7. Prague

Prague is said to be the city lying right in the heart of Europe. Others call it "hundred-towered Prague". Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. It is the seat of the president, parliament, government and other highest state and political bodies of the Czech Republic. Moreover a large quantity of social, cultural, educational and scientific institutions operate here. Prague is also an important business and financial center.

Prague has a large number of monuments. The most famous are Hradčany, with Prague Castle which was founded in the ninth century. Prague became a center of European significance during the government of the king and emperor Charles IV who established the New Town and Charles University in 1348.
Prague Castle is a part of Hradčany. In the past it was the residence of the Czech kings and since 1918 it has been the residence of our presidents. If you visit Prague Castle you will not be disappointed by the late-gothic Vladislav hall or Saint Vitus Cathedral, where the tombs of the Czech kings are located and the crown jewels are housed. Prague Castle offers a beautiful view of The Lesser Quarter, the National Theatre, the Church of Saint Nicholas and other interesting parts of Prague.

The river Vltava flows through Prague, that is why a large number of bridges was built in the past. The most famous, and also the most beautiful, is Charles Bridge, which was built in 1357. A unique set of 31 sculptures was added to the bridge between 17th and 20th centuries.

Among the most frequently visited places in Prague is the Old Town Square where a large number of monuments is situated. In the middle there is a monument to Master Jan Hus (John Huss) and at the edge there is Týnský Church. The Old Town Hall was built in the 14th century. In the 15th century a horological clock, much admired by tourists, was added to the City Hall's Tower and in the second half of the 19th century a circular calendar plaque by Josef Mánes was added to it, too.

Another frequented place is Wenceslas Square which is the longest in the country (750 m). In its upper part there is the statue of the Czech prince Saint Wenceslas. Nearby is the National Museum. On Wenceslas Square we can find a large quantity of shops, restaurants, banks and exchange offices.
Old Prague is very beautiful and we can certainly say that it is really the most interesting part of our beautiful city. Unfortunately, a lot of housing blocks and concrete-panel houses were built in other parts of the city, which to some extent damages the whole city's reputation.

There is now a modern underground, but traffic still remains a problem.