An important tourist attraction appeared thanks to the unification of several settlements in the 8th century. The old city is the intersection of trade routes, from where endless carts of merchants stretched from West to East and back. In the central part there was a market, not a cathedral or a fortress. 100 years later, Christian buildings began to be created, and already in the 10th century. The land was occupied by representatives of the first princely dynasty of the Přemyslids.
The rapid development of trade entailed large-scale construction of houses, some of which were carried away by a flood in 1118. In 1158, the Judith Bridge, the second in Europe, appeared. Later, the famous Charles Bridge was rebuilt in its place for the movement of pedestrians. City status was achieved in 1338 during the reign of Charles IV. In the 13th century The threat of a Tatar invasion of Europe grew, so it was decided to build fortifications for a territory of 140 hectares. The total length of the walls was 1700 meters.
In 1784, Stare Mesto became a district of Prague 1. In 1983, a global restructuring took place, during which some of the old buildings were demolished and new ones were erected in their place. The emergence of residential high-rise buildings helped clear out slums and generally transform the appearance of the city.
Architectural features
In a limited area, a variety of architectural styles miraculously coexist. Here there are houses designed in cubism and baroque, and here there are beautiful examples of modernism and renaissance. You can also see Gothic and Romanesque styles here. Each historical monument is shrouded in legend or has its own true story that takes you back to the Middle Ages.
Charles Bridge is a beautiful work of architecture. The Kinski Palace, in the late Baroque style, is one of the main places to attract tourists. The Tyn Church is well preserved, based on early Gothic and Romanesque foundations. On the larger area of the façade, Baroque can be discerned. During restorations in different centuries, it was possible to preserve the originality of the temple and altar. The Old Town Hall with its Gothic chapel, the construction of which began in 1338, is considered a special architectural object.
Must see
When visiting the Old Town, you can see more objects than during a long tour of Western Europe. Houses, churches, chapels, towers are located nearby, and every stone of any building can tell its own amazing story.
Charles Bridge is the calling card of the Old Town with many historical monuments. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when tourists do not crowd around the buildings. A half-kilometer-long pedestrian bridge connects Stare Mesto and Mala Strana. At the base, the blocks of its predecessor, the Judith Bridge, are visible from the water. Since 1995, an annual marathon for runners has been held here, and during this time the passage is closed to tourists.
Old Town Square with Town Hall
In the heart of the Old Town district there are many historical buildings of different styles. The town hall dates from the 14th century. The construction of the Tyn Temple, located nearby, was completed two centuries later. Against the backdrop of medieval buildings stands the monument to Jan Hus, unveiled in 1915. The astronomical clock, 3 meters in diameter, puts on a real performance every hour.
Therefore, once you are on the square, you should definitely wait for the next chime. Their first mention dates back to 1402, although the exact date of creation remains a mystery.
The Temple of the Virgin Mary was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The attraction attracts with its architecture, created on the basis of early Gothic and Romanesque motifs, and is a three-nave basilica. The walls are decorated with paintings from the life of Jesus Christ. The later Baroque decoration does not overshadow, but, on the contrary, emphasizes the individuality and peculiarity of the structure. In the 17th century, after a fire, both towers burned down, and in their place new ones appeared, each 80 meters high. Baroque also replaced Gothic in the Old Town of Prague. The temple reliably protects ancient artifacts that are of world value. On the ancient walls of 19 altars there are bas-reliefs of the Madonna and Child, the apostles and many other biblical characters.
Guests of the Old Town will be interested in the Jewish Town Hall, Staronovaya, Pinkasova, Klausova, Vysoka and Maiselova synagogues. Get closer to the Powder Tower, stroll through the Jewish Quarter, take photos against the backdrop of the Lesser Town and Old Town Bridge Towers.
Famous historical figures who left their mark on literature and art walked along the ancient pavements and cobbled streets of the Old Town of Prague: Marina Tsvetaeva, Franz Kafka, Luciano Pavarotti, Gustav Meyrink and many others. When relaxing between visits to cultural and historical places, it is worth trying national cuisine in a local restaurant or cafe, or buying a souvenir made from real Czech glass as a gift for relatives, friends, and colleagues.
Old Town It is notable for its beautiful medieval streets, majestic buildings and picturesque palace architecture. Every street in Prague is like a gallery of art monuments, preserving the heritage of medieval times, which includes all the architectural sights of the ancient quarters of the city.
Old Town Square in the historical center of Prague in the 12th century. was a market. In the 60s of the last century, the square was declared a pedestrian zone, and traffic was prohibited here. Over the course of its history, the square has changed several names; it acquired its current name only in 1895. This is the largest square in Prague. Now the Old Town Square is surrounded by houses in a variety of architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Rococo and Renaissance. Old Town Square is famous for several attractions: the 14th century City Hall is located here. with chimes from 1410, Tyn Church from 1365, Krocinova Kaszna fountain, memorial plaque of the Marian Pillar from 1650, built in honor of the liberation of the city from the Swedes. There is also a monument to Jan Hus from 1915.
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To the south of the Old Town Square is Small square (Malé námĕstí). One of the main attractions here is the fountain located in the center, enclosed by a 16th-century Gothic forged lattice. with gilded figures of the “Bohemian lion” and angels. Another attraction of Small Square is Rotta's house (dům U Rotta)- the first stone house that has changed many owners over several centuries. In 1890 the house was rebuilt in the New Renaissance style with stunning allegorical frescoes on the façade.
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Křížovnické náměstí Square, surrounded by famous Prague landmarks, is one of the key central locations in the city. .jpg)
In the Middle Ages, the royal route passed through Křizovnice Square, located in the Old Town. The square is located near the Bridge Tower of Charles Bridge - the most beautiful tower in Prague of all buildings in the Gothic style: the tower is crowned with coats of arms and sculptures of the rulers of the Czech Republic. A significant detail in the appearance of the Bridge Tower is the image of a kingfisher bird, symbolic of the Czech king Wenceslas IV. From here, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Vltava River and views of the outskirts of Prague. The central part of the square is the monument to Charles IV of 1848 in the neo-Gothic style. The monument was erected in honor of the 500th anniversary of Charles University. The square is famous for three attractions. Here you can find the Baroque Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church of St. Salvador and the Gothic Old Town Bridge Tower, built in medieval times for defensive purposes.
Fruit Market Square (náměstí Ovocný trh) got its name back in the Middle Ages, when it was on this elongated square of irregular shape that a large fruit market was located, which in turn was part of the large Havel market. Nowadays, only arches in the Gothic style have survived from the ancient structures. This square overlooks the Estates Theater (Stavovské divadlo) (one of the most beautiful in Europe), the Carolinium (the main building of Charles University) and the House of the Black Madonna - a masterpiece of cubism from the beginning of the last century, designed by József Goczar. In winter, an impressively sized skating rink is opened on the square, attracting many visitors to Prague.
House “At the Black Madonna” (Dům U černé Matky Boží) 1911-1912 by architect Josef Gočár, it was built in the style of Czech Cubism on the site of the ancient house “At the Golden Lattice”, owned by the Knights of Granovsky. At the beginning of the 20th century. the building gained great popularity in Prague thanks to the events held here .jpg)
exhibitions of works by cubists of the creative group “Osma”. In our time, the House of the Black Madonna is the most striking example of cubism. The house currently houses a museum, the exhibitions of which are collected by the works of the Art and National Museums and Galleries of Prague. Here you can see original objects of art, furniture, paintings belonging to the creations of Janak, Goczar, Hofmann, as well as Emil Filla, Capek, Kubin, Kubishta, Guttfreund, etc. Temporary exhibitions are held in the halls of the top floor. Opposite the house. “At the Black Madonna” there is a monastery of the templars. Nearby is the Sixt House - another landmark named after the owners who lived here in the 16th century. Many famous personalities lived here: Johannes Faust, Franz Kafka, Francesco Petrarch and Philip Fabricius. The name of Franz Kafka is also associated with the house “At the Three Kings” (dům U tří králů), which has been perfectly preserved since the 14th century. until our time.
Dům U černé Matky Boží,
Celetna 34, 11000, Praha 1 (Prague - Old Town), CZ
Coal Market Square (Uhelný trh) in front of St. Havel's Cathedral - this is the western part of Havel Place, 560 m long, dating back to 1265 (the time of King Přemysl Otakar II).
This place is notable for the fact that a feast was held here in 1347 in honor of the coronation of Charles IV. In the old days, the coal market was nicknamed the cabbage market.
Then they started selling charcoal here, which gave the place a new name. There are 2 fountains on the square from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Royal Road appeared in the distant Middle Ages, at the end of the 14th century, when the residence of the monarch was located at the Royal Court. The coronation invariably took place in St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Víta), where the Royal Road led. The procession began on Celetnaya Street, crossed Old Town Square, and walked along Charles Street across the bridge to Prague Castle. Bakeries settled on Tseletnaya Street at that time. The famous Powder Tower of the 15th century. located right here. One of the buildings on Tseletnaya Street housed an ancient mint. It was here that clashes between the residents of Prague and the Habsburg troops took place. M. Bakunin took part in the riots. The house "At the Golden Angel", where at that time there was a hotel, was the headquarters of the revolutionaries. This house keeps many secrets, and its dungeon passages lead to the Tyn Temple, where in the Middle Ages representatives of the Templar Order, which was officially abolished at the beginning of the 14th century, gathered. and subsequently existed as a secret society. One of the streets of Prague - Templarska - is named in honor of the Order of the Templars.
Powder Tower (Prašná brána) on Republic Square, 65 m high, built in 1474 on the site of an ancient tower of the 13th century. and was supposed to become one of the 13 gates leading to the Old City. Historically, the tower was never completed. At the beginning of the 18th century. Gunpowder was stored in the tower, which gave it its current name. The tower was slightly damaged during the Prussian siege in 1757, but the appearance of the Gothic structure remained almost unchanged. In 1823, chimes were installed at the top of the tower, which were removed in 1878, when the architect Joseph Moker worked on the tower, trying to give the tower its original appearance. The 2nd floor of the powder tower is an observation deck, where a spiral staircase of 186 steps leads.
Prašná brána,
U Prasne brany, 11000, Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
Charles Street is full of sights, myths and legends. This is one of the most remarkable streets in Prague. The peculiarity of Charles Street is that it has two very sharp turns. From Charles Street you can see the Clam-Gallasův palác, the façade of which is clearly visible only at an acute angle due to the medieval buildings somewhat blocking it.
On Seminarskaya street there is a dark and gloomy house “At the Black Star”, dating back to 1600 and painted in the sgraffito technique common at that time, barely distinguishable from time to time.
The small Vlaska Chapel (Vlašská kaple) is hidden behind the Church of St. Clement. If you stand opposite the church, then Liliova Street opens from Karlova Street. The house “At the Golden Snake” (U Zlatého hada) is located here. It belonged to the first founder of coffee shops in Prague - Deodat Damayan. The Gothic house was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Nearby is the house “At the Stone Mermaid” (U kamenné mořské panny), about whose first owners there are many legends.
Shopping street Na Příkopě: Historically, this street separated the Old and New Towns. Cafes have been located here for a long time. During the First Republic, the cafes were demolished and replaced by shops, and the street became a shopping street. Now there are many different shops here. The street's attractions are the Baroque Silva Tarucchi Palace with Platzer sculptures on the roof, the Slavic House of Count Jean Vernier de Rougemont from 1700 (other names are the German House).
Building of the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University (Filozofická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy)
Charles University 1348 - the first in all of Europe. The Faculty of Philosophy was founded among the first four. The basis of university education in the 14th century. consisted of the study of the liberal arts that make up the trivinium: literacy, rhetoric and didactics. The Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University was equated to the Faculty of Liberal Arts. Only after graduation it was possible to continue studying at other faculties.
Now it is one of the largest faculties of Charles University, where there are 16 departments, 30 scientific institutes and more than 40 libraries.
Filozofická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy,
Namesti Jana Palacha 2, 11638, Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
Monument to Jan Husa on Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí).
Jan Hus is the founder of a new religious movement symbolizing the unity of the Czech people, a supporter of reforms in the church and a preacher known throughout Europe for his opposition to the Habsburg dynasty of 1391-1434. Jan Hus was recognized as a heretic and executed, which led to a 20-year confrontation that went down in history as the Hussite War. The monument to the founder of the Hussite movement was erected on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the national hero in 1915 on Old Town Square by sculptor Ladislav Shalun and represents a whole composition of symbolic images. These images represent the ideas of the Hussite movement and the fate of the Czech people. The monument to Jan Hus became symbolic for the square.
Pomnik Jana Husa,
Bridge tower in the Old Town (Staroměstská mostecká věž).
On the way to the Charles Bridge from the Old Town there is a medieval tower in the Gothic style 48 m high. Its creator was the court architect, the German architect Peter Parler. The facade of the tower is decorated with sculptures of the legendary Charles IV, his son Wenceslas IV, sculptures of saints, the coat of arms of the empire and the kingfisher bird, which became a symbol for Wenceslas IV. After the foundation of the Charles Bridge was laid, a tower was built. It was rebuilt for defensive purposes to protect the bridge. The rather gloomy and majestic Gothic tower has survived quite well to this day. It is noteworthy that the two opposite walls of the Bridge Tower were identical until the Swedish siege in 1648, when the ornamentation on one of the walls was somewhat destroyed.
Staroměstská mostecká věž,
Karluv Most, 11800, Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
Old Town Hall founded in 1338 by King John of Luxembourg for a meeting of the Prague Council and consists of several buildings. First, the main central tower was built, symbolic of the Old Town Square. Over time, a whole ensemble of buildings appeared around the tower, and it itself was completed several times and was completed in 1364. The height of the main tower is 70 meters, at the very top there is an observation deck with stunning views of Prague. The main attraction of the tower is the main Prague Astronomical Clock of 1410, with which many legends are associated.
Main Courant of Prague, astronomical clock of the Old Town (Astronomické hodiny).
The legendary clock of Prague from 1410, also called the Prague Eagle (Pražský orloj), is located on the tower of the Old Town Town Hall (Staroměstské radnice) from 1364. The 69.5 m high tower is symbolic for the city. The watch was created by a watchmaker 
King Mikulas from Kadan and the master of the University of Prague, astronomer Jan Schindel, and for a long time remained the only one of their kind in the whole world. 80 years after its creation, the clock was updated by watchmaker Hanush from Rosa. In the middle of the 17th century. years, the chimes were decorated with wooden sculptures depicted in symbolic scenes on the theme of virtue and vice: “Avarice,” “Fashion,” “Voluptuousness” and “The Last Judgment” with the key figure of the Archangel Michael with a sword.
The astronomical clock consists of three parts, located one above the other, indicating: the procession of the apostles, the dial of the astronomical clock and the calendar.
Every hour the apostles and Jesus appear before the audience. The figure of a skeleton ringing a bell reminds us of the transience of life. The earth on the astronomical dial is depicted according to the laws of geocentrism, with Prague located in the center. The dial depicts the Universe and displays each time of day. Three golden circles represent the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and the equator. The copper calendar circle is divided into two rings. The inner ring contains a circle of copies of 24 medallions created by the artist Joseph Manes in 1866, depicting the signs of the zodiac, the seasons and scenes from the life of the common people.
Staroměstská radnice,
Staroměstské náměstí, 11000, Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
New Town Hall (Nova radnice)- Municipal House on Marianské námĕstí, a majestic building, an architectural treasure of the Czech capital, one of the most significant cultural treasures of the city. It occupies an entire block and dates back to 1911. Famous architects and sculptors of the country worked on the external appearance of the building: Šaloun, Polivka, Maržatka, Strunz, Schuchard, etc. From 1945 to the present day, the governor’s office and the magistrate of Prague sit here. The New Town Hall houses the legendary hall of the Czech composer Smetana, where the world-famous Prague Spring festival takes place every year. The building is decorated with sculptures of the country's heroes, artistic reliefs and scenes from the history of the Czech Republic. It was in the New Town Hall that important events took place that influenced the fate of the Czech people.
In 1419, a meeting of the Hussites, who refused to obey King Sigismund, took place in the town hall; here in the XV-XVI centuries. outstanding political figures of the country worked. 1619 was marked by the beginning of the uprising against the Habsburg dynasty; the National Committee proclaimed its power in the building of the New Town Hall.
One of the attractions of the New Town Hall is the “Black Man” - a sculpture located on the side of Platneshskaya Street and created by Shaloun, about which there are legends.
Nova radnice,
Marianske namesti 2/2, 11000, Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
House "At the Stone Lamb" (U kamenneho beránka) XV century in the Renaissance, Romanesque and early Gothic styles is located on the south side of the Old Town Square. Nearby are the “Krizhov House”, the houses “At the Stone Virgin Mary”, “At the Stone Table”, “Sikstov House”. The house “At the Stone Lamb” was restored in 1945 after a fire.
House “At the Stone Bell” (U kamenného zvonu) XIII - XIV centuries. built in Gothic style. It is noteworthy that the house was built until 1980-1987. hid all the secrets of its exterior under a layer of neo-Baroque plaster. The stunning architectural features and elaborate Gothic tracery of 1685 were revealed during the restoration of the house, returning the building to its original mid-14th century late Gothic appearance. The main attraction, thanks to which the medieval house acquired its real name, is an ancient bell carved from stone on one of the walls. Since 1988, Prague's exhibition galleries and concert events have been held here.
U kamenneho beránka,
Staroměstské náměstí, 551/17, 11000. Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
House “At the Golden Well” or the house “At the Red Chair” on Charles Street, which connects the Royal Court with Prague Castle and the royal residence located there. A stunning monument of architecture of the Middle Ages in the Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles, which once belonged to Emperor Rudolf II, the house “At the Golden Well” is located at the intersection of Karlova and Seminarska streets. The main windows of the house overlook the Charles Bridge. The well from which the house got its name has long been known for its clean water. The second name of the house “At the Red Chair” (dům U Červené sesle) is associated with the name of Nuncio Spinelli, who lived here during the reign of Rudolf II, devoting himself to the cause of re-Catholicization of the Czech Republic. He owned a chair made of red linen, to which the house later owed its second name. In the 19th century a beer hall was opened in the house, the windows of which overlooked the ancient city. This place was incredibly popular in Prague; many famous artists of those times often gathered here. The house was rebuilt several times. The decoration of the house is impressive with its luxurious paintings and rich decoration. In one of the basements there are underground passages used by the Jesuits. The façade of the house amazes with its rich decor and amazing color. It is decorated with many details, including images of Jesuits, angels and some saints: the Virgin Mary, St. John of Nepomuk, Saints Roch, Ignatius, Sebastian, Francis Xavier, Wenceslas and Rosalia. A remarkable detail is the 19th century porch. architect Jozew Malinski depicting the scene of the meeting of Christ and the Samaritan woman. Now the house is a hotel with a wonderful terrace. All this splendor is clearly visible from Seminarskaya Street.
U zlate studně,
Karlova 175/3, 11000, Praha (Prague - Old Town), CZ
Charles Bridge on the Vltava River (Prague Bridge, Stone Bridge)- this is one of the oldest bridges in Europe, one of two perfectly preserved ancient bridges in the Czech Republic. The bridge is supported by 16 supports, its length is 516 m, width 9.5 m.
The bridge was founded in 1357 by King Charles IV, with the aim of connecting the Small Town - "Mala Strana" with the Old Town "Stare Mesto" and opened in 1402. The name Charles Bridge was established in 1870 on the initiative of Karl Borovsky.
The first public library in Prague appeared in 1891. Subsequently, it grew and moved several times. By the beginning of the 20s of the XIX century. there were about 260 thousand volumes here, the number of which was growing all the time. There wasn't enough space in the room. The new library building, designed by the architect Royt, was built in 1928 with a cultural center, premises for concerts, exhibitions and lectures. On the site of the old library building there are now two underground lecture halls. The municipal library building houses the residence of the mayor of Prague, which occupies a significant part of the premises.
Marianske namesti 1, Praha 1 (Prague - Old Town), CZ
Prague Public Representation House (Obecní dům) was created by architects Antonin Balshanek and Osvald Polivki in 1905-1911 to become the center of spiritual and social life of the capital of the Czech Republic. The best architects and artists of the country were invited to implement the project. Once upon a time, the Royal Court was located on the site of the Prague Public House. The impressive, majestic halls, salons and endless galleries of this emblematic building for Prague are distinguished by their highly artistic design. The most luxurious is considered to be the “Salon de Mer” with allegorical frescoes by the artist Alphonse Mucha. The central hall of the house is dedicated to the famous Czech composer Smetana. Concerts and all kinds of events are held here. The hall is decorated with sculptures by Shaloun and frescoes by Shpillar.
Obecni dům,
Namesti Republiky, 1090/5, Praha 1 (Prague - Old Town), CZ
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COUNTRY CHARACTERISTICS
- Currency: Czech crown (CZK)
- Language: Czech
- Religion: Catholicism, Protestantism
- Population: 10,512,200
- Climate: Temperate
- Place in the world by GDP: 44
- World rank by GDP per capita: 35
- Country credit rating according to Fitch rating scale: A+
- Number of UNESCO monuments: 12
The Old Town was the original site of settlement in Prague, which arose at an important crossroads of trade routes between the west, east and along the banks of the Vltava back in the 8th century. The first Christian buildings are mentioned in the 9th century. In the 10th century, the Přemyslids had already settled in Prague. A century later, trade was actively developed here. The city was on the other side of Prague Castle, which gave her some freedom. Stare Mesto was located in a low area; the Czech Chronicle speaks of a flood in 1118 that carried away many houses.
In 1158, the Judith Bridge was built, the predecessor of the Charles Bridge, the second bridge in Europe. It connected Stare Mesto and Mala Strana.
It is generally believed that in the 12th century only the castles in Prague (Prague Castle, Vysehrad) were protected by walls. The absence of walls became especially dangerous when there was a risk of Tatar invasion in Central Europe at the beginning of the 13th century. Therefore, Wenceslas I ordered to surround the cities with walls, protect them with wood and stone, and force monks and secularists to build ditches and ramparts. It is assumed that the fortifications were completed before 1250. They had a total length of 1700 meters and limited an area of 140 hectares.
In the 18th century, Joseph II began to implement numerous reforms. During the short 10 years of his reign (1780-1790), he managed to radically change Prague. By decree of 1784, he ordered to unite the Prague cities into one - hlavní město Praha, then Stare Mesto became Prague I, New Mesto - Prague II, Lesser Town - Prague III, Hradcany - Prague IV. Joseph II dissolved many church institutions, medieval organizations, and courts. A magistrate was appointed as a governing body in Prague, who began to be located in the Old Town Hall. To do this, it had to be partially rebuilt; the medieval hall was destroyed. The Emperor established building codes, fire codes, and recommended approval of projects with an emphasis on strength and correctness and on the straightness of the streets. In fact, he brought the same thoughts that dominated the reconstruction of Prague 100 years later.
Sights and museums
The Public House (1905-1911) is a luxurious example of Prague Art Nouveau, built on the site of the ruins of the Royal Court. Above the portal there is a mosaic “Adoration of Prague” and the coat of arms of Prague, the Hall of the Mayors is painted by A. Mucha with images on national themes, and the main hall is named after the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. All this clearly indicates that the house was built at a time when all the attention of society was focused on national culture and history. On October 28, 1918, the independent Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed here.
The Powder Gate, preserved next to the Public House, was built from the 15th to the 16th centuries. In the 18th century a powder warehouse was built in the tower - hence the name. The current appearance of the tower is the result of restoration in 1886. Now the tower houses a historical exhibition (Apr.-Sept. 10.00-18.00, Oct.-March 10.00-17.00).
Old Town Square is the main square of the Old Town. On its eastern side rises the Gothic Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn with two pointed towers (1339-1511). The interior of the church is decorated with paintings made in the 18th century by the court artist K. Shkreta. The heads of those 12 nobles who were executed for participating in the Battle of White Mountain and hung on public display on the Charles Bridge are buried in the cathedral. The entrance to the temple from the square is under the arcades.
The main attraction of the square is the Astronomical Clock. This is not only a clock that shows the time of day, but also the month and the current season. In addition, they show the signs of the zodiac (traditional zodiac), the position of the sun and the holidays of the Christian calendar. Every hour, the figure of death (skeleton) appears and rings the bell, after which the figures of the twelve apostles appear above. Additionally, when the rooster crows, figurines appear such as the Turk shaking his head in disbelief, the Miser looking at his bag of gold, and Vanity looking at himself in the mirror.
The oldest parts of the clock are the mechanical clock and the astronomical disc, which both date back to 1410. It is believed that the clock façade and calendar were added around 1490. The statues were added in the 17th century, and the apostles were added during renovations from 1865 to 1866.
Visitors can also climb inside the clock tower for breathtaking views of the city's red rooftops.
The Town Hall is the main building on the square. In the Middle Ages, the town hall was the center of political life in Prague. After the May Uprising on May 8, 1945, only the tower and a small fragment of the adjacent house survived. There is an observation deck on the tower (entrance through the tourist office, Apr.-Oct. 9.00-18.00, Nov.-March 9.00-17.00). On the southern wall of the town hall there are very interesting astronomical chimes of Orloy. Every hour, windows at the top of the clock open and 12 apostles “pass” behind them. Other figures also begin to move. A crowd of tourists gathers to see this, and the picture as a whole comes out very funny.
The monument to Jan Hus (1915) in the northern part of the square was erected on the 500th anniversary of the death of the preacher and became one of the symbols of the independent Czech Republic.
The Church of St. James was founded by Wenceslas I in 1232, and at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries. rebuilt in Baroque style. The interior of the church is luxurious: there are 21 altars, the remains of noble nobles were laid to rest in richly decorated sarcophagi, and the local organ is the largest and oldest in the Czech Republic. Do not be alarmed when you see a dried human hand hanging on a hook at the entrance to the temple - this is the hand of a thief who was punished by the Virgin Mary herself during an attempted robbery.
One of the most crooked streets in Prague - Karlova - leads from the Small Square to the Charles Bridge. On such tourist pedestrian streets of Prague, it can be nice to get lost and just wander from a restaurant to a pub, from a pub to a souvenir shop, and after leaving the store, go back to the cafe.
There are interesting museums in Stare Mesto: the Museum of Czech Cubism, the Smetana Museum, the Naprstek Historical and Cultural Museum, the Kafka Museum. By the way, you shouldn’t be fooled by the “Fly, Museum” sign on a building near Old Town Square. The Mucha Museum is located in the Nove Mesto area, and is simply a tourist attraction for the sale of reproductions.
Data
- The designation “Old Town” stuck when Emperor Charles IV founded Nove Mesto in the 14th century. In the northwestern part of Stare Mesto, bordering the Vltava, is the Prague Jewish Town.
- The old place was built around a huge market square. Only almost 300 years later, under King Wenceslas I, the city was surrounded by a powerful fortress wall and received city rights.
- The Old Town Hall and tower were built on Old Town Square. A clock and calendar were installed on the tower.
- The Czech kings moved their residence here in the 15th century.
- Next to the Old Town Tower is Crusader Square, where a monument was erected to the 500th anniversary of the founding of Prague (Charles) University.
- In 1556, the monks of the Jesuit order built the Clementinum in Stare Mesto, an educational institution entirely subordinate to the Catholic Church.
- After 1893, part of the medieval quarters of Stare Mesto was demolished and the area was rebuilt.
- The Jewish Quarter grew up in the city in the mid-13th century. Jews lived separately from the Christian population, so they could not participate in the political life of the city, and they were often subjected to pogroms. Jews finally received civil and political rights on Czech soil only in 1848.
- In 1850, the Prague Ghetto became one of the quarters of Prague. It was given the name “Josefov”, in honor of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, who issued the first decrees on equalizing the rights of Jews with the local population.
- During the clearing of slums at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, most of the old buildings that stood here were demolished, and multi-storey residential buildings were built in their place.
- The royal road ran along Celetnaya Street in Stare Mesto.
Fabulous, fascinating and large Prague, as it were, unites several cities, each of which has its own unique history. And, of course, the most unusual of them is the Old Town. The name speaks for itself: in this part of Prague the most outstanding architectural, cultural and other historical monuments are located. Even those who have never been to Prague have probably heard about the famous City Hall, Charles Bridge, Tyn Church, Old Town Square, etc. However, walks through the Old Town can become for you not only excursions through traditional tourist destinations, but also completely unexpected trips . Works of great masters, house museums, frescoes, sculptures and monuments of various styles and eras - many amazing, intriguing, and sometimes funny discoveries await you on literally every street of the Old Town.
Sights of the Old Town:
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Stare Mesto(Old Town) is the historical district of Prague, where you will want to return again and again. Numerous Gothic temples, luxurious palaces and crooked medieval streets will look a little different each time, depending on the time of year and even the lighting. It will take more than one attempt to notice the smoothness of the lines, appreciate the grace of the curves, and be enchanted by the imagination of the architects. However, why rush in a city where eternity reigns?..
Celetna
It is customary to start excursions around the Old City from: firstly, the Royal Route began from there, and secondly, this is a really convenient place to start.
Czech kings moved along Celetna Street, where in the Middle Ages lived bakers and confectioners who specialized in baking pretzels called tsalny. From those times, of course, no buildings have survived, however, there is something to see along the way. For example, on your left hand you will see the bulky building of the mint. It is noteworthy because in the middle of the 19th century, clashes began here between Austro-Hungarian soldiers and townspeople dissatisfied with the “Habsburg regime.”
Another notable object on Tseletnaya is house "At the Black Mother of God"(No. 34). It is considered a magnificent example of Czech Cubism.
At the very end of the street, pay attention to the ancient house No. 2. A long time ago, this premises was bought by a certain Sixtus, who later gave the house his name. There is genuine evidence that Francesco Petrarch and Johannes Faust lived here. For some time, 5-year-old Franz Kafka also lived here. As a teenager, he again settled on Tseletnaya in the house “At the Three Kings” (No. 3).
Old Town Square
Old Town Square (Staromestske namest?) will open to you in all its splendor and diversity. It is possible that your eyes will run wild from the abundance presented in this iconic corner of old Prague.
Coming out of Celetna, turn right and admire the wonderful Gothic (Panny Marie pred Tynem). It began to be built in the 14th century, and was completed only at the beginning of the 16th century (in 1511). The Tyn Church is famous for the fact that at one time it was the main cathedral of the Hussites. As if out of fear that a similar story would not repeat itself, in 1621 the church was given to the Jesuit order. Also a must see is the magnificent Tyn courtyard Ungelt(Ungelt), built for overseas merchants conducting trade operations in the Czech capital.
Adjacent to the Church of the Virgin Mary before Tyn Golts-Kinsky Palace(palac Golz-Kinskych) is notable in addition to its interesting architecture in that it was erected with some suspicious care. Well, how else can you explain why the construction of a building should be hidden behind a fence for 10 years.
The sculptural composition dedicated to Jan Hus, despite its impressive green appearance, was placed on Staromak relatively recently, at the height of the First World War. I don’t know why, but many people say that Prague residents don’t like Hus. Maybe the fact is that the area around the monument is favored by teenagers?..
Fruit market
And our route will end at the Fruit Market Square (Ovocny trh), where you can walk, for example, along Havelska Street, along the way looking at (Sv. Gavla), combining a Baroque exterior and a Gothic interior.
On the square we will be interested in two, in their own way, interesting buildings. Firstly, this Carolinum– the main building of the University of Prague. Try to find the image of the Green Man on the bay window - they say it brings good luck. And, secondly, we have come such a long way to appreciate perhaps the most elegant theater building in the EU - Prague (Stavovske divadlo). As you look around, don't miss the statue of the Stone Guest sitting on the corner.
