10 Prague Photos to Inspire You to Visit the City

The Capital of the Czech Republic, Prague emerged from the tearing down of the “Iron Curtain” to reveal itself to the wider population. The Vltava River runs through its heart with the Old Town Prague on one side. On the other side, over the Charles Bridge Prague, is Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral which both look down over the River.

Prague City dates back before the Renaissance and its wonderful historic architecture offers excellent Prague pictures. It was Bohemia’s historical capital and the use of the word bohemian in modern language does give a clue to the experience it offers visitors. Its many landmarks will occupy visitors interested in history and culture, as well as those looking for a lively nightlife. Prague disappoints no one who visits it.

St Vitus Cathedral

This Gothic Cathedral is just one part of the buildings in the Prague Castle Complex. Its spire is visible from afar, including over the river in the Old Town. The original castle dates back to the 9th Century. It is the residence of the President and visitors are welcome to watch the Changing of the Guard each day.

The first church on this site dates back to the middle of the 10th Century and the cathedral to the 14th. However, progress was slow and work stopped regularly. Things moved more quickly in the 20th Century with the Cathedral consecrated in 1929.

Incidentally, the Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes St. George’s Basilica and some lovely gardens. Visitors can easily spend a few hours here and will take plenty of Prague photos while enjoying Prague travel.

The Church of St Nicholas

The best example of Baroque architecture in Prague is probably the Roman Catholic Church of St. Nicholas. It took almost half a century to complete.  Located in Lesser Prague below the Castle Complex, it was built by Jesuits who finished the work in 1755. You can climb up the tower (there is no elevator) to get some lovely views. The dome and spire are 79 metres high, with the dome’s diameter 20 metres. Word has it that the communists used to spy on the American Embassy from there during the Cold War.

Charles Bridge

If you had to choose just one Prague bridge above all others, it would be the Charles Bridge. It is the direct route from the Old Town up to the Castle Complex. King Charles IV ordered its construction to replace a damaged bridge that was two centuries old. Finished early in the 15th Century, it took the name “Stone Bridge” until 1870 when it took the name “Charles”.

There are 30 statues along the balustrade, mostly of saints. Today, you will see replicas of the originals which you can see in the National Museum. Incidentally, if you like statues, make sure you see the Infant Jesus of Prague, a waxed wooden statue in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Mala Strana which is close to the Bridge below the Castle Complex.

River and Bridges

There are numerous other bridges that allow movement across the Vltava River within Prague. One of the most popular of Prague images is the one looking down the River showing multiple bridges.

The Vltava River is 430 kilometres long, Czech’s ‘’national river’’ which joins the River Elbe on the way to the North Sea. Thirty one of those kilometres are within Prague. From time to time, it has been prone to flooding and thereby causes problems. Some of Prague’s bridges have needed repair because of flooding, including Charles Bridge.

Astronomical Clock

This fascinating clock is the oldest astronomical clock that still works. You will find it on the wall of the Old Town Hall in Old Town. The first part dates back to 1410 and it has three main components. The dial represents the sun and moon, Catholic saints are positioned either side and every hour there is the “Walk of the Apostles”.

Legend says that if the clock is not well maintained and breaks down, Prague will suffer. Regular work on it ensures that does not happen. The electrical mechanism in use since 1948 was recently removed with the mechanism from the 1860s replacing it.

The public can climb the tower to get excellent panoramic views of the City.

Old Town Square & Our Lady before Tyn

If you return from Prague Castle Complex across the Charles Bridge on your way to Wenceslas Square you will arrive at the Old Town Square after leaving the Bridge. The most important church in this neighbourhood is the Church of Our Lady of Tyn in Gothic style. Dated from the 14th Century, its towers have been part of the skyline for centuries

You will see a number of statues in the Square including that of Jan Hus, a 15th Century religious reformer. The crosses you see on the pavement, 27 of them, represent martyrs beheaded by the Hapsburgs. Locals do not stand on those crosses out of respect.

The Marian Column which celebrates the end of the Thirty Years War in the 17th Century was destroyed when the Czechs achieved independence from the Hapsburgs. In 2020, the authorities re-erected it.

There is another St. Nicholas Church in Prague and this one is on the Square. Its design is Baroque and in 1945, it was home to the Partisans who broadcasted from there just before the defeat of the Nazis.

Conclusion

There are few former communist cities that have proved so popular with tourists as Prague. Its history and culture over centuries appeal to anyone who appreciates beauty. During your Prague visit, you will love the architecture but there is more. Take a look at the bohemian glassware in the shops. What skill!

In addition to its many landmarks, there are more than 20 museums covering art and history. If you have limited time, you certainly need to plan your itinerary because there is so much to see and do.