PRAGUE: The mother of cities
Destinations by Vaclav Kucaba | 01.03.2020
Prague Castle is the biggest castle complex in the world - Shutterstock
Prague, also known as the “head of the kingdom” or “the mother of cities”, is the 5th most visited city in Europe. In 2016 it became the 6th best tourist destination in the world according to TripAdvisor.
The capital and largest city of the Czech Republic was founded according to legend on the Vltava River in the 8th century. However, the first archaeological findings indicate the first settlement around 200 BC, later known as the city of Casurgis. The greatest boom of Prague occurred during the reign of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, who made Prague an imperial residence and wanted to make it the capital of the empire. Prague also played an important role in the years to come, when it gradually outlasted the First and Second World War and subsequently the Soviet occupation.
Recommended stops in Prague
Prague Castle
is the largest ancient castle in the world, founded in the 9th century. In one of its four courtyards you will find the Saint Vitus Cathedral. The saint Vitus Cathedral served as a ceremonial place for coronation of Czech kings in the past, and also as a place of their last rest. Alongside the remains of Czech monarchs are deposited the Crown Jewels. Not far from the cathedral is the famous Golden Lane with houses from the 16th century, now serving as a gallery or shops. The castle also includes several important buildings, such as the Prague Castle Riding School, Ball Room of Prague Castle and several magnificent gardens.
Strahov Monastery
Not far from the Prague Castle you can visit the Strahov Monastery (Mons Sion) with its famous library and picture gallery and a little further from there, you can ascend to the Petřín Lookout Tower, the little sister of the Eifel Tower, which offers a much nicer view.