Prague was the capitalof the Holy Roman Empire, a federation that counted former Germanprincipalities and Austria as part of its sphere of influence, and later, of Czechoslovakia.After occupation during World War Two, the country fell under the Communistsphere of influence until liberation in 1989. A split from Slovakia led to thecreation of The Czech Republic as we know it today. Prague is both the capitalof the Czech Republic and of the Bohemia region, and has 1.3 millioninhabitants. Many of Prague’s inhabitants barelyspeak English, but most guides do so.
If you've spent a few hours in Prague,you can admire almost all major architectural styles: Renaissance, Gothic,Baroque, Art Nouveau and Modernism. Three of these styles even come together inone building: Our Lady of Tyn (Týnský Chrám). The most famous modern buildingof the town is the Dancing House (Tančící Dum).
Make sure you pay a visit to the beautiful CharlesBridge (Karlův Most), an attraction in and of itself, as well as the best pointto access both sides of the Vltava. The Vltava River separates the historic OldTown (Stare Mesto) from the Lesser (Lesser Town), where the gigantic complex ofthe Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is located.
Take a trip to VysehradCastle to stroll through the lovely gardens and historic fortificationsthat overlook Prague. The ornate Jewish cemetery is well worth a visit too, asis the exhibition about life in the Middle Ages in the Powder Tower (PrašnáBrana).
Prague is pleasantlywarm in summer. While it may be cold in winter, the town offers a picturesquesight when it snows. Whatever the weather is, it's always the perfect time totry out the delicious local delicacies and affordable Czech beer.
Take in the view of the spires of the majesticchurches that populate the city, such as St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv.Víta). Or, even better, climb one of the many yourself and discover why Praguethe "City of a Hundred Spires". The medieval walls, the terracottaroofs and chimneys this historical Central European city really does have afairytale appearance. And when combined with adding the many art treasures andthe nightlife, it is not hard to understand why Pragueis such a popular travel destination.
