Prague: Old Town

Prague
Dear teacher today I would like to tell you something about Prague. I will be speaking about
history, Prague disctricts and about interesting places to visit.
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic Over 1,2 milion people live there.It is not
only the seat of the government, but it’s also a city full of cultural events, architecture and
history.
Now I would like to draw your attention to Prague’s history. The city, established in the 9th
century, was the seat of Czech princes and later kings of Bohemia and became the political
heart of the Czech State. Charles IV., Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor, chose the
city as the capital of his whole Empire. He founded for example Charles University, Charles
Bridge and the New Town. Era of Charles IV. was the time of the biggiest grown of Prague in
history.
The Czech National Revival in the 19th century restored Prague once again. Czech people
collected money for financing building of the National Theatre, it was built to express feeling
of national pride.
In 1918, the city became the capital of the independent Czechoslovakia and after the peaceful
division of Czechoslovakia in 1993, it became the capital of the Czech Republic.
Now I will move on Prague districts.
The old centre of Prague consists of five historical districts. Old Town, New Town and
Josefov are situated on the right bank of the Vltava river. The Lesser Quarter and Hradčany
on the left bank.
Old Town
Charles Bridge is the most popular and known monument in Prague. Its construction began on
9th of July 1357 at 5.31 a.m. because it was the best date and time for laying the foundation
stone, according to astrologists. Charles Bridge is 516 meters long and 10 meters wide.
The Old Town Square is another significant historical spot. It used to be the most important
market place in Prague. We can find there the Old Town Hall with its worldfamous
astronomical clock.
The Lesser Quarter

Near Charles Bridge lies Kampa Island, separated from the Lesser Quarter by a small canal
called Čertovka.
The Church of St. Nicholas, at the center of the Lesser Quarter, is one of the most outstanding
examples of Czech Baroque architecture. The 1,500 square meter fresco on the ceiling is one
of the largest in the world.
Another important part of the Lesser Quarter is Nerudova Street with its characteristic house-
signs. The most important house is probably No. 233, also known as At The Two Suns. This
is where the well-known Czech writer Jan Neruda used to live. Today the building is a famous
pub.
Hradčany – The Castle District
The Cathedral of St. Vitus is the biggest church in Prague and holds the treasury of the Czech
coronation jewels.
The Prague castle itself is seat of president of Czech republic and you can visit breathtaking
gardens aroud the castle.
It is time to focus on another interesting place in Prague.
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad Castle is situated near Vltava River. It has an important place in Czech history and
the Czech national cemetery was founded there. Writer Karel Čapek, sculptor J. V. Myslbek,
composers A. Dvořák and B. Smetana, poet J. Neruda and artist M. Aleš are all buried here.
Petřín Hill
Prague’s skyline is defined by Petřín Hill. There is a 60meter tall viewing tower on the hill,
which was built in 1891. Apart from the tower, there’s a famous mirror labyrinth.
Noe something about culture.
Cultural life
Prague’s cultural events offer something for everyone. The National Gallery houses provide
collection of modern art, various dance performances can be seen at the National Theatre and
classical concerts by Mozart, Dvořák, Smetana and other famous composers can be heard at
the Rudolfinum.
Transport
Last but not least topic is transport. In Prague, you can choose from many options. I personaly
use trains, buses and trams the most, but majority of people travel by subway everyday.
Prague´s subway system covers almost every part of the city and it is divided into 3 lines - A,
B and C. In suburbs we can find Airport of Václav Havel.

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Prague

The Lesser Quarter

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