Charles Bridge and Prague Castle or Hrad<< >>
Charles Bridge Prague Castle Hrad are very popular tourist spots and one of the memories of this city is mingling with all the other tourist on the iconic bridge. Pedestrian only it crosses the river Vltava taking tourist and locals between the main side of Prague and the castle side. Filled with artists, street traders and performers as well as tourists it is best viewrd in the early morning as the sun rises or with an early evening stroll when the day trippers, tourists and traders have dissipated.
The historical bridge is almost ten meters wide and five hundred and sixteen meters long as it passes over sixteen arches. Over its span are thirty statues, fifteen on each side , and it is protected by three bridge towers, one at the town end and two at the castle end. The statues are of the saints and other religious subjects and where placed on the bridge from sixteem eighty three onwards to seventeen fourteen. King Charles the fourth started building it in thirteen fifty seven and it wasn’t finished until the beginning of the fifteenth century. Originally just called the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge it became the Charles Bridge in eighteen seventy.
As you cross this beautiful bridge you will see the imposing structure of Prague Castle or Hrad over to your right.
A UNESCO World Heritage site it is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost seventy thousand square meters. Prince Borivoj built a wooden fortress on the hill in the late ninth century and from that small beginning the castle has developed. At one time it was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. It was extensively rebuilt in the sixteenth century to provide much of what can be seen today. The Castle is also the seat of the President of the Czech Republic and is the historical and political centre for both the city of Prague and the Czech republic.
The story of Prague Castle exhibition - An Ideal introduction to the complex. Old Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall - This dates from 1135 and is one of the oldest parts of the castle. Bohemian princes once ruled from here but from the 13th to the 16th century it was the king's palace. Basilica of Saint George - Founded in the 10th century it is the best preserved Romanesque church in Prague.. Convent of Saint George - This was Bohemia's first convent. Powder Tower - This was built at the end of the 15th century and it was used as a workshop for making cannon and bells. White Tower – This is where the Irish alchemist Edward Kelley was imprisoned by Rudolf II. Golden Lane – Named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century, Golden Lane is very picturesque with its tiny painted houses built right into the arches of the Castle walls. They are still trading in gold today they are souvenir shops. Daliborka Tower - Built in the 15th century. It is named after Dalibor of Kozojedy who was imprisoned here in 1498 for supporting a peasant rebellion. He was executed. Picture Gallery - The gallery houses paintings from the 16th – 18th centuries. Saint Vitus Cathedral – A late Gothic style Designed by Matthias of Arras, and after his death completed by Petr Parler.
There are other attractions too and plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops. A good way to take a tour is with a Prague Hrad audio guide that you can purchase from the information shop. You can also have a tour with a professional guide. You can wander around the complex without charge and if you want a free show you could watch the changing of the Guard at the front gates, which takes place every hour. At noon the ceremony includes a fanfare. If you manage to see all there is to see in Prague Castle why not stroll back down to Charles Bridge and sit for a while. << >>
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