Interesting Facts

? Prague in Czech is called Praha, which means threshold.

? Prague is a popular location for shooting many of the European and American costume drama films.

? Prague houses the Jewish quarter wherein a museum of extinct people was planned by Hitler.

? Famous for being the largest enclosed palace, the Prague castle has carved a name for itself as a major cultural heritage site.

II. Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Prague Castle

The Prague Castle is one of the biggest and most ancient castles in the world. Built in the 9th century, the castle boasts of a 1000-year-old history and has always been home to Kings, Queens and other royalty. It is without doubt termed as the centerpiece of the Czech capital. In case you plan to visit Prague, it is recommended that you spend at least half a day exploring the magnificent structure. The Prague Castle is 570 m long, approximately 128m wide and occupies an area of 7.28 hectares. It attracts number of tourist all throughout the year. Ever since Prince Borivoj established the first fortified settlement here in the 9th century, it has always been the seat of the Czech government. The castle also houses impressive highlights such as the Spanish Hall and Rudolf Gallery. It also has a wide collection of remarkable architectural and artistic wonders that have been created over a long period.

Rates: Full - $ 9.80

Price: Concession - $4.90

Open: Historic buildings

April-October 9am-5pm, November-March 9am-4pm

Grounds

April-October 5am-12am, November-March 6am-11pm

Email: frantisek.kadlec@hrad.cz

Website: www.hrad.cz

B. Malá Strana

The Malá Strana (the Small Quarter) is grouped around and situated at the foot of Prague Castle. Most visitors who climb to the castle are required to pass through the steep Royal Way. The narrow side streets of this elaborative quarter are well worth a visit. Being extremely beautiful and picturesque, the district now serves as a favorite option for commercial and movie sets. Malá Strana was established in between 8th or 9th centuries as a market area. Over the years, it has attracted a large number of visitors who specially come to see its castle-front location. The Hussite wars that took place in 1419 destroyed most of the quarter. A number of impressive churches and palaces that are found in the area date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The St. Nicholas Church is an imposing structure that dominates the quarter. This beautiful building along with its huge green ceiling, houses Johann Kracker's 1770 Life of St Nicholas, which is considered to be the largest mural in the whole of Europe. You can also spend your time strolling around in the grounds of Wallestein Palace. These grounds also host a number of summer concerts. Tourists can visit the calm and serene Vojan Park, established in 1248.

C. Old Town Square

The Old Town Square manages to attract hordes of visitors each year. It is situated near Staré Mesto and proves to be the main center of attraction. A huge structure is spread over a large area of 1.7-hectares. It is rightly known as Prague's working heart and has hosted its largest market until the start of the 20th century. The Town Square is surrounded by a dense network of alleys and streets and is home to some of Prague's most famous architectural monuments.

On visiting the square, you may be intimidated by the large number of visitors swarming the place. However, you can enjoy yourself by spending time in the numerous cafés that spill onto the pavement, and participate in a host of other recreational activities that are available. The square also proves to be a great venue for hosting outdoor concerts, political rallies and other public shows. The square also has an imposing sculpture of Jan Hus that dominates the square. You can take a walk down the Royal Way to the Vlatava and visit the Charles Bridge, which has been around for more than almost 600 years.

D. Museum of the Infant Jesus of Prague

Karmelitská 9

Malá Strana

It is a beautiful church dedicated to the international cult of the Infant Jesus, which originated here in 1628 when Princess Lobkowitz gifted a costumed wax statue of the Child Jesus to resident friars. The miniature statue's embroidered vestments and a tiny jewel-encrusted crown are put up on display. There is no entry fee that is charged.

Open: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm

Email: pragjesu@login.cz

Website: www.karmel.at/prag-jesu

E. Charles Bridge

Karluv most

Staré Mesto

Legends state that the Charles Bridge has endured wheeled traffic for more than 600 years because eggs were mixed in the mortar while constructing it. After the World War II it was converted into a bridge solely to be used by pedestrian. Tourists prefer walking on the bridge, admiring the views offered by the numerous monuments and the grand Vltava. However, care should be taken as a number of pickpockets haunt the bridge taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists. The bridge spans over a distance of 520 m. Two huge towers are built on either ends of the bridge, while the bridge itself is lined with a number of effigies and monuments. The oldest and most popular statue on the entire bridge is that of St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of Czech Republic, who was thrown into the Vlatva by the King Wenceslas IV in 1393.

Cost for climbing up the tower may range from $0.67 to $1.35

F. National Museum

Václavské námestí 68

Nové Mesto

The National Museum (Národní Muzeum), with its astounding collection of natural history artifacts, commands the southern end of Wenceslas Square. The rooms in the museum are huge and spacious and contain a number of interesting artifacts. The museum has relocated a number of times that includes a brief stint in Sternberg Palace in Hradcany, following which it was relocated to a site on Na príkopé in 1846. Finally, in 1891 it was relocated once more to its current place. The museum also has a Pantheon that is filled with statues of well-known secular Czech citizens and upper-level murals that are sculpted in a special manner to imitate a captive and attentive audience.

Entry Cost: Full - $3.5

Entry Cost: Concession - $1.78

Price Variation: Children under 6 years of age are admitted free.

Free entry on the first Monday of every month for all.

Website: www.nm.cz

Open: May-September 10am-6pm.

October-April 9am-5pm.

Closed: 1st Tuesday of every month.