PRAGUE PRAGUE Th e City in the Heart of Europe • • HISTORY OF PRAGUE Prague became famous as a impressive city, full of mysticism and fantasy, hiding many secrets. In its narrow, winding lanes and dark corners, ancient legends of phantoms and daemons come to life. In its monumental history Prague has experienced time of great power and glory. Over the centuries the city has had to withstand war and conquerors, and was the centre of a great European power with extensive territory. Prague fl ourished thanks to its location, on the crossroads of old trading routes leading from southern and eastern regions into western Europe. Prague was not originally a single city, however. Prague Castle and the Lesser Town stood on the left bank of the River Vltava, with the Old Town and the Gallus Town, Jewish Town and Vyšehrad on the right bank. Th e towns of Prague were fi nally unifi ed in 1784 by Emperor Joseph II (1741-1790). Under the reign of Emperor and King Charles IV (1316-1378), who resolved to make Prague the centre of the Christian world, Prague became a cosmopolitan Gothic city. Th e fi rst university north of the Alps was founded in Prague in 1348, Saint Vitus Cathedral was built, and in 1348 the New Town was founded. In 1355 Charles IV became Emperor, head of the secular power of western Christendom. At the time, the Bohemian crown ruled over Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Lusatia, Brandenburg and Luxembourg. Old Town Emperor Rudolph II (1552-1612) was an important patron of the arts and sciences and founded the tradition of Bohemian glassmaking. Renaissance Prague was home to outstanding scholars, painters, musicians, architects, philosophers and astronomers. In the 19th century, prosperous Prague gained half a million new inhabitants and was transformed from a provincial town into a modern industrial city. New building works were undertaken and the fortifi cations were demolished. In 1918 Prague was declared the capital of Czechoslovakia and since 1993 has been the capital of the Czech Republic. Today, Prague is an exceptional city which, despite its dramatic history, has retained its superb monuments and has become an important and modern European capital. Bridges of Prague PRAGUE CASTLE & HRADČANY Prague Castle Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge Prague Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. Saint Vitus Cathedral Th e Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert is the most important one in the country. Bust of Charles IV in Saint Vitus Cathedral Th e Cathedral was founded by Emperor John of Bohemia together with his son Charles IV in 1344. Saint Vitus Cathedral from Royal Garden Prague Castle was founded in the 9th century and was originally named Praha. Bohemian Crown Jewels Th e Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept in the cathedral’s Coronation Chamber. Statue of Saint George Th e Gothic equestrian statue of Saint George stands near the granite obelisk from 1928. Chapel of the Holy Rood Th e precious Treasury of Saint Vitus Cathedral is displayed in the Chapel of the Holy Rood. Interior of Saint George’s Basilica Saint George’s Basilica One of the oldest Bohemian churches and the best-preserved Romanesque building in Prague was founded in 920. Old Royal Palace Th e Old Royal Palace served the Bohemian monarchs until the 16th century. Vladislav Hall Th e largest hall of medieval Prague hosted coronation ceremonies and knights’ tournaments. Gargoyles of Saint Vitus Cathedral Western facade of Saint Vitus Cathedral Th e western part of Saint Vitus Cathedral was completed in 1929. Prague Castle and Hradčany from Petřín Hill Eastern choir of Saint Vitus Cathedral Th e oldest part of the Saint Vitus Cathedral is the eastern choir with fi ve chapels. Golden Lane Th e poorest houses in Prague Castle were home to goldsmiths, castle guards and paupers. Fourth courtyard of Prague Castle Th e fourth courtyard of Prague Castle adjoins the Archbishop’s Palace. Black Tower Th e 12th century stone Black Tower from was used to defend Prague Castle but also asa prison for indebted aristocrats. Daliborka Tower Th e medieval defensive tower with dungeon was two fl oors higher until a fi re in 1781. Sternberg Palace Masterpieces from the collections of the National Gallery in Prague are on display in the Baroque Sternberg Palace. Garden on the Ramparts Th e giant bowl made from one piece of Mrákotín granite was placed in the Garden on the Ramparts in 1924. Hradčany Square Prague’s most beautiful palaces are to be found on Hradčany Square. Archbishop’s Palace Th e impressive Baroque palace on Hradčany Square is the seat of the Archbishops of Prague. Czernin Palace Th e splendid Baroque palace has been the seat of the Ministry of Foreign A airs since 1934. Czernin Palace Garden Th e garden was founded in the middle of the 17th century together with Czernin Palace. Loreta A tower with a carillon constructed in 1694 dominates the area of the Prague Loreta. Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto Th e Loreta Chapel is a copy of the Holy House of Our Lady (Santa Casa) in Loreto..