3 Days in Prague, Czech Republic

Over a thousand years of history unfold before you in Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), a majestic complex that considered the largest in the world. Approximately 70,000 square meters of spectacular structures and magnificent gardens that today are not the only symbol of historical Prague but to Czech Republic's freedom and future. It is believed that the Castle formed by Prince Bořivoj who was belonged to the Premyslid Dynasty in the previous millennium, during the late-9th century. Home to the antique kings and queens of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents, today Prague Castle serves as the residence of the free Czech Republic presidents. An icon of liberation from the Communist regime that ruled the country for decades until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. After Czech liberation, the Castle underwent massive reconstruction and opened to the public that can now enjoy one of the most splendid royal castles in the world.

What Not to Miss

Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Every day at 12:00 in the in the first courtyard and every round hour between 9:00 to 18:00 at the Castle's gates.

St. Vitus Cathedral the Great South Tower of the Cathedral
A striking cathedral with remarkable architecture and 100 meters high tower that grants you a marvelous view over the city (See the full St. Vitus Cathedral guide for more information)

Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička)
A fetching colorful street containing small houses with a special character and old charm. The lane was built during the 16th century for the castle's servants and guards and was named after the goldsmiths who used to live at this lane during the 17th century.

St. George's Basilica (Bazilika Sv. Jiří)
Romanesque Basilica that was originally constructed in 920 and expended at 973. The Church who was commissioned by Prince Vratislav I, has two stone steeples named Adam and Eve and the stately interior contain a tomb of the Přemyslids dynasty.

Old Royal Palace
The first residence of the royals in the Castle, contains the impressive Vladislav Hall and the remains of the All Saints Chapel (See the full Old Royal Palace guide for more information).

Gardens
Prague Castle is abundant with gorgeous gardens that add so much to the splendid view of the palace and churches. Verdant lawns, fountains, flowers in a variety of colors, all magnify the Castle's beauty and elegance.

Originally built during the 9th and the 10th century, the Old Royal Palace was the first residence of the royals in the Castle. The palace underwent massive changes during the 12th century, under the prince Soběslav regime. Mainly wooden at the outset, the place was converted into a Romanesque-style stone palace and the remarkable Vladislav Hall was added in the late-15th century. At the beginning of the 16th century, Vladislav Hall becomes functional and serves the Bohemian royals for state events, coronation celebrations, knights' contests, and more. The Old Royal Palace was built right next to the All Saints Chapel that was unfortunately destroyed during the great fire of 1541, but the surrounding walls still can be seen.

An integral part of Prague Castle, St. Vitus is a stately Roman Catholic Cathedral with over a millennium of history. The Cathedral has striking architecture and it serves as the largest and most prominent worship place in the Czech Republic. As such, it also had an important part in the royals' coronations and is the last resting place of Czech' rulers, royals, nobles, and religious figures. The history of the Cathedral date back to 925, when Prince Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, built a Romanesque rotunda at this location. During the centuries, the Cathedral dilated and become a main religious and administrative center. In the middle of the 14th century, Charles IV, the first King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Emperor, ordered to convert the structure into a Gothic cathedral. It took approximately 600 years to complete the Cathedral, which due to a needed renovation and improvements, is now a mix of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture styles. The Cathedral's center is at the remarkable St. Wenceslas Chapel that including a tomb of the patron saint, St. Wenceslas. The Chapel has a heavy bronze door and is beautifully adorned with priceless stones and impressive paintings. While it sealed by seven locks and not possible to view, the chapel is on the way to the Crown Chamber, where the Bohemian Coronation Jewels are stored.

Great South Tower of the Cathedral
Originally constructed during the late 14th century but renovated in the following centuries. The tower reaches a height of 100 meters and climbing 280 steps to its top will grant you a fantastic view of the city and the cathedral bell. The 15 tons Zikmund bell, the biggest in the Czech that was added in 1549.

A splendid Square and a wonderful way to view before entering Prague Castle. The Hradcany Square is opulent with magnificent buildings and palaces and is a beauteous display of Prague Renaissance and baroque architectural aesthetics.

Nerudova (Nerudova ulice) is a lovely street with alluring architecture and charming buildings that are full of shops, café, restaurants, bars, hotels, and embassies. Nerudova Street is on the way from Malá Strana to Prague Castle. In old times, it was part of the coronation route that begins at The Powder Tower, went through Charles Bridge and ends at Prague Castle. The street was named after the widely-known Czech poet and journalist, Jan Neruda, who lived "At the Two Suns", which is house no.47. A timeless classic, Nerudova houses are delightfully elegant and famous for the winsome house symbols and the unique numbering system. Until 1770 the houses had no numbers, they were recognizing by the symbols of the houses which the street is abundant with. Today, each of the Street's houses have 2 signs, a red sign which marks the district number and a blue sign that marks the street number. Nerudova Street is among the most specials streets in Prague and surly exhibits another wonderful side of this magical city.

Located in Malá Strana, St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svatého Mikuláše) is a resplendent church that is famous for being a spectacular example of Baroque architecture. The church has a long and unique history. Originally, the place contains a Gothic church that serves as a house of faith from 1283 until 1743. The constructions and conversion of the place into a Baroque church took around 100 years, but most of the constructions been made during 1704 – 1752. St. Nicholas Church is beautifully decorated and has 20 meters dome and interior that is 57 meters high, which makes it the tallest in the city. Another lovely surprise this Church keeps is the 4,000 pipes organ that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself used while visiting Prague.

A must to any Beatles fan, the Lennon Wall is a magnificent tribute to the legendary musician, John Lennon. Alongside his prolific breach-boundaries musical activity, Lennon uses his fame and influence to promote peace in the world. When he was murdered in 1980, the wall becomes a spontaneous memorial to Lennon, but more than that, to a symbol of the Czechs resistance to the communist regime. Covered by graffiti and poetry of Lennon and the Beatles together with political activism messages, the wall is a living reminder to all, that freedom ideas flourish even under the most difficult regimes and circumstances.

Take a short break to wander around Kampa Park with its charming green lawns, marvelous Grand Priory Mill Wheel, art museum, eye-catching statues and the Devil’s Stream canal under Charles Bridge. The Park, which located on an island, is a perfect spot to lay back near the Vltava River, have a picnic, enjoy the quiet, and gather strength before you'll continue your travel in the splendid city of a hundred spires.

Captivating bridge, magical and romantic especially in the evenings and nights when it less crowded and the illuminated arches silhouettes are reflected in the river. The bridge, which is one of the most famous and visited monuments in Prague commissioned by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. Connects the Old Town and Malá Strana, the bridge was built during 1357 – 1402, to replace the former bridge (Judith Bridge) that was ruined in 1342 floods. Called Stone Bridge until the end of the 19th century, Charles Bridge is approximately half a kilometre long and 10 meters wide. It includes 16 arches, has a tower at each side, and 30 remarkable baroque statues of saints constructed from 1683 to 1928. The most notable statue is of St John of Nepomuk, the queen’s confessions who was drowned at the river. Today, most of the statues are replicas of the originals due to a need for preservation and fear of time damages and weather.

Every respectable list of "the most beautiful libraries in the world" will never be complete without Klementinum at the top of it. The phenomenal baroque library that seems like is sewn from the wishes of book lovers, is located near Charles Bridge and has a history dating back to the 16th century. Klementinum (also known as Clementinum) was established by the Catholic order Jesuits (Society of Jesus) in 1556.

With the time, the Jesuits start expanding their residence, a process that took place for almost 200 years and engenders a complex that is considered as one of the largest in all Europe. Each of the fantastic architects who were involved in the constructions left their mark on the complex that becomes one of the most stunning places in the whole world. The Jesuits used the place as a school from the start, however, in 1622 the school turned into a university.

As known, every university needs a library, and Klementinum was no different. Opened in 1722 and thrill the imaginations of so many until today, the library is absolutely mesmerizing. The library is decorated with amazing ceiling frescoes by Jan Hiebl and holds portraits of Jesuit saints and other notable figures in the order. Also, it is loaded with more than 20,000 invaluable books, geographical and astronomical globes made by the order followers, and marvelous astronomical clocks, mostly made by Jan Klein.

The place exhibits Vyšehrad Codex that is also known as Coronation Gospels. An 11th century illuminated Latin manuscript that is considered the most precious manuscript in the Czech Republic and labeled as a national cultural monument. Another main attraction in the complex is the Astronomical Tower with the statue of the mythological Atlas holding the celestial sphere above it.

The 68 meters tower was built in 1722 and grants access to a breathtaking view of Prague. The Jesuits have left at the end of the 18th century and leave a singular knowledge and legacy that is remembered generations and centuries after. Since 1930, the Klementinum is the National Library of the Czech Republic and true wonder that is a must-see.

Imagine walking in a road where ancient kings went before you on their way to be crowned, a majestic way where you can almost hear the wings of History. The Powder Tower (Prašná brána) is the beginning of a royal journey, where Bohemian kings enter the Old Town, starting their coronation while on their way to Prague Castle. The construction of the iconic Gothic Tower start in 1475, and it went through many changes during the years to come by. The Tower reaches the height of 65 meters and the observation deck where you can see a wonderful view of the city, to a height of 44 meters. The place used to be called the “New Tower”, however since the early-18th century, the Tower stores gun-powder and therefore named the Powder Tower.

The Municipal House (Obecní dům) is an Art Nouveau celebration to the eyes. The lavish building which was decorated by fine prominent artists opens its gates in 1911. It includes the music venue Smetana Hall, French (Francouzská) and Pilsen (Plzeňská) restaurants, Café, and American bar. On the second floor of the Municipal House, you may also find lovely exhibitions that add another artistic layer to the visit. To expand and deepen your knowledge about the place architectural style and the place history, guided tours are also available for the public.

The House of the Black Madonna (Dům U Černé Matky Boží) is a beauteous cubist building that serves as a Museum of Decorative Arts. Designed by the known Czech architect Josef Gočár, and inaugurated in 1912, the museum hosts fetching exhibitions dedicated to cubism. The place's name was inspired by the Baroque statue of a black Madonna that is embedded at the building's corner.

Even in a 'City of Hundred Spires' the twin spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem) managed to stand out in Prague's skyline. Located in the Old Town, the church was built during the 14th-16th centuries in a Gothic Style while the spectacular interior was revamped in a Baroque style at the end of the following century. The Baroque Style grants the interior a golden-shimmering look and bold colors that make this church to unforgettable and among the top of the must-see list in Prague.

Right next to Kinský Palace in the Old Town Square of Prague resides the Stone Bell House (Dům U Kamenného zvonu). Named after the outer stone bell that is integrated into the structure's façade, the Stone Bell House was built during the beginning of the 14th century. The early-Gothic medieval house iconographic is heavily leaning on royalty and monarchical elements. Therefore it is believed that the house was a temporal palace of Elizabeth and John of Bohemia or was ordered by someone from the royals circle. The house underwent significant changes during the years, including Baroque modifications in the 17-19 centuries. However, near the end of the 20th century, the house went through a Gothic restoration process that ends in 1988. Now, returned to its former glory, the enthralling Stone Bell House serves as Prague City Gallery with a bookstore and cafe inside.

The National Gallery Prague is a combination of palaces that hosts wondrous art masterpieces, one of the main exhibition palaces is Kinsky Palace (Palác Kinských). Kinsky Palace is itself Rococo architectural artwork, it was built between 1755 – 1765, on the location of tree houses with medieval-era structural remains that some are well-preserved until today. Centuries went by, and every generation and owner adds another layer to the Palace which also has Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical elements. Kinsky Palace's name stems from the Kinsky family, a well-known noble family that bought the house in 1768. Since 1949, the enchanting Palace serves as a state-owned art museum and is home to fascinating exhibitions.

Rich in history, monuments, and architectural styles, Staroměstské náměstí, Prague's Old Town Square, is a fantastic way to absorb this stunning city's magical atmosphere. The entrancing 12th century Square includes many of Prague's famous attractions, as the astronomical clock, the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, Old Town Hall, Stone Bell House, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and Kinsky Palace. At the Square, you can also find the Jan Hus memorial. A remarkable statue dedicated to the Catholic Church reformer and critic, and the Hussitism movement followers who had to exile from Prague two centuries after Huss was executed over his beliefs in 1415.

Prague astronomical clock, or orloj as it called by the locals, is one of the popular and bustling attractions in the Czech Republic. The astronomical clock history reaches back to 1410 when it was originally installed on the Old Town City Hall southern Tower wall. Every round hour, from 9:00 AM until 23:00 PM, you will be able to see the show of Twelve Apostles moving to the joyous of the locals and tourists. The clock is exceptional not only due to its beauty, complexity of details, zodiac signs, sculptors, astronomical and calendar dial but also since it is the last operating medieval clock in the world. A relic of a glorious past, Prague Astronomical Clock is a must-see at the Old Town Square.

Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice) is one of the most memorable monuments at the Old Town Square. Founded in 1338, and originally was in used of the Old Town administration. It includes the remarkable Prague astronomical clock (orloj) that can be seen from the outside. A Gothic chapel with beautiful stained glass that enlightens the chapel during sunny days and grants a direct view to the clock's apostles. More, the Gothic tower of the Old Town Hall is rising to a height of approximately 70 meters and as such is a wonderful vantage point. The place also has upper and underground halls and is impressively decorated with art, ornamentation, paintings, statues and mosaics that create a colorful, and exquisite space.

The Old Jewish Cemetery operates from the 15th century until the 18th century and is one of the must-visit cemeteries in the world according to National Geographic. The dense cemetery contains approximately 12,000 gravestones that many of them have remarkable animals and flora decorations. Among the famous public figures at the cemetery, you can find Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (Maharal), who by the legend creates the Golem, a creature made of clay to protect the Jewish Ghetto. Other well-known figures that are buried at the cemetery are the poet Avigdor Kara, the scholar, David Gans, and Mordecai Maisel. Maisel was the leader and the mayor of the Jewish quarter (which back then considered as a town) that his own personal fortune contributes to the welfare of the Ghetto residents. Written in stone, the Old Jewish Cemetery tells a piece of the Jewish community history in Prague and is an inanimate reminder of a Jewish life that is no longer exists.

A 16th-century building that serves as an administrative center to the Jewish Town and a gathering place to the community and Town's Council. During the centuries the structure was damaged and rebuilt a few times in different architectural styles. The building which is close to the public is known not only for the function it had in the community's daily life but also for its wonderful bell tower. The Town Hall's bell tower has two unique clocks, a counterclockwise Hebrew letters clock and another with Roman numerals that works simultaneously.

The Jewish Town Hall is also hosting the High Synagogue (Vysoká synagoga). A High Renaissance style synagogue that was built inside the first floor of the Town Hall, in 1577. It was financed by the community leader and town's mayor, Mordechai Maisel, for the private use of the Council. While the interior is preserved yet close to the public, you can still view the impressive 19th-century façade from the outside.

For the first two years of his life (1883-1885), the world-famous author Franz Kafka lived at the Jewish Quarter, at the corner of Maiselova and Kaprova streets. To honor his legacy, an entrancing 800 kg memorial bronze statue (Jaroslav Róna) of a man sitting on an empty suit was placed at Dušní Street.

Designed in an early-Gothic Style, the Old New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga or Altneuschul) was inaugurated in 1270 and is Europe's oldest synagogue. Operates continuously since the 13th century, the synagogue was inactive only in 1942 – 1945, During the intolerably horrifying years of World War II that annihilate so many Jewish lives in Prague and all of Europe. The Old New Synagogue is famously known not only in Prague but the Jewish world due to its prominent Rabbis: Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (Maharal), who is believed to be the creator of Golem and that according to the legend, the Synagogue's attic is the Golem's remains final resting place. And, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau who wrote "Noda Biyhudah", one of the Halakha's most important books.

A fascinating museum and one of the most visited in the country, the Jewish Museum in Prague tells the blustery story of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. More than any, the museum is a reminder of a glorious community with a long and tragic history that suffered great losses and unbearable grief. Especially during the dreadful times of World War II, when almost 80,000 Jews from Bohemia and Moravia were murdered in the holocaust. The museum was founded by the historian Salomon Hugo Lieben and city councilor August Stein in 1906. This early establishment makes the museum one of the oldest Jewish museums in all of Europe. The original purpose was to become a home and a safe shelter for items belong to synagogues that been destroyed at the Ghetto demolition. In 1939, when the Nazis march into Czechoslovakia, the Jews understood the urgency of saving historical, holy, and daily-life Jewish books, documents, objects, and artifacts of annihilated Jewish communities. They have negotiated with the Nazis on creating what will become in 1942, to the "Central Jewish Museum". With hard work under the baleful eye of the Nazis, the art historian Josef Polák and his team saved much as they could. Many of those items were the only and last remnant of lost lives. Their impossible work is the ground upon the Jewish Museum in Prague is operating as the largest Jewish museum in Europe. It hosts almost 40,000 Judaica items and 100,000 books, pictures, documents, art, textile, and much more items that belonged to people that their lives threads were brutally cut.

The main site of the Museum takes place at a building that used to serves as a hospital for the Jewish community. However, the museum supervised most of the prominent places in the former Jewish Town, including:

The Old Jewish Cemetery

One of the must-visit cemeteries in the world, which contains approximately 12,000 remarkable gravestones (see full guide for more information).

Spanish Synagogue

Built during 1868 on the location of the oldest Ghetto's synagogue, Altschul, which was founded in the 12th-century. The newest synagogue of all the six that remains is engaging and entrancing due to its Neo-Moorish architecture and a lavish golden interior. Inspired by the design of the Alhambra in Spain, the synagogue named "Spanish" and serves as a place of prayer for the Reform congregation.

Jewish Ceremonial Hall

When a Jew passes away, there are several rituals, including washing and dressing the deceases, which must be taken before their loved ones will pay last respect and escort them to their last resting place. The Jewish Ceremonial Hall which is located right next to Old Jewish Cemetery was the place that the Prague Burial Society used as a mortuary. Founded in 1908, the Neo-Romanesque structure was in regular use until World War I and in 1926 integrates with the Jewish Museum. Today, the two-floor building presents an exhibition that is focusing on the history of Chevra kadisha (Burial Society), rituals and customs that Jews are performing before burial and after.

Klausen Synagogue

The Klausen is a Baroque synagogue that was built in 1694 and is the largest synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. It considered the second in importance at the Ghetto and today displays holy texts in Hebrew, explanations about the Synagogue, Jewish household, family, daily life, religious practice, and rituals.

Maisel Synagogue

Established in 1592 by Mordecai Maisel, a leader and the Jewish Town mayor as a Renaissance temple. During the Ghetto great fire in 1689, the Synagogue on its three naves was destroyed. It was re-built a few times and receives its final Neo-Gothic structure in 1893-1905. The Maisel Synagogue presents a moving multimedia and artifacts exhibition engaged in the Jews in the Bohemian Lands from the 10th until the 18th Century.

Pinkas Synagogue

An early 16th-century Gothic synagogue established by one of the community leaders, Aaron Meshulam Horowitz, and originally serves as his family place of prayer and worship. Restored during the 1950s, the synagogue becomes a memorial to the almost 80,000 Czech Holocaust victims and is also displaying touching exhibitions including Children's Drawings from the Terezín Ghetto during World War II.

Robert Guttmann Gallery

A lovely gallery that was named after the Jewish Czech painter, Robert Guttmann, and opened in 2001. The Gallery display alternate exhibitions of visual art and artifacts taken from Jewish museum's collections and deal with Jewish culture, daily life, torment during the World War II and more.

In 2002, floods hit Prague and a well-kept treasure was revealed, a magical alchemist's workshop from the 16th century. While trying to repair the floods damages, the reconstruction process underwent in the building at Haštalská 1 that luckily survived the historical Jewish quarter demolition during the late 19th century. Unintentionally discovered, the alchemist workshop and laboratory from the times of Rudolf II, King of Bohemia, was finally exposed to the public. The underground workshop was a place where the alchemists research and conduct experiments. Trying to find answers to the mysteries of life, such as a potion that will lead to eternal life and the process that will convert diverse metals into pure gold. Speculum Alchemiae offers a fascinating tour to a hidden world in a place that sanctified science as much as mysticism.

The Dancing House (Tančící dům) is a charming deconstructive style building with two towers that simulate a dancing couple. The building is also known as Fred and Ginger, after the world-famous American dances Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It was designed by Vlado Milunić together with Frank Gehry and opened in 1996. The Dancing House's distinctive look attracts many tourists from around the world and quickly becomes a popular selfie spot.

For kids, kids at heart, and anyone who loves Lego and interested in its history, the Lego Museum is a place of joy and excitement. The Lego Museum is privately owned and hosts approximately 9,000 exhibits and at least a million Lego bricks in use, which makes it the largest of its kind in the world. The place has more than 2500 models that spread across and arranged under 20 fantastic themes as Star Wars, Harry Potter Indiana Jones and much more.

The Head of Franz Kafka (Hlava Franze Kafky) is a spectacular kinetic statue by the Czech sculpture, David Černý. The statue wishes to honor the late author of "The Metamorphosis", "The Trial" and "The Castle", Franz Kafka, who was born and raised in Prague. Remarkably impressive technically, the statue is 11 meters high and consists of 42 steel panels that each is turning around and together they produce and dismantle the head of Kafka, Simultaneously. Reflecting the inner-world turmoil in Kafka's mind and novels, the Head of Franz Kafka is an exceptionally beauteous tribute to one of the most famous writers who lived and created in the City of a Hundred Spires.

Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is one of the two main squares in Prague, second only to the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). The 750 meters long and 63 meters wide square, is in fact a boulevard, and initially was a horse market. It is located in the New Town (Nové Město) that was established in 1348 by Charles IV, the first King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. The Square is also home to The statue of Saint Wenceslas by Josef Václav Myslbek, the National Museum that resides since 1890 at the top of the Square, Prague State Opera, Letka Palace, Prague Palace and much more. A witness to numerous social and political events, demonstrations, and national celebrations, Wenceslas Square has always been entwined with the city and the country's history. Today, Wenceslas Square is a bustling shopping and administrative center and abundant with shops, banks, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, hotels, and nightclubs that make it a culture, commerce, and leisure hub.

A central shopping complex, with plenty of options to purchase fashionable items of local and international brands. The mall offers a wide variety of clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, beauty products, and culinary opportunities. Also, at the Palladium tourists outside of the European Union may enjoy tax-free shopping via VAT refund, as long as they follow the VAT guidelines. You can find more information and the Vat's form at the Infokiosk on floor 0.