Prague: A City Of Rich History

Born in Austria, raised in Africa, lived in Indonesia & Australia, studied in the US & is exploring the world.
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March 5, 2012 • Czech Republic• 4 Comments • 19,955 Views

Prague: A City Of Rich History In The Heart Of Europe.

It’s been almost ten years since I’ve last visited Prague. I know it’s a shame but I couldn’t really remember that much of it. Prague was the last stop on my three-week bus trip through Europe. With only one full day, I was unable to get a real feeling for this beautiful city. This time, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake.

History & Culture Of Prague.

Many visitors who come to Prague run from one attraction to the next, without really knowing the diverse history of this capital. In other cities like Rome, London or Paris, one feels historically at home right away, since the history of each city plays a great role in Western society. Prague is different. I mean honestly, do you know anything about Prague and its historical value for Europe?

I didn’t know that much either. But since my father is a history-freak, I found out that Prague was the capital site of the Habsburger Empire under Rudolf II. Quite something for this “unknown” city if you ask me … Anyway, the city once was so tightly bound to what we call Western Europe today, that in the 17th century it was enough to through two catholic town councils and a secretary out of Prague’s castle to start a war; a war that would last 30 years and seized almost all of Europe.

Brilliant directors and writers like Antonin Dvorak and Franz Kafka have emerged here and until today it almost seems like, history has been captured behind the castles walls.

Why I Love Prague.

During the four days I’ve spent in Czech Republic’s capital, I have not only refreshed my history skills but I started appreciating all of the wonderful parts and impressions. I’ll be honest: Prague has made the top of my all-time favourite European cities! It has so many places of interest. It’s clean, it’s beautiful, it’s the perfect sport for any travel photographer and it’s full of history yet for some reason it’s still so underestimated … and that’s what makes it even more charming!

To give you a brief impression on why I’m rambling on how beautiful this city is, I’d like to share some photos with you. I’ll give you a more detailed review of each sight in the next couple of days. For now, enjoy some of the impressions from my weekend in Prague:

Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. The construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century.
Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. The construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century.
Church of Our Lady in front of Týn, is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague, and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church’s towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires.
Church of Our Lady in front of Týn, is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague, and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church’s towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires.
Petrin lookout tower is a 65 m high steel framework tower in Prague, which strongly resembles the Eiffel Tower. Although it is much shorter than the Eiffel Tower, it stands atop a sizable hill, Petřín, so the top is at a higher altitude than that of the Eiffel Tower.
Petrin lookout tower is a 65 m high steel framework tower in Prague, which strongly resembles the Eiffel Tower. Although it is much shorter than the Eiffel Tower, it stands atop a sizeable hill, Petřín, so the top is at a higher altitude than that of the Eiffel Tower.
The numbers of grave stones and numbers of people buried at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague are uncertain because there are layers of tombs. However, it has been estimated that there are approximately 12,000 tombstones presently visible, and there may be as many as 100.000 burials in all.
The numbers of grave stones and numbers of people buried at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague are uncertain because there are layers of tombs. However, it has been estimated that there are approximately 12,000 tombstones presently visible, and there may be as many as 100.000 burials in all.
Lover's locks near the John Lennon wall in Prague, Czech Republic.
Like in many other cities around the world, lover’s locks can be found near the John Lennon wall in Prague.
Facade of Hotel Josef (our hotel in Prague).
Facade of Hotel Josef (our hotel in Prague).
The view of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral from Petrin Tower.
The view of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral from Petrin Lookout Tower.
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a medieval astronomical clock. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a medieval astronomical clock. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.
The tower at Charles Bridge in Prague.
The tower at Charles Bridge in Prague look a bit like a bull.
4 Comments

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“Prague: A City Of Rich History In The Heart Of Europe.”

  1. Aubrey •

    Lovely photos, Prague is at the very very top of my travel list! Off to check out your top 5 Prague list…

  2. Nisa •

    Thanks Aubrey!
    If you ever have the chance to visit Prague you really should. It’s one of the nicest cities in all of Europe & well worth one, two, three or a dozen visits :)
    Best, Nisa

  4. Nisa •

    Hi Miguel!
    Yup, Prague is very often underestimated, but once you’ve been there, you’ll want to come back many many times :)
    Best, Nisa

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