (213 feet) high, serves as the gateway to the medieval Royal Route, which leads through the Old Town, across Charles Bridge, to the vast castle atop the hill.
Until 1836, Czech kings used this tower on their way to their coronation at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle.
This massive entrance, through which the coronation processions of Bohemian kings entered the Old Town, is considered one of the most important late Gothic monuments in Prague.
The Powder Tower, completed in 1475 and formerly used as a gunpowder store, remains the starting point of the coronation or Royal Route to Prague Castle, with an observation gallery located at a height of 44 meters.
The Gothic Powder Tower was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II on the site of the Mountain Tower from the 11th century.
It is one of the original thirteen city gates of Prague.
The master builder Matěj Rejsek constructed a decorative tower based on the design of the Old Town Bridge Tower from the 14th century.
Construction of the Powder Tower was halted between 1477 and 1485 when riots forced King Vladislav II to flee his palace adjacent to the tower.
Since the structure was used as a gunpowder storage facility in the 17th century, it became known as the “Powder Tower.”
The massive tower suffered severe damage during the Prussian occupation in 1757.
It was finally reconstructed between 1875 and 1886 by Josef Mocker.
Renovation
In the 1990s, the Powder Tower was beautifully restored, like many other historical buildings in Prague.
The tower is adorned with carvings of coats of arms and numerous statues decorating the eastern and western façades.
Literally known as the “Powder Gate,” it is one of the most expressive monuments of late Gothic Prague.
It was built to replace the original crumbling Mountain Gate, which dated back to the first half of the 13th century.
The Powder Tower served as one of the main architectural routes into the city from the royal eastern approach.
10- Letná Park (Prague Annual Garden)
With its beautiful views over Prague and its stunning greenery, Letná Park is steadily making its way onto the list of the best tourist attractions in Prague, Czech Republic.
So, after exploring everything in the historic part of the city, spend an afternoon in Letná Park.
Contrary to what many people think, Letná Park is not just a garden overlooking Prague’s historic center; it actually covers the entire hill above the Vltava River and extends all the way to another park called Stromovka.
Location and How to Get There
In the past, this area was reserved for vineyards due to its excellent sunny location. It was not until the 19th century that it became a public park with a residential area.
Today, Letná Park is part of Prague’s 7th district and is divided among several well-known Prague neighborhoods.
The easiest and most direct way to reach Letná Park from the city center is on foot.
Starting from Old Town Square, take the main street of the Czech Republic and continue upwards. Then climb the stairs to the top of the hill, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of Letná Park.
Letná Park is the highlight of the entire area.
Located at the top, it offers one of the most magnificent views of Prague and beyond.
There is a viewpoint where you can see many bridges across the Vltava River, including the most famous one, of course — Charles Bridge.
This area was once home to the largest statue of Stalin in the entire world, erected in 1955.
The enormous monument was the largest group statue in Europe, measuring 15.5 meters in height and 22 meters in length.
The statue depicted a farmer, a worker, and a soldier led by Stalin at the front of the group.
The monument was blown up in 1962.
The only remaining pieces of the monument today are the large slabs, which have hosted a stage since 1991, as well as some crumbling marble stairs and a metal railing, which have become a favorite spot for local skateboarders.
11- Prague Municipal House
The Prague Municipal House was built in the Art Nouveau style in Prague between 1906 and 1912.
It is located on the site of the former Royal Court Palace.
It is a famous stop for visitors, attracting them with its Art Nouveau ornamentation, stained glass, sculptures, exhibitions, and regular concerts.
Historically, the building was used as a school and a military college.
However, it was eventually demolished and replaced by the current cultural center with its many exhibition halls.
On October 28, 1918, the Municipal House was the stage for the declaration of the independent state of Czechoslovakia.
In November 1989, meetings between the Civic Forum and the Communist regime were held there.
Smetana Hall, located in the heart of the building, is used as a concert hall and ballroom.
The interior decorations were created by prominent Czech artists from the first decade of the 20th century, most notably the famous Alphonse Mucha.
The Municipal House also contains many smaller halls, conference rooms, and offices.
In addition to coffee rooms and restaurants, visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning Art Nouveau decoration.
The Municipal House offers tours of the building’s ceremonial halls with professional commentary.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to see the various halls and lounges that annually host hundreds of important social and cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
Part of the tour is also a visit to Smetana Hall, a famous concert hall with a capacity of 1,200 seats.
This Art Nouveau building, constructed between 1906 and 1912, is a testament to unprecedented artistic and craftsmanship skills and quality.
Building Annexes
The café, the French restaurants, the Lord Mayor’s Salon, and Smetana Hall are all examples of perfectly executed Art Nouveau interiors.
They were decorated by prominent artists and sculptors such as Alphonse Mucha, Jan Preisler, Ladislav Šaloun, and others.
Art Nouveau enthusiasts can take a guided tour of the entire building.
The Municipal House is located on the site of the royal residence, which once served as a temporary home for King Sigismund, where the Old Town gives way to the New Town.
In addition to being one of the best Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, it became internationally famous in 1918 when the historic declaration of Czechoslovak independence was proclaimed in one of its halls.
12- St. Nicholas Church
The massive green dome of St. Nicholas Church dominates Prague. It is one of the finest Baroque buildings in Central Europe.
(Do not confuse it with the other St. Nicholas Church in Old Town Square.)
On the ceiling is a painting of St. Nicholas — the largest fresco in Europe.
Construction began by the famous Baroque architect Christoph Dientzenhofer.
His son, Kilian, continued the work, and Anselmo Lurago completed it in 1755.
This most famous Baroque church in Prague is also one of the most expensive Baroque buildings north of the Alps.
The dome’s diameter is 20 meters, and the interior height up to the top of the lantern exceeds 49 meters, making it the highest interior space in Prague.
It is also an outstanding example of high Baroque decoration.
Concerts are held year-round on the historic organ, which dates back to the 18th century.
The church was first owned by the Catholic Church, later by the Orthodox Church, and now belongs to the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, founded in 1920.
Design
The original ceiling design, frescoes, stucco decorations, and statues are a brilliant example of the Baroque sense of dramatic impact.
It is completed by a magnificent chandelier donated by Russian Tsar Alexander II to the Orthodox Church in 1880.
It is one of the most impressive interiors in Prague.
The church’s front originally stood on a small square and was surrounded by many other buildings.
Famous classical concerts are held in St. Nicholas Church, and they are among the most popular in Europe.
After the evening concert, Old Town Square is lit by lanterns, and the Church of Our Lady glows at night in an unforgettable scene!
During winter, the interior of the church is heated.
St. Nicholas Church is of fundamental importance to the city’s panorama: the length of the nave without the stairs is 60 meters, the length of the aisle and choir is 24 meters, and the foundations reach 14.5 meters.
The dome is 50 meters high on the inside, 70 meters on the outside, and 79 meters with the lantern. The outer circumference under the dome is 20 meters, and the inner is 17 meters.
13- Church of Our Lady Before Týn
Its distinctive twin Gothic towers make the Church of Our Lady Before Týn a prominent landmark in the Old Town, resembling something out of a 15th-century fairy tale.
Perhaps a little austere, it looms over Old Town Square, adorned with a golden image of the Virgin Mary made in the 1520s from the melted Hussite chalice that previously decorated the church.
It takes some imagination to visualize the entire original church, as it is partially hidden behind the four-story Týn School.
Although the Gothic exterior is impressive, the church’s interior is filled with heavy Baroque style.
Two of its most interesting features are the high altar with the Virgin and the Holy Trinity by a prominent Baroque artist, and the tomb of the Danish astronomer, one of the most brilliant court scientists of Rudolf II.
Design
Inside the church’s southern wall are two small windows, now closed, which once opened from rooms in the neighboring house on Celetná Street where the teenage Franz Kafka lived (from 1896 to 1907), allowing light from the church to enter.
As for the church’s exterior, the northern portal is crowned by a magnificent 14th-century tympanum depicting the Crucifixion, carved by the workshop of Charles IV’s favorite architect, Peter Parler.
The church entrance is along the square’s arcade and the four arches of Týn School.
Týn Church occasionally hosts concerts and has an enormous pipe organ.
The cathedral is a comprehensive exhibition of Gothic, Renaissance, and early Baroque works.
The most interesting among them include the altar paintings dating back to 1673.
In the early 11th century, there was an old Romanesque church on this site.
It served as a hospital for foreign merchants arriving in the city.
This was the place where Konrad Waldhauser and Milíč of Kroměříž used to preach their criticisms of the Church’s morality until their deaths.
The current Gothic church was founded in the mid-14th century to function as a parish church.
14- Petřín Tower
Petřín Observation Tower was built in 1891 and designed as a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The steel-framed tower is 63.5 meters high. It doesn’t appear particularly tall until you consider that it stands atop Petřín Hill, which itself is 318 meters (1,043 feet) high.
Climb 299 steps to reach the top of the tower for a magnificent view of Prague.
On a clear day, it is possible to see Sněžka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic, 150 km away.
Petřín Tower is surrounded by landscaped gardens, including a large rose garden.
This area is peaceful and enjoyable to stroll through at any time of year, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city below. The views of Prague remain stunning even without climbing the tower.
Other attractions at the summit include an observatory (with a telescope and a museum open to the public), a mirror maze, a chapel, and several cafés.
A small entrance fee applies to certain areas, but no advance booking is required.
Much of the stone used to build Prague’s famous historical monuments was quarried from Petřín Hill.
Today, this is hidden beneath the park and forest covering the hillside.
To reach the lookout tower and other attractions at Petřín, take the funicular in the Lesser Town near the Újezd tram stop.
A 30-Minute Walk
Take a 30-minute walk up Petřín Hill via a steep climb, but with a gentle stroll through gardens and wooded areas, then walk for another 10 minutes along Strahovská Street.
Petřín Tower is a romantic place in every season — whether you come in spring when the heavenly scent of rose bushes fills the air, in summer when you can lie on the soft grass and read your favorite book, in autumn when the colorful leaves create an indescribable backdrop for Prague’s panorama, or in winter when you’ll be amazed by the romantic view of snow-covered rooftops in the Lesser Quarter, with the crisp scent of nature in the air.
15- Strahov Monastery
Discover the treasures of Strahov Monastery — elegant towers, a magnificent library, and priceless paintings.
It is one of the oldest monasteries still in existence in the world.
Visit this complex, which successfully combines magnificent architecture with ancient treasures of immeasurable value, and explore this remarkable monastery that remains a living place of contemplation, learning, and tranquility.
Since its founding in 1143, the monastery has been under constant or near-constant concern.
It has survived fires, wars, revolutions, and the wrath of various regimes. Whenever the order’s members were unable to live in their own buildings, they gathered elsewhere until they were allowed to return.
Today, about 70 monks live a peaceful life in the monastery.
Although the towers of Strahov Cathedral stand out on Prague’s beautiful skyline, the monastery’s most precious part is the priceless treasures found inside.
Contents
The period library contains more than 200,000 volumes, including 3,000 original manuscripts.
The library consists of two magnificent halls connected by a corridor. The Theological Hall, with its attractive stucco, mostly contains theological literature and thousands of editions of the Bible.
The Philosophical Hall is dominated by a huge fresco depicting the spiritual development of humanity.
This magnificent hall was so famous that it was frequently visited by prominent figures of the time.
The oldest visitors’ book contains names such as Admiral Horatio Nelson and Austrian Princess Marie Louise, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The monastery also houses an exhibition featuring the monastery’s most valuable collection in Central Europe.
Here, you can see 2,500 paintings, statues, and other works of art from the Gothic period to the 19th century.
Nevertheless, Strahov Monastery does not rest on its historical laurels.
Its splendid halls and unique atmosphere have served as backdrops for major Hollywood films.
Strahov Monastery is one of the top tourist attractions in Prague, Czech Republic.
16- Clementinum
The Clementinum has always been a vibrant center of education and culture, the second-largest complex of buildings in Prague after Prague Castle, and one of the largest in Europe.
This vast area of historical buildings, spread over two hectares of land, includes among other things the National Library, home to many incredibly valuable manuscripts and books.
The Prague Clementinum extends across Karlova Street and Křižovnická Street, with its main façade facing Mariánské náměstí Square.
It is one of the most attractive landmarks in the Czech capital, with tremendous historical, educational, and cultural significance for all Czechs.
The history of the Clementinum is long and rich, and the complex remains to this day a key center of education and culture in Prague — indeed, in the entire Czech Republic.
The complex was founded in 1556 by the Jesuits, members of a male religious order of the Catholic Church called the Society of Jesus.
In the 17th century, the Jesuits began expanding the complex, a process that took more than 170 years.
As a result, one can find many different architectural styles within the building complex.
The Jesuits established a school, a library, a pharmacy, a theatre, and, of course, a religious center in the Clementinum.
In 1654, Clementinum University merged with the world-renowned Charles University.
Charles-Ferdinand University remained in the Clementinum even after the Jesuit order ceased to exist in 1773.
Its members were forced to leave, and in 1930 the Clementinum became the headquarters of the National Library.
The National Library of the Czech Republic
The National Library of the Czech Republic is located in the Baroque complex of the Clementinum near Charles Bridge.
It is the country’s central library, administered by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, and oversees the system of all public libraries in the country (except privately owned libraries).
It maintains a collection of books, manuscripts, and other publications issued in the Bohemian lands since 1807.
There are also ancient documents, the oldest being Greek papyri from the 1st century.
The National Library is one of the largest and oldest libraries in Europe, storing and providing access to more than six million documents.
The beautiful library hall was built in 1722 and is decorated with stunning artistic and thematic frescoes.
These include a portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, who supplied the library with collections confiscated from abolished monastic libraries.
