For centuries it has been known as Zlatá Praha or Golden Prague - a glittering jewel of art and architecture nestling snugly at the heart of Europe. Home to emperors and kings, artists and astronomers, this beautiful and fascinating city has worked its subtle magic on generations of visitors, and lent inspiration to musicians and writers from Mozart to Dvořák and Kafka to Klíma. Prague is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Kidnapped by communism for 40 years, Prague has returned to the capitalist fold to become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Largely undamaged by the ravages of WWII, its cityscape offers a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, from the soaring verticals of Gothic spires and the buxom exuberance of baroque domes to the sensuous elegance of Art Nouveau maidens and the chiselled cheekbones of Cubist façades.Due to its history, the historic center of Prague was added in 1992 to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
With a population of approximately 1.2 million, the city is spread out over nine hills between which the river Vltava flows for 30km within the city. Czech is the official language but Slovak is also commonly understood. Prague represents a unique collection of historical monuments and contains one of the world’s most pristine and varied collections of architecture, from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical and ultra-modern. Some of the main attractions not to be missed are the Prague Castle, the picturesque Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square. One of the most breathtaking and photogenic views of the Castle can be viewed from the Charles Bridge. The historical core of the city is situated on both banks of the Vltava River and consists of 6 parts: Stare Mesto (Old Town), Josefov (the preserved part of the former Jewish Town and today a part of the Old Town), Nove Mesto (New Town), Mala Strana (Lesser Town), Hradcany and Vysehrad.
Prague is also a very green, verdant city. The hills below Prague Castle, for example, were shaped by Baroque architects who combined splendid palatial buildings with beautiful formal gardens full of pavilions and arbors.
Over the centuries scores of important individuals have paid their tribute to Prague. Its beauty and imposing architecture have enchanted the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, Apollinaire, Tchaikovsky, Dostojevski, Rodin, Kokoschka, as well as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II and others.
The Czech metropolis abounds with theaters, concert and exhibition halls, museums and galleries. Prague truly offers something for everyone, and each of its many faces holds its own special charm.
Eleven centuries of historical events, building, artistic creation and city life, along with its beautiful natural setting, have created a unique atmosphere. It is an atmosphere that is grand and mysterious, as well as friendly and intimate, and that has always attracted visitors from all over the world.