The Best Free Sites in Prague
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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.
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Old Town Square
Contact:
- 420 221 714 444 (Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- Staroměstské náměstí
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
Since the 10th century, Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) has been the central square in Prague. At its conception, it was the city's main market place. Then, in the 20th century, buildings began to rise around its rim, bringing with them stories of ghosts and intrigue. Now, the square stirs with cafes, souvenir shops, and art galleries. A mixture of Romanesque and Gothic buildings surround the Old Town Square, the most notable being the Old Town City Hall (on whose exterior the Astronomical Clock can be found), the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, St. Nicholas Church, and Kinsky Palace. Old Town Square's centerpiece is a monument to reformer, martyr, and Czech hero, Jan Hus.
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Vysehrad Castle
Contact:
- +420 241 410 348
- visit website
Location:
- V Pevnosti 159/5b
- Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument
- Prague,Bohemia12800
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Map
Description:
Poised atop a hill, Vysehrad was the seat of Czech power for many years after its establishment in the mid-10th century. After losing its position to the Prague Castle, Vysehrad was left to fall into ruin. Now, there is still much to see in the area. The grounds form a massive and beautiful landscape, which contain the Gothic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the exceptionally old St. Martin Rotunda, the culturally-significant Vysehrad Cemetery, the Tabor Gate, and the ruins of a former fortification of the castle. As if that wasn't enough, an absolutely stunning view of Prague awaits here. Crumbled stone walls, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor sculpture make Vysehrad and enchanting place to visit.
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Wenceslas Square
Contact:
- +420 (0)2 2171 4444 (Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- Václavské námestí 68
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
Historically, Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) has had many faces. Originally the central horse market in Prague, it later became a hub for political demonstrations (exemplified by the monument to local students who committed suicide in the square in protest of the Soviet invasion of Prague) and local celebrations (such as of major sporting victories). More like a long boulevard than an actual square, the Wenceslas Square of today is lined with restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and shops. At the top of the square, you'll find the square's namesake and Czech hero, St. Wenceslas, seated valiantly atop his horse. Behind him lies the National Museum and, just next to that, the Prague State Opera.
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Letna Park
Contact:
- 420 221 714 444 (Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- nábreží Edvarda Beneše
- Prague,Bohemia170 00
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Map
Description:
This huge park overlooks the Old Town. It is instantly recognizable by the high red reverse pendulum (the Metronome), which can be seen from the Old Town. Until 1956, a statue of Stalin occupied this place, but times have changed and it is long gone. The view of the Old Town and the Moldau from here is lovely, and one can follow footpaths along the river back to Prague Castle.
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Kampa Island
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
Location:
- Next to Charles Bridge
- Prague,Bohemia110 00
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Map
Description:
Separated from the left bank, just to the left of Charles Bridge by a narrow stream called Certovka (Devil's Brook), is Kampa, a little island on the Vltava River. Washerwomen would gather here to wash their laundry using the water from several flour mill wheels which still worked until the mid 1930's. One of the best places to spend a lazy summer day, this attracts a wide range of visitors from elderly, morning dog-walkers to dread-locked frisbee throwers to romantics relaxing on the spacious lawn. There are a number of bars and restaurants in this small area for a quiet reflective time. Playground too.
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John Lennon Peace Wall
Contact:
Location:
- Velkopřevorské náměstí
- Prague,Bohemia118 00
Description:
Lennon, a symbol of pacifism worldwide, was a hero to the dissident subculture bubbling underneath the Soviet-controlled surface. The Lennon Wall began simply as a mock grave created clandestinely by a group of young Czechs but evolved into a monument to free speech and peaceful rebellion against neo-Stalinist despotism. As hard as the powers-that-were tried to silence the subversive voices singing banned music and crying out for change, this wall became an outlet for frustrated young people to proclaim their desires for peace and freedom. Over time, the wall's original words have become concealed by hippie clichés and tourist tags, added by people who experienced nothing of what brought about the wall, but the historical significance of the John Lennon Peace Wall can't be whitewashed away.
