Welcome to the website
about travelling in the Czech Republic.

Prague

History of Prague

Prague The territory of today´s Prague was settled by various clans in the past. The Celts passed through at the beginning of 3rd century BC. The first clans of the Slavic peoples started to domiciliate the Prague area in 5th century AD. Prague Castle was founded at the end of 9th century AD as the house of Premyslides. At the same time the castle Chrasten was founded (later renamed Vysehrad). And between both castles today´s Prague centre originated.

The present

Prague has 1 184 075 permanent inhabitants, next 300 000 people commute to Prague because of employment. The area of Prague centre is 810 ha. Prague has also appertained to the Czech historical monuments from 1971. Presently about 250 000 foreigners has been living in Prague.
Prague streets - list

Accommodation in Prague

Sights

Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the most precious sight of the Czech Republic, the monument of Czech past and presence. It was probably founded between years 870-890 AD by Prince Borivoj of the house of Premyslides. In the half of 13th century Prince Premysl II reinforced Prague Castle by new gothic walls. In 1303 the castle almost burnt down and the next prosperous time came after 1483 when Jagellons again made the Castle their seat. Today the crown jewels and also the relics of Bohemian Kings are kept in Prague Castle. And it is also the seat of the head of state.

Lesser quarter
It was founded by Premysl II on the left bank of Vltava river in 13th century. At that time it only consisted of market place and few short backstreets. It was not called Lesser quarter but "New town" to diferentiated from Old town. The name Lesser quarter appeared when Charles IV became a head of Czech kingdom.

The Bethlehem Chapel
The Bethlehem Chapel was founded in 1391 by gentleman Hanus and tradesman Kriz. It had a capacity of 3 000 people. It was connected with the famous Czech Catholic reformer Jan Hus. After 1785 the chapel was pulled down but between years 1948-1954 it was built again according to extant pictures. Vysehrad
Vysehrad belongs to the most memoriable places in Prague from many reasons. According to legends it was a seat of Czech Princess Libuse and first Premyslids.The oldest documents about Vysehrad originated from the second half of 10th century, when the rotunda was founded here by Boleslav II. The original walls were rebuilded into Roman castle by Vladislav II in 1070. Afterward it was a seat of Vratislav II and Sobeslav relocated his seat to Prague Castle. Charles IV rebuilded Vysehrad in Gothic Castle with a new stone Palace. Today there is the famous Vysehrad grave-yeard. National Museum

National Theatre
National Theatre has an especial position among all Prague buildings. The theatre was built by Czech people as a symbol of Czech cultural heritage and as a promise of better future. It was built in 1868 in place of late theatre called "Bouda". It was deigned by architekt Josef Zitek. It burnt down in 1883. The fire was considered as a national tragedy and met with a wave of determination to found a collection. Within 47 days 3,5 million guldens were collected and the theatre was built again.