‘The magic city', ‘the city with 100 bell towers', ‘the golden city', the Old Town, the New Town, the Jewish Quarter ... all city quarters are amazing places waiting to be explored.


The Old Town

(Stare Mesto) is steeped in history. From the 9th century onwards, merchants from all over the world would meet here, at the crossroad of trade routes. Some of them chose to settle here, leaving their mark on the town's unique atmosphere. The Old Town is positioned on a bend in the Vltava river and grew up around Old Town Square. The southern part of Old Town is mainly a maze of narrow streets and arcaded courtyards that conceal gabled houses, cheerfully painted shopfronts, churches and taverns. Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Hall are the best attractions which every visitor while walking in this district must see. The Charles Bridge links the Old Town to the Lesser Quarter.

The Lesser Quarter

(Mala Strana or The Little Quarter). The origins of this picturesque district, located beneath Prague Castle, date back to the mid-13th century. After the foundation of the town, the original settlers were replaced by colonists of mostly foreign nationalities. Charles IV extended the minor town of Prague with other plots of land but the town remained - thanks to several great fires as well as other events - more backward in respect of its economy than, and politically dependent on, the towns on the right bank of the Vltava. From the 16th century, feudalists and church elders, who gave this part of the city its present appearance - and not only an architectural one - gradually started to settle here. This quarter is just beneath the castle and is distinguished by the green of its gardens and orchards. The area is full of splendid palaces built by leading noble families and aristocrats. The Lesser Quarter Square is dominated by St. Nicholas Church, an example of the baroque style. Steep Nerudova Street leads to Prague Castle.


Hradcany

Hradcany lies on the left bank of the Vltava river and is dominated by the 16th-century Prague Castle including St. Vitus Cathedral. When entering Prague Castle through the ornate Matthias Gate be prepared for an onslaught of historical facts and legends, not to mention a staggering variety of architectural styles. St. Vitus Cathedral is a breathtaking example of ecclesiastical architecture. The oldest surviving church in the castle complex is the Basilica of St. George (Bazilika sv. Jiri). Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) was a double row of decrepit wooden shacks until the reign of the Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa, who modernized much of the castle in the neo-classical style. Several imposing palaces dominate Hradcany Square: Schwarzenberg Palace, Archbishop's Palace and Sternberg Palace. Nearby Loreto is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic.

The New Town

(Nove Mesto) is now the commercial and administrative heart of the city. Despite its name this quarter is relatively old. Founded by Charles IV in the mid-14th century, the town expanded rapidly. At the same time the Emperor initiated the construction of numerous monasteries, churches and squares within the New Town's borders. The largest enclosed square in New Town is now called Charles Square (Karlovo namesti). Until the time of the Hussite wars, a religious pilgrimage of European importance called ‘The Showing of Sacraments, Imperial Coronation Jewels and Sacred Remains' took place here every year. This is why the square was planned to cover such an extensive area. However, the present centre of New Town is definitely Wenceslas Square, the main thoroughfare of Prague, originally used as a horse market. The majestic National Museum and statue of St. Wenceslas on horseback dominate this long boulevard (square is not really an exact description). It is a good place to do your shopping. The Dancing House, located on the New Town embankment, is an example of modern architecture. The architects of this building were given a prestigious international award.


Josefov

This attractive neighbourhood of the Old Town is the centre of the Jewish community in Prague. The Old Jewish Cemetery, Pinkas Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue are all part of the Prague Jewish Museum. Another name connected with this quarter is Franz Kafka. When exploring this quarter you might note that it is home to expensive shops, cafes and restaurants.


Vysehrad

Vysehrad was founded in the 10th century, 70 years later than Prague Castle. Vysehrad used to be the Premyslid princes' residence in the latter half of the 11th and 12th centuries; later they moved to Prague Castle. Life at the castle was badly affected by the Hussite period when it was plundered and partly demolished. In the year 1650 new brick baroque ramparts were built once again as part of the fortifications of the whole of Prague according to the plans of Italian architects. The castle served as a fort once again until the year 1911 when the fort was abandoned. Visitors can enjoy fine views and peaceful strolls through the landscaped gardens of Vysehrad Church and the ruins of the ancient buildings. Today visitors can see the precious Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin, the Gothic church of St. Peter and Paul, the Vysehrad cemetery used as a burial site of eminent Czech personalities since 1869 and the underground casements housing the originals of several baroque statues from the Charles Bridge.