Prague (Czech: Praha) is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is also the historical capital of Bohemia, a historic country of central Europe that was a kingdom in the Holy Roman Empire and subsequently a province in the Habsburgs’ Austrian Empire. The first inhabitants of this region known by name were settled down here around 500 BC. Being on the trade routes connecting southern parts of Europe to northern Europe for several thousand years affected the development of the city and brought a mix of styles and cultures to it. Prague flourished in the Renaissance period (14th century), during the reign of King of Bohemia Charles IV (Karolo Quarto). The King studied astronomy and paved the streets of Prague mimic the path of the sun and planets across the sky, combining the essence of important astronomical events. These days Praha showcases a myriad of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo… Modern High Tech. When walking the streets of Prague, I was amazed how the magnificent palaces, castles, buildings, and structures of different styles coexist side by side in beautiful harmony.
Click on image to view full size.
Bridges over the Vltava river
St. Nicholas Cathedral from Charles Bridge. Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic. Click on image to view black-and-white version
Hradčany, the Castle District. Prague, Czech Republic. Click on image to vew black-and-white version
The Tower at the Old Town Hall. Prague, Czech Republic
Malostranské náměstí. Praha, Czech Republic
Statue of Charles IV (Karolo Quarto). Prague, Czech Republic
Vltava river. Prague, Czech Republic
The Church of Mother of God in front of Týn (Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem). Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic
Harmony of Zlatá Praha
The Prague Astronomical Clock, the oldest working clock in the World. Click on image to view black-and-white version
The Charles Bridge (Karlův most). Vltava river, Prague, Czech Republic. Click on image to vew black-and-white version
Mural of St. Wenceslas on Horseback. Storch House, Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
Malostranské náměstí and St. Nicholas Cathedral in the Arch of Charles Bridge Tower
Life in the street window. Click on image to view another version.
Bridge of the Legions (Most Legií). Prague, Czech Republic
Photo Essay: Harmony of Zlatá Praha
Love the The Prague Astronomical Clock – gorgeous!
Maria recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Japan
It is, gorgeous, Maria! I can’t get how this little planetarium works :)
By the way, here is a nice animation of the movement of clock’s dials – http://www.praguealacarte.com/orloj/orlojLoader.html
Prague is such a great city! I love the photos you’ve shared, and I also like that you provide some real meaty information about the city!
Thanks, Colleen! Glad you liked the post.
Memographer recently posted..Street Wedding Photography: Brides in Czech Republic and Belarus
What a beautiful city, Alex. Well shown in this series.
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..September 11, veletón/candlelight vigil, Santiago
Thanks, Andrew!