Why Visit Prague

Why visit Prague?

Photographer Asif Jiffry

In Central-Eastern Europe there are plenty of cities visited by hundreds of tourists all year long. One of the most popular tourist destinations is Prague the capital of the Czech Republic. According to many people the city is a real jewellery casket, which can be proud of its historical sights and architecture located within a relatively small area.The following are a few sites that could be visited in two days.

Charles Bridge

Charles bridge is the oldest bridge of Prague (construction began in 1357 and ended in early 15th century), and it was the only bridge until 1841. It is made of Bohemian sandstone and it has been preserved in a relatively good shape. Earlier, a wooden bridge and a stone bridge stood in its place. The stone bridge was named Judith bridge after the wife of king Vladislav I, but a big flood ruined it and a new one had to be built in its place. The present bridge is 516 meters long, almost 9,5 meters wide, and has been constructed on the command of King Charles IV.

Old Town Square, the Center of Prague

Undoubtly, the heart of Prague is the Old Town Square It is located between Chalres Bridge and Wenceslas Square, bustling with tourists during the summer. Among the major sights to view here are the Tyn Cathedral, Stone Bell House, Kinsky Palace, Virgin Mary Church, St. Nicholas Church, Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Hall. During New Year's Eve, the square is crowded with happy people celebrating the coming of the new year. During Christmas holidays, there is a Christmas market set up. In addition, football and ice-hockey games are shown on large screens.

Astronomical Clock

My favorite on the list is the clock that consists of three independent parts next to one another: the puppet play, the sphere circle and the calendar. Topmost is the puppet play which is considered the peak of the spectacle, attracting crowds of spectators when at every round o'clock a bell rings, two little windows open and the twelve apostles come out. The procession is started by a skeleton, which stands on the right side and represents Death. With one hand he pulls the rope of a little bell, with the other hand he turns the sand glass held in his hand. Then the two windows open, and the figures of the apostles appear, lead by St. Peter. Then the raven begins to croak and the clock beats the exact time. In the puppet play we meet the figure of the Turk shaking his head, reminding the threat of the Turks, we see Vanity gazing herself in the mirror, and we see Greed, depicted in the medieval cliché as a Jewish moneychanger(source:guide book).

Prague Castle

The castle was built in the 9th century instructed by lord Borivoj. The fortress above the Vltava River quickly became the centre of the empire of the family Premysl due to its perfect location. Three churches, a palace and a cloister were built within its walls. The castle was reconstructed several times. The major changes took place during the rule of Charles IV and Ladislaus Jagiello. The buildings burnt in the fire in 1541 were reconstructed in renaissance style. Later between 1753 and 1775 the whole castle came through a reconstruction. It was rebuilt in baroque and neo-classicist style. The three courts were also created during this period. The role of the castle has been the same for eleven centuries. It was the seat of the Czech rulers till 1918. Since 1918 it has been the seat of the presidents.

The Golden Lane

The Golden Lane was named after the goldsmiths who settled down in the city in the 17th century. The row of houses in this small street is one of the most picturesque locations in Prague. In the first years of the 16th century Rudolf II decided to build the small colourful houses for to the castle marksmen who guarded the fortification. Later in the 17th century the goldsmiths who moved into these houses reconstructed the buildings. The street passed through a dark period in the 19th century. It got into evil ways and became a slum where delinquency was an everyday occurrence. In the middle of the 20th century the renters had to move off because the houses were restored to their former condition.

Nowadays in most of these small houses shops offer their goods such as books, lace and the famous Czech glass products.

Czech Republic can now be visited with a valid schengen visa. If you do plan on visiting Europe take a two day break and visit Prague, You will not regret your decision.

Asifs work is exhibited at Pedlars Inn gallery Galle fort or visit www.pedlarsinngallery.com