My Prague Guide
Prague
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Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock (The)
Contact:
- +420 2 2448 2751
- visit website
Location:
- Staromestské námestí
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This is the vortex of tourist activity in Prague, whether it be to catch a glimpse of the clock's elusive statuettes, check out one of the town hall's exhibitions or climb the tower. It was in 1338, during the reign of King John of Luxembourg (1310-1346), that work began on the building of a town hall. The oldest parts of this complex of buildings are the Gothic sections and the tower. In May 1945, the Nazis set fire to the building as their last act during the occupation, but most of the damage has been repaired. The clock originated from the beginning of the 15th century and, every hour, the Twelve Apostles (added in 1490) move across just above the clock face, bowing to the crowd on the square. Finally, the clock strikes the hour.
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Tancici Dum
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
Location:
- Rasínovo nábrezí 1981/80
- Prague,Bohemia120 00
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Map
Description:
Arguably the reason for the biggest architectural controversy ever in the city, the post-modern Dancing House portrays a tango couple dancing. Situated on the banks of the Vltava River, the Fred and Ginger Building, built by American Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic, contains several offices, a street level bar and fancy French restaurant on top. The building is among the most unusual of Prague's varied architectural sights - go and judge its merit for yourself.
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Jazzissimo Club
Contact:
- 420 2 2171 4444 (Prague Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- Náměstí Curieovych
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This floating club plies the river several nights a week, departing at 8:30p and returning at 11p. The music varies from cruise to cruise. You might hear dixieland, traditional jazz, swing or even world music. Truly an unforgettable experience.
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Prague Castle
Contact:
- +420 224 373 368
- visit website
Location:
- Jiřská
- Prague,Bohemia119 08
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Map
Description:
The Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is the largest castle complex in the world and one of the most important cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Founded in the 9th century as a wooden fortress, it expanded to include a palace, three churches, and a monastery. Extensive renovations took place in the early 20th century and again after the Velvet Revolution. Over the course of its many face-lifts, the castle has taken on Baroque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic qualities. The complex includes three courtyards, in which you can find such important sites as St. Vitus Cathedral, Mihulka Powder Tower, and St. George's Basilica, among others. The ceremony of the changing of the guard takes place every hour; at noon, some fanfare accompanies this ceremony. The Prague Castle currently houses the Czech President and is the seat of Czech political power.
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Charles Bridge
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Malá Strana
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This stunning stone bridge in the Gothic style replaced the Judith Bridge, which collapsed in a flood. Called the Stone Bridge for several centuries after its construction in 1357, Charles Bridge (Karlův most) connects Old Town to Lesser Town. Allegedly, egg yolks mixed into the mortar strengthened the bridge's construction. Perhaps it is those egg yolks that helped Charles Bridge to survive many disastrous floods. At each end of the bridge stands a tower, like bookends for the row of 30 Baroque statues that have lined the bridge since 1657. Today, Charles Bridge is a constantly bustling pedestrian bridge, lively with artists, musicians, and vendors.
