Historic Centre of Prague
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Year of Inscription: 1992
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.
Overview: The Historic Centre of Prague is a cultural and architectural gem of Europe. Located in the heart of the Czech Republic, the city is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks, which reflect various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. The historic center of Prague covers an area of 866 hectares and is divided into several districts, including the Old Town, the New Town, and the Jewish Quarter.
Prominent Features: The historic center of Prague is home to several prominent features, including:
History: Prague has a rich and diverse history that spans over a millennium. It was founded in the 9th century and became the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 14th century. Throughout its history, Prague has been a center of art, culture, and politics, and has witnessed significant events, including the Thirty Years' War and the Velvet Revolution. The historic center of Prague was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 in recognition of its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities: Prague offers several family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall is one of the most popular landmarks in Prague. It was first installed in 1410 and is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. The clock features an astronomical dial, a calendar dial, and several moving sculptures, including the Twelve Apostles.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for the historic center of Prague. However, some landmarks and attractions may charge admission fees.
Prague Castle complex varies depending on the type of ticket and the specific areas of the complex that visitors wish to access. The standard ticket to access the entire complex, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane, costs 350 CZK (approximately 16 USD) for adults and 175 CZK (approximately 8 USD) for children, students, and seniors.
Similarly, the entry fee for the Old Town Hall Tower is 250 CZK (approximately 11 USD) for adults and 150 CZK (approximately 7 USD) for children, students, and seniors. The Charles Bridge Museum has a relatively low admission fee of 50 CZK (approximately 2 USD) for adults and 30 CZK (approximately 1 USD) for children and students.
It's worth noting that some sites, such as the St. Nicholas Church and the Church of Our Lady before Týn, are still functioning as active places of worship and do not require an entry fee for visitors who wish to attend a religious service. However, visitors who wish to enter these churches outside of worship hours may be required to pay a fee.
How to Reach It: Prague is well-connected to major cities in Europe and can be reached by:
Where to Stay: There are a wide range of accommodation options in the Historic Centre of Prague, catering to different budgets and preferences. Some popular areas to stay in include:
Next Stop: Kutna Hora
Year of Inscription: 1992
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.
Overview: The Historic Centre of Prague is a cultural and architectural gem of Europe. Located in the heart of the Czech Republic, the city is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks, which reflect various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. The historic center of Prague covers an area of 866 hectares and is divided into several districts, including the Old Town, the New Town, and the Jewish Quarter.
Prominent Features: The historic center of Prague is home to several prominent features, including:
- Charles Bridge: This historic bridge spans the Vltava River and connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town district. It is decorated with 30 baroque statues and provides stunning views of the city.
- Prague Castle: This castle complex is the largest ancient castle in the world and has been the residence of Czech rulers and presidents for centuries. The complex includes several palaces, churches, and gardens, including the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane, and the Royal Garden.
- Old Town Square: This square is the heart of the Old Town district and features several historic buildings, including the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock, the Tyn Church, and the baroque St. Nicholas Church.
History: Prague has a rich and diverse history that spans over a millennium. It was founded in the 9th century and became the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 14th century. Throughout its history, Prague has been a center of art, culture, and politics, and has witnessed significant events, including the Thirty Years' War and the Velvet Revolution. The historic center of Prague was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 in recognition of its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities: Prague offers several family-friendly activities, including:
- Walking Tours: Walking tours are a great way to explore the historic center of Prague and learn about its rich history and culture. Several companies offer guided tours that cater to families with children.
- Boat Tours: Boat tours on the Vltava River provide a unique perspective of the city and its landmarks, including the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
- Prague Zoo: The Prague Zoo is one of the best zoos in Europe and is home to over 4,000 animals, including rare and endangered species. It features several exhibits, including the African savannah, the Indonesian jungle, and the Polar World.
Fun Fact: The astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall is one of the most popular landmarks in Prague. It was first installed in 1410 and is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. The clock features an astronomical dial, a calendar dial, and several moving sculptures, including the Twelve Apostles.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for the historic center of Prague. However, some landmarks and attractions may charge admission fees.
Prague Castle complex varies depending on the type of ticket and the specific areas of the complex that visitors wish to access. The standard ticket to access the entire complex, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane, costs 350 CZK (approximately 16 USD) for adults and 175 CZK (approximately 8 USD) for children, students, and seniors.
Similarly, the entry fee for the Old Town Hall Tower is 250 CZK (approximately 11 USD) for adults and 150 CZK (approximately 7 USD) for children, students, and seniors. The Charles Bridge Museum has a relatively low admission fee of 50 CZK (approximately 2 USD) for adults and 30 CZK (approximately 1 USD) for children and students.
It's worth noting that some sites, such as the St. Nicholas Church and the Church of Our Lady before Týn, are still functioning as active places of worship and do not require an entry fee for visitors who wish to attend a religious service. However, visitors who wish to enter these churches outside of worship hours may be required to pay a fee.
How to Reach It: Prague is well-connected to major cities in Europe and can be reached by:
- Air: Prague has an international airport, Václav Havel Airport Prague, which is located about 20 kilometers from the city center. The airport is served by several airlines, including low-cost carriers.
- Train: Prague is connected to major European cities by train, including Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest. The main train station is located in the city center.
- Bus: Several bus companies operate services to Prague from major European cities, including Berlin and Vienna.
Where to Stay: There are a wide range of accommodation options in the Historic Centre of Prague, catering to different budgets and preferences. Some popular areas to stay in include:
- Old Town (Staré Město): This is the heart of the historic center and a popular area for tourists. There are plenty of hotels, apartments, and hostels available, ranging from budget to luxury.
- Lesser Town (Malá Strana): Located on the other side of the Vltava River, this area offers a quieter, more upscale atmosphere. There are plenty of boutique hotels and apartments available here.
- New Town (Nové Město): This area is known for its nightlife and shopping. It's a good choice if you're looking for a lively atmosphere, but still want to be close to the historic center. There are many hotels, hostels, and apartments available here.
- Hradčany: This area is located on the hill above the Castle and offers stunning views of the city. There are plenty of hotels and apartments available here, ranging from mid-range to luxury.
- Vinohrady: This area is a popular residential area and offers a quieter, more local feel. There are plenty of apartments and small hotels available here.
Next Stop: Kutna Hora