OREA Hotel Pyramida Praha

The long, pedestrian friendly boulevard leads uphill to the National Museum, a monumental neo renaissance building constructed by Josef Schultz in 1890. The stately building soon became a symbol of national identity.

Vyšehrad is a rocky hill just south of Prague's historic center. It was the site of a large castle built in the 10th century. The castle was used as the royal residence until 1140 when the Bohemian princess moved to the Prague Castle in Hradcany. History According to an old legend Vyšehrad was founded by a Czech princess, Libuše, who later also founded the castle in Hradcany. Libuše married a farmer named Premysl, starting the dynasty of the Premysls, and settled in Vyšehrad. Archeological research however revealed that the castle in Hradcany is actually older. Nonetheless, Vyšehrad was the preferred residence of the Bohemian royals from its foundation in the 10th century until they moved to Hradcany in 1140. The castle was still in use and even significantly fortified The 18th century rampartsuntil the 19th century, when most of the buildings were razed. Only the ramparts and gates remain. Nonetheless, Vyšehrad still has some interesting sights.

Wenceslas square was laid out in 1348 by King Charles IV. The large square, measuring 750m (0,5mi) by 60m, originally functioned as a horse market but evolved into Prague's central boulevard lined with grand turn of the century buildings. The many hotels, shops and restaurants around Wenceslas Square attract throngs of tourists and locals alike. Historical Events Many of the important historical events in Prague's recent history took place here, such as the declaration of the First Republic in 1918, National Museumthe protests against the Soviet occupation in 1969 and the protest march in 1989 which led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of the Communist era.

During the mid-19th century, when Prague was still under Austrian rule, Czech citizens planned on building a theatre that was to become a symbol of Czech culture. When the government in Vienna refused to help fund the construction of the theatre, a successful appeal was made to all Czech citizens to contribute. Many individuals were more than happy to contribute as everyone wanted to be part of this national project. The theatre seen from Prague CastleConstruction of the theatre started in 1865 and it was completed sixteen years later, in 1881.

The Golden Lane is a small street at the Prague Castle complex with small colorful houses. At the end of the Prague Castle complex, near the outer wall, is a small street known as the Golden Lane (Zlatá Ulicka in Czech). The small houses were originally constructed in the 16th century for King Rudolph II's castle guards. At that time the lane was known as archery lane. It was later renamed 'golden lane' for the goldsmiths who moved into the houses in the 17th century. Legend wants one to believe alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived in another street at the castle. So it was actually the goldsmiths who gave the street its captivating name

In 1357, Charles IV started the construction of a new bridge. The supervisor of the project was Peter Parler, who also constructed the chancel of the St. Vitus Cathedral. The Charles Bridge, named after King Charles, was 502 meters long. Resting on 16 arches it was wide enough for 4 carriages to cross at the same time and would be the only permanent link between both riversides.

In spite of many wars and fires, the Prague Castle has grown into a unique architectural complex. It contains the Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, a convent, several towers and many palace wings. Brief History A castle was built at this site as early as in the 9th century. In the 12th and 13th century the castle was fortified and expanded. Around the castle, a small community started to grow. That neighborhood, now called Lesser Town, obtained city rights in 1257. The Courtyards The castle resembles a small city in the city. There are no less than three courtyards and several streets. An ornate entrance gate at the Castle Square leads to the first courtyard, where on the hour you can watch uniformed palace guards parade during the Change of the Guards. Second CourtyardThe entrance gate is decorated with large sculptures of fighting giants and putti, some of which crown a lion and an eagle. An imposing Baroque portal, the Matthias Gate, connects the small first courtyard to the second courtyard where you'll find the Chapel of the Holy Cross and a central fountain. In the palace wing on the left is a museum with a collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. An arcade in another wing, which houses offices of the president of the Czech Republic, brings you to the third and largest courtyard, dominated by the St. Vitus Cathedral. Third CourtyardThe courtyard is decorated with a replica of a 14th century statue of St. George and a 17 meter tall granite obelisk. The courtyard opens up to the St. George Square, where you'll find attractions such as the St. George's Basilica and the Royal Palace. A street leads further to the other end of the castle complex, towards the Lobkowicz Palace and the always crowded Golden Lane.

The Town Hall After John the Blind - count of Luxembourg and king of Bohemia - accorded the citizens of Prague the privilege of having their own district council in 1338, they decided to build a Town Hall, paid for by a duty levied on wine. The almost 70 meters (230 ft) high tower was completed in 1364. Due to continuous expansions, the building now is a colorful collection of Gothic and Renaissance-style façades. During the 2nd World War, the building was severely damaged when the nazis suppressed the Prague uprising, but it is now thoroughly restored.