Sightseeing & Landmarks in Prague

The Old Town is the medieval settlement of Prague that gained its privileges in the 13th century. Initially, it was separated by walls, which were eventually dismantled, but they can still be traced by how the streets are positioned. The Old town became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire when Charles IV transformed Prague into a medieval architectural city. In 1784, when Prague's towns were united together into one city, the Old Town hall became the Government's headquarters.

Address: 110 00 Praha 1, CZ.

The Lesser Town (Lesser Quarter or Lesser Side) is located on the west bank of the Vltava river, on the slopes just below Prague Castle and on the opposite side to the bigger towns of Prague. Lesser Town connects itself to the town through the Charles Bridge. During the Middle ages, it was the main centre of the German citizens of Prague. Extremely pictorial, it is a favourite spot for films and commercials. Famous architectural marvels of this place include Wallenstein Palace, St. Nicholas Church, Church of Our Lady Victorious, Petřín lookout tower etc.

Address: Praha 1, CZ.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert, commonly known as St. Vitus Cathedral, is the largest and also one of the most prominent churches in Malá Strana, Prague. It is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral which was the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. Its brilliant Gothic architecture and interiors make it a must-visit place in Prague. The church is located inside Prague Castle and houses the tombs of many Holy Roman Emperors and kings.

Address: III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1-Hradčany, CZ.

It is a square in the Old Town quarter, located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. Famous architectural highlights of this place include the sculpture of Jan Hus, Tyn church, St. Nicholas Church, the Astronomical Clock and the tower at the Old Town hall. The square is bombarded with people walking around or sitting in cafes enjoying the views. Sometimes concerts and live music shows are organised in the square.

Address: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov, CZ.

Prague Castle, located in Malá Strana, is the biggest ancient castle in the world, spread over 70,000 sq.m. (750,000 sq.ft.), about 570 m (1,870 ft) in length and about 130 m (430ft) wide. It was erected in the 9th century and replaced by a Romanesque palace in the 12th century. It was again rebuilt in the Gothic style under the rule of Charles IV in the 14th century. At the end of the 15th century, a palace reconstruction took place under the Jagellons; Benedikt Rejt added the Vladislav Hall. It underwent further work in the 16th century. Today, it serves as the historical and political centre of Prague and the state. It is the place of the President of the Czech Republic. The Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Monastery, Golden Lane, St. George's Basilica and several other places, the viewing towers, and art galleries are situated in Prague Castle.

Address: Hradčany, 119 08 Praha 1, CZ.

Charles Bridge across the Vltava river in Prague was founded in 1357 by Charles IV in order to replace Judith Bridge, which was severely damaged by floods in 1342. The construction was started by Master Otto and finished by Peter Parler in 1402. The bridge is 516m (1,693 ft) long and nearly 10m (33 ft) wide. Both ends of the bridge are fortified by towers (the Lesser Town Bridge Tower and the Old Town Bridge Tower). From 1683 to 1928, thirty statues and sculptural groups of the saints were gradually installed on the bridge.

Address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, CZ.

Mounted on the Southern wall of the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square is one of the outstanding sights of Prague. The dial is poised with three main components: the astronomical dial that displays various astronomical details as well as representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky; "The Walk of the Apostles" showcases the movement of the figures of the Twelve Apostles passing along the two windows in every hour of daylight; and a calendar dial that rotates and gives the description of every day of the year with an indication of the current date at the top, the medallions with zodiac signs describing every month and a symbol of the Old Town in the centre.

Address: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, CZ.

Josefov is the smallest cadastral area of Prague. Previously, this town square was the Jewish ghetto of the town. Situated between the Old town square and the Vltava river, Josefov represents itself by the flag of Prague's Jewish community, a yellow Magen (Star of David) on a red field. The main attraction of the square is the Jewish Museum, a valuable heritage of the present Czech Republic. The Museum has one of the finest and unique collections of Jewish art, textiles and silver that evokes Jewish history. The ticket to the Museum covers a guided visit to the Old Jewish Cemetery, Ceremonial Hall, Old-New Synagogue, Meisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue and the Klausen Synagogue.

Address: 110 00 Praha 1, CZ

The Lennon Wall, or John Lennon Wall, in Malá Strana, is a graffiti-decorated wall in Prague. Since the death of John Lennon in 1980, this ordinary wall has been filled with Lennon-inspired graffiti and a few pieces of lyrics from the Beatles' songs. John Lennon, a hero to the pacifist youth of Eastern and Central Europe, was an English rock musician, songwriter, artist, singer and a member of the Beatles group. The wall is owned by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which allowed the continuation of the graffiti. The wall continuously undergoes changes, and the original painting of Lennon is lost under the layers of new paints, poems and more, and it has become a symbol of love and peace for the youths.

Address: Velkopřevorské náměstí, 118 00 Praha 1, Malá Strana, CZ.

Located in the Lesser Town of Prague, the Church of St. Nicholas is a Baroque cathedral devoted to the holy Saint Nicholas. It was built in 1704-1755 on the former Gothic church, which was demolished in 1673 and rebuilt in the 18th century. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of 'Prague Baroque'. The church contains a Baroque organ with over 4000 pipes played by Mozart in 1787.

Address: Malostranské nám., 118 00 Praha 1, Malá Strana, CZ.

A centre of business and cultural activities in the New Town of Prague, Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares. Named after Saint Wenceslas, the square is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations and other events or gatherings. This rectangular-shaped place features many landmarks and buildings; the significant landmarks are the National Museum and the statue of Wenceslas.

Address: New Town, 110 00 Praha 1, CZ.

Vyšehrad Castle, also called "Castle on the heights" or "Upper Castle", located on a hill over the Vltava river, is a beautiful place to visit any time. In 1883, Vyšehrad and the surrounding area became a part of Prague and are now one of the cadastral districts of the city. Within the castle are the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Vyšehrad cemetery, which contains the remains of the famous people of the country.

Address: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad, CZ.

The Dancing House, also called Fred and Ginger, is a Nationale-Nederlanden building situated on the Rašín Embankment in Prague. Designed by architect Vlado Milunićin in 1992 and completed in 1996, the building is designed in a very unusual way and resembles a pair of dancers. It has now become a famous landmark and a centre for various cultural activities.

Address: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, CZ.

The Church of Mother of God before Týn, or simply the Tyn Church, is a prominent structure of the Old Town in Prague. The building consists of 80m high towers surrounded by our small spires and is a sight to behold. The church was founded in the 14th century and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.

Address: Staroměstské náměstí 604, 110 00 Praha 1, CZ.

A 63.5m (208ft.) high steel-framework tower in Prague resembles the Eiffel Tower, though it is much shorter than it. Built in 1891 on the top of Petřín Hill, it was used as a transmission and observation tower. A major tourist attraction of Prague, the tower is a bit of a tiresome climb. The hill is around half an hour's walk upwards and gets slippery during snowfall. The tower has an elevator for disabled people. One can get a fantastic view of Prague's Skyline on clear days. On the main level is a small cafeteria and a gift shop, and on the lowest level is a museum of Jára Cimrman.

Address: Petřínské sady 633, 118 00 Praha 1, Malá Strana, CZ.

Standing high above the city's traditional skyline, the Žižkov Television Tower was built in Prague between 1985 and 1992 on the top of a hill in the district of Žižkov. This tower has become an attraction for tourists due to its unique design that resembles a rocket launch pad. It comprises three concrete pillars, a restaurant, a cafe and three observation rooms. Measuring 216 metres (709 feet) high, the tower has elevators to take its passengers to different levels. It is also used as a meteorological observatory.

Address: Mahlerovy sady 12, Praha 3, CZ.

The statue of the infant Jesus of Prague, housed in the Church of Our Lady Victorious, is definitely worth a visit, regardless of your faith. The church is a holy pilgrimage sight, where thousands of visitors come every year to pay homage to the statue of Jesus. There are many legends associated with this statue. It is said to have saved Prague from the ravages of war. Many believe the statue holds magical powers, particularly for would-be mothers. The altar where the infant Jesus rests is also adorned with other figures made from gold and silver.

Address: Karmelitská 9, Malá Strana, 118 00 Praha 1, CZ.

Loreta is a pilgrimage destination in the Hradčany district of Prague. The Loreta was built with the intention of replicating the original home of the Virgin Mary, 'Santa Casa'. It was founded in the year 1626 by Katerina Lobkowicz. The star attraction of the chapel is the peal that was constructed from thirty bells. A beautiful red altar adorned with intricate silver works, and relief panels on the walls make a splendid greeting sight.

Address: Loretánské nám. 7, 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, CZ.