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Places You Cannot Miss in Prague
By Morten Elm | October 23, 2009
Today Prague is one of the most fascinating places for vacation in Europe. Great sights and low prices make it a very popular destination. In Prague you can find cheap gourmet food and hotels; and probably the largest beers in Europe.
Prague’s history began with the founding of the castle Prazsky Hrad in the 9th century. The castle is located high above the Vltava River, which made it a natural center.
A monastery, three churches and a palace is located behind the castle walls. In 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle’s outer courtyard.
The president seat has been located in the castle since 1918. There is changing of the Guard every hour in front of the castle. At noon it even includes fanfare.
Stare Mesto can be described as the old part of Prague. Centrally located in this part of Prague is the square Staromestske namesti (translated: Old Town Square). From the square you can view a lot of historical building that easily can be compared to most other European cities.
The first settlements started in the 10th century around the castle. From here it spread to the other side of the Vltava River. The main building point was around the square in the old town.
The Old Town Hall was built in 1338 and in 1490 the unusual astronomical clock was added. Today large groups crowd to watch the show with odd performers like a rooster, a turkey, apostles, the Death, the Greed and the Vanity.
The 520 meter long Charles Bridge was built in 1357. And until 1741 it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It is built of sandstone blocks; and it is said to have been reinforced with an odd combination of mortar and eggs.
Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.
The bridge is a tourist magnet. For the same reason a large group of artists and merchants sell the wares to the tourists on the bridge.
Prague is not as cheap as it used to be, but it is nevertheless still possible to make some really good shopping. And if you think it is only wares from the former East Europe, you are wrong.
A lot has happened in Prague since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today you can find Czech, American and Western European brands in the city. So it is easy to spend a whole day in Prague’s department stores and specialty shops.
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Storbyferie Prag. Read more about the sights in Sevaerdigheder Prag.
categories: Prague,Europe,history,old town,Charles Bridge,shopping,cheap,brands,travel,vacation,holiday
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