Prague’s cultural history can be seen in a variety of places: in the expansive Prague Castle complex, the historic centre and landmarks such as Charles Bridge. Stromovka offers a different focus, with its paths and green spaces. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you are most interested in architecture and history, exhibitions and concerts, or also in walks and relaxation.
Prague Castle: Building History and Exhibitions
Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises an extensive complex of palaces and religious buildings in various architectural styles. Its historical layers include Romanesque structural remains from the 10th century and Gothic alterations from the 14th century. The castle was probably founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty. The approximate founding date and the different periods of construction give the complex a long history.
Prague Castle currently offers the public visits to historic buildings and exhibitions, guided tours and concerts. The exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” tells the thousand-year history of the place where Czech statehood took shape. It combines original objects from the castle’s collections with stories about people who worked there and an interactive programme. Another cultural landmark is the House at the Stone Bell, which is used by the Prague City Gallery for exhibitions and concerts.
Old Town: Architecture, Bridge and Clock
Prague’s historic centre preserves its medieval urban structure, including its layout and spatial composition. The architectural periods represented there include the Gothic period of the 14th and 15th centuries, High Baroque from the first half of the 18th century and the emerging Modernism after 1900. The city’s history therefore offers more than a single architectural style: the periods mentioned span several centuries.
Charles Bridge is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Its foundation is dated to 1357, and it was completed in 1402. Thirty statues and sculptural groups of saints watch over the bridge. Old Town Square, which has served as a marketplace since the 10th century, regularly hosted markets, including annual markets selling a variety of goods. Since 1410, the oldest still-functioning astronomical clock in the world has measured time on the tower of the Old Town Hall.
Green Routes and Other Ways to Explore
Stromovka is a large green oasis in the middle of the city. Mature trees, water features and lawns offer a different setting from the historic buildings. The park offers opportunities for picnicking, walking and relaxing. Many playgrounds and a network of paths and trails add to the recreational options. If you would like to set aside time in green surroundings as well as for architecture and urban history, Stromovka is another point of interest to consider when planning your trip.
Routes with a clear pilgrimage connection are also among the options mentioned: the Všerubská and Železná pilgrimage routes start in Prague at the Church of St James in the Old Town. The Štvanická pedestrian bridge, also known as Lávka HolKa, is for pedestrians and cyclists. These examples represent different themes, from walks in the park and pilgrimage routes to getting around the city.
Choose Your Hotel Location Based on Your Interests
When making your choice, compare the locations that matter to you with the location given for each hotel.
Discover more destinations: Dolni Chabry, Hloubětín, Prague 3, Kunratice, Prague 4, Újezd Nad Lesy, Prague 12, Prague 9.
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