St Nicholas Church

Slightly smaller and not quite as rich as the Church of St Nicholas from the Lesser Town, the Church of St. Nicholas on the Old Town Square undoubtely ranks among Prague’s most admired and visited monuments. Can you imagine that it has stood the test of time and the significant events of history for the last eight centuries? This place of worship was mentioned in the historical records as early as in 1273. Originally it served as a parish church, where Hussitism and the Reformation used to be preached. In the 17th century the church became the property of Benedictines, and was later severely damaged by the fire.

Kilian Ignác Dienzenhofer

In 1730s, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style to the design of the outstanding architect Kilián Ignác Dienzenhofer. The Church of St Nicholas represents one of Kilian’s best works and reminds us of his other masterpieces such as the Church of St Nicholas in the Lesser Town.

St Nicholas Church During 18th And 19th Century

Difficult times followed. The Church was closed during the reign of the emperor Joseph II, was desecrated and turned to secular use. The building was converted into a granary for a while and then used as a registry archive. It was not returned to the Church until 1871, when it became the property of the Russian Orthodox Church. An interesting feature is the splendid crystal glass chandelier which was made in Harrachov glass works in the northern part of Bohemia. It was donated to the Orthodox church by the Russian czar Nicolas.

Pseudo-Baroque Style

In the 20th century the church was modified into a pseudo-Baroque style. In the course of these alterations, paintings and statues were added and a life size sculpture of St Nicholas was placed in the niche of the church.

St Nicholas Church Today

Since 1920 this magnificent Church of St Nicholas has been the property of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. The monumental building is dominated by two beautiful greenish Baroque towers and a dome that can be seen from all over the old town centre. The interior of the church is accessible every day except Sundays when a Holy Mass is held here. Religious and classical music concerts also take place in the church occassionally.

St Nicholas Church at the Old town Square is just 20 minutes walk from our hostel, book from wide selection of rooms and apartments!

Wenceslas Square

The rectangular boulevard of Wenceslas Square is 750m long and 60m wide and spreading out over an area of 45,000 square meters. In 1348, Bohemian King Charles IV founded the New Town of Prague. This Gothic town included three main market places, the second largest, of which, was the Horse Market. Since the end of the 19th century, it has been named in honor of the important Czech patron saint – Wenceslas Square.

Important Historical Events

Over the years the square has been a regular parade ground for all kinds of organizations, political parties and historical events. For example in 1918, Alois Jirásek read the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia in front of the Saint Wenceslas statue which is situated on the top of the square. During the Second World War the Nazis used the square for mass demonstrations. During the Prague Uprising in 1945, a few buildings near the National Museum were destroyed. Some of them were later replaced by department stores. Another unforgettable historical event took place here on January 16, 1969, when the student Jan Palach burnt himself to death in protest of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet arned forces in 1968. The commemorative plaque dedicated to the memory of Jan Palach has been placed in front of the statue of St. Wenceslas. On March 28, 1969, the Czechoslovakian national ice hockey team defeated the hateful USSR team for the second time in that year’s Ice Hockey World Championships. As the country was still under Soviet rule, the victory involved big celebrations. About 150,000 people gathered on the Wenceslas Square, and clashed with police. A group of agents provocateurs instigated an aggressive attack on the Prague office of the Soviet airline Aeroflot.  The resultant vandalism was used as an excuse by the authorities for reprisals and the period of the so-called normalization.

Equestrian Statue Of St Wenceslas

The top of Wenceslas Square is adorned with the equestrian statue of St Wenceslas. This is the favorite Prince Wenceslas, or Václav in Czech, who was murdered in 929 by his brother. He was later canonized and became one of the most important Czech patron saints. The sculptor of the this monumental statue is the outstanding Josef Václav Myslbek.

Beautiful Buildings

Many buildings in Wenceslas Square are worth seeing. For example you should not miss the neo-Classicist Jalta Hotel or the extraordinary Grand Hotel Evropa which was built in 1906 in the beautiful Art Noveau style. This hotel is situated on the right hand side when you walk down from the top of the square.

If you want to stay near by the Wenceslas Square, book one our cosy apartments!

Powder Tower

The Powder Tower is 65m high and serves as gateway to the Royal Route. Until 1836 the Royal Route was used by the Bohemian Monarchs as the way to their coronation in the St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. The tower gained its present name in the 17th century because in this period it was used as a gunpowder store.

Construction Of The Powder Tower

It was built on the site of the former early Gothic tower. The construction works of the Powder Tower began in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II Jagiello. This tower represented one of the thirteen entrance gates to the Old Town. Its main architect was Mathias Rejsek who constructed an ornate tower to a similar design as the Old Town Bridge Tower built in the second half of the 14th century. It was built in the neighbourhood of the Royal Court which used to be situated on the site of the present Municipal House. With a few interruptions, the kings dwelled here from 1383 up to 1483 when King Vladislav II Jagiello decided to move back to the Prague Castle. The palace remained abandoned and this was the reason for the interruption in construction of the tower, which was only provisionally roofed.

Renovation

The Powder Tower was badly damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757. Between 1875 and 1886 the tower had to be rebuilt because of this damage. The tower was decorated and redesigned by the neo-Gothic architect Josef Mocker. Fortunately in the 1990s the Powder Tower, like many other historical buildings in Prague, was again beautifully renovated and now offers a lovely view of Prague to visitors.

Sculptural Decoration

Beautiful sculptural decoration adorn the tower. On the first floor one finds statues of Bohemian kings. From the side of Celetna Street  it is possible to see the statues of George of Podebrady and Vladislav II. From the other side you can see the statues of Premysl Otakar II and Charles IV. Statues are surrounded by symbols of the countries over which they reigned. On the second floor, there are many statues of bohemian patrons and saints.

Powder Tower is just 20 minutes walk from our hostel, book from wide selection of rooms and apartments!

Municipal House

Wenceslas IV founded this residence known as the “Royal Court” in 1383 on the site of the present Municipal house. King Wenceslas IV started using it in 1383. His successors also resided here until 1483 when king Vladislav II Jagiello decided to move back to the Prague Castle. Later, the archbishop‘s seminary was situated here. The building has served many different purposes through the centuries – there used to be barracks till 1869, after which a military academy was established here.

Construction Of The Building

However in 1903 the Royal Court was torn down. The memorandum by the Prague Civic Society to use the former King’s Court plot as a site for the construction of an outstanding and representative building for the Czech kingdom’s capital was submitted to the Town Hall authorities in 1901. The architects Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek were entrusted with the construction works. They both served as much as artistic coordinators as designers. The construction began in 1905 and the building was opened in 1912.

Art Nouveau Architecture

The Municipal House is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture. At the time of its creation the style was criticized by some architects. The house was well equipped with all the modern facilities of the time, including central heating and ventilation, steam-powered laundry, laundry drying room, bottle washing facility, transformer station, accumulator station, drinking and utility water supply system, suction removal of dust, cooling of the cellar, ice making, electrical as well as hydraulic elevators, tube post and an intercom network. The Municipal House contains numerous beautiful halls and rooms.

Interiors

The interior of the house is decorated with the most prominent work of famous Czech artists from the first decade of the 20th century. The most beautiful and well known throughout the world is the Smetana Hall, one of the main concert halls in Prague which has become famous for its fabulous glass dome as well as its elegance. The interior of the hall is dominated by the chandeliers above the stage and balcony which were originally equipped with arched lamps made by F. Krizik which were later replaced by replicas made to designs from photographs taken in 1912. The hall has on its front side a stage lined with two stuccoed groups of sculptures made by L. Saloun which represent Vysehrad and Slavonic dances. The ceiling and wall frescos depict the allegories of Music, Dance, Poetry and Drama and were created by K. Spillar. The most important concerts of the classical music festival, Prague Spring, take place in the Smetana hall.

Important Historical Events

The Municipal House has already hosted several important historical events such as the proclamation of the independence of Czechoslovak Republic on October 28, 1918 as well as the meetings between the Civic Forum and the communist regime in November 1989. It also hosts some of the best classical concerts in Prague, there are many regular exhibitions, and you will also find the first-class Francouzska Restaurant.

If you want to sleep few minutes from the Municipal House, book one of our cosy private double rooms!

National Museum

The National Museum is considered to be the most expansive museum institution in Bohemia. It was founded as the „Patriotic Museum“ as in 1818. Initially, its collections were deposited in different noble palaces. The building itself was constructed between 1885 and 1890, after the demolition of the former town gate. It represent the magnificent work of the architect Josef Schulz, who designed the monumental edifice dominating the whole of Wenceslas Square. The National Museum ranks among the most beautiful neo-Renaissance buildings in Prague. In 1840 František Palacký prepared an proposal for a building on the present Smetana Embankment for the Centre of Science and Culture named “Francisceum” in memory of Emperor František I. But it wasn’t until 1876, after another proposal by Fr. L. Rieger, that the City Council presented the extremely prime piece of real estate at the upper corner of Wenceslas Square, formely known as the Horse market, for the new Museum building, above the recently demolished New Horse Gate, with a total area of 13,598 m2. Finally, on 15th November 1883, design of the new Museum building was put out to tender. Six domestic architects were asked in this tender for their participation in the competition.

Decorations Of The Building

The entrance was built as a huge hall, with great sweeping staircases and intricate stonework. In 1888 the nasic construction of the museum was completed but only after being delayed by unusually bad weather. The entire Museum building, finished at the beginning of 1891, still had to be fitted with furnishings and fixtures and its artistic decorations still had to be completed. The interior decorations were completed in 1903. The entrance hall is decorated with statues of Přemysl the Ploughman (Premysl Orac), Libuse, St Wenceslas and Premysl Otakar II created by the well known sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. Other works of this famous sculptor decorate the staircase in the central wing of the building.

The Second World War

During the German occupation in the Second World War, ten bronze statues were confiscated and taken from the Museum to the non-ferrous metals store in Na Maninách. Fortunately they were neither damaged nor destroyed but were deposited there till the end of the war and later returned to the Museum. During this war also two bombs were dropped over the National Museum. One of them hit the important central part of the museum, near the staircase. The other bomb damaged a neighbouring house.

August 1968

The front facade of the museum was also damaged by the Soviet army during the Warsaw Pact intervention in August 1968. The Soviets caused a considerable damage to the main facade with machine-guns and automatic submachine-gun fire.

Collections Of The National Museum

The collections of the National Museum contain about 14 million artifacts of natural history, history, arts, music and librarianship. The museum also administers exhibitions in other prestigious buildings in and outside of Prague. Nowadays the permanent exhibitions in the National Museum include primeval history of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia, Zoological collections, Anthropological collections, Palaeontological collections and Mineralogical & petrological collections.

New Building Of The National Museum

In the neighbourhood of the National museum you can see a modern glass building which was constructed here between 1967 and 1972 to the designs of the architect Pragner. It served several different purposes in the past – such as the main seat of the Federal Assembly, the seat of the world headquarters of Radio Free Europe.  Nowadays, it houses a additional collections of the National Museum.

If you want to sleep few minutes from the National Museum, book one of our cosy apartments!

National Theatre

The National Theatre is one of the most beautiful buildings in Prague evoking the Czech national spirit and unity. The National Theatre’s Neo-Renaissance edifice ranks among the most beautiful Prague architectural structures.

Nationalwide Collection And Grand Opening

The National Theatre represented a monumental project in the second half of the 19th century. Because of insufficient funds for its construction, nationwide collections were organized and money was collected from all social classes. The foundation stone was laid in 1868, the historical date thought of as the beginning of the origin of this amazing building. Years passed and finally in 1881, the neo-Renaissance construction was ceremonially inaugurated by the first performance that was held here in the honour of the Crown Prince Rudolf.

National Catastrophe

On 12th August 1881, when the last details were being completed, a fire broke out and destroyed much of the new building. This event was considered to be a national catastrophe, but Czechs didn’t give up. They started a new campaign for the reconstruction of the National Theatre. Rich and poor contributed and the result was the amazing one million florins gathered in 47days.

Reopening Of The National Theatre

In charge of the project this time was the architect Josef Schulz, who was entrusted with the difficult task to unite three different buildings into one harmonious structure. His work was successful and in the perfectly designed and equipped Theatre, the first ceremonial performance of Smetana’s opera Libuše, specially composed for this gala occasion, took place on the 18th November 1883.

Reconstruction

The theatre served its purposes loyaly for almost a century – until 1977 when it had to be closed for reconstruction. Everything went precisely according to plan and the theatre reopened on the occassion of its 100th anniversary. On 18th November 1983 Smetana’s Libuše resounded here again as the symbol of the national devotion and unity. The modern glass building reminding us of the communist era in Prague may seem a little out of place, but in fact it is perfectly integrated in the cultural beauty of our great city. It now houses the administrative offices and main box office of the National Theatre.

Charles Bridge Hostel is only few minutes walk from this amazing symbol of Czech national spirit, book one of our lovely apartments!

Hunger Wall

Visitors will find many interesting places in Prague. The Hunger Wall represents one such place. It ranks amongst on of the best preserved structures in Prague. Its origins dating back to the 14th century when it was part of a long white defensive wall stretching from Strahov, Petrin Park to Ujezd. The wall is visible from many locations in Prague. The main function of this fortified wall was the protection of the southern part of the Lesser Town and Prague Castle from the west or south for more than 500 years (1362-1848). As you can see it played an important defensive role for many centuries. The Hunger Wall underwent several phases of reconstruction in the past, for example during the reign of Ferdinand II and Maria Theresa.

Hunger Wall Today

Nowadays approximately 1200 metres of the original length of the wall remain, measuring about 6 metres high and almost 2 metres wide. Its inside walkway is well protected by battlements and a platform for marksmen. Protection is provided by eight bastions. We should mention that the bastion behind the Stefanik Observation on Petrin Hill offers an excellent panoramic view of Prague.

Charles IV

The Hunger Wall was built upon the order of the Holy Roman Emperor and the Czech King Charles IV between 1360 – 62. The story goes that Charles IV ordered the construction of this fortified wall with the aim to help the poor people in Prague during a terrible famine that lasted years. Poor people worked on this wall and earned food for themselves and their families. Old records prove that Czech lands really suffered from this famine in the 1360s, but the wall was probably only built for a strategic reasons. Even though there were fortification walls built by Charles IV’s ancestors, they were too close to the area where people lived. The Hunger Wall offered a greater protection for Prague due to strong defensive walls which were later enlarged to protect a larger area of the city.

If you want to sleep few minutes from the Hunger Wall, book one of our cosy private double rooms!

Mirror Labyrinth

The labyrinth at the top of Petřín Hill was built as the Czech Tourist Club’s pavilion during the Prague Jubilee Exhibition in 1891. It originally stood near the corner of the Industrial Palace at Prague’s Výstaviště exhibition grounds, but was later was relocated to Petřín Hill. The wooden building was completely refurbished in 1975.

Dioramic Picture

A mirror labyrinth leading to a dioramic picture was installed in the right section of the building in place of a panorama of diapositive slides. The picture depicts a memorable scene from 1648, when Swedish forces attempted to seize the Old Town via Charles Bridge, only to meet resistance from students and teachers from a Jesuit college, who managed to defend the city successfully. The elaborate combination of a three-dimensional foreground with a flat painting of the Hradčany district creating a real-life impression, is the work of the brothers Adolf and Karel Liebscher as well as Vojtěch Bartoněk. It seems that the Petřín labyrinth was inspired by the Prater in Vienna.

Hall of Smiles

The second room, known as the Hall of Smiles, was furnished in 1911 with various convex and concave mirrors, which humorously distort people’s reflections. The labyrinth has 31 ordinary and 14 twisted mirrors.

Charles Bridge Hostel is only few minutes from the mirror labyrinth, stay with us!

Dancing House

The building, metaphorically known as „the Dancing House“ was built at the corner of the embankment and Jiráskovo Square. It was designed by the Croatian-born Czech architect Vlado Milunic who worked with with the Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Built between 1992 and 1996, Dancing House represents a modern contrast to Prague’s historic attractions.

An Unusual Shape

The building is an example of deconstructivist architecture, with an unusual shape – you can actually see a couple – woman and man dancing together, holding their hands, with a skirt that sways to the music. But, words cannot describe it. It is one of a few buildings in Prague to extend beyond its regulatory line and its shape appears to overhang the street supported by its ferroconcrete pillars. It is complemented by the interior design by the London architect of the Czech origin – Eva Jiřičná. The building is also known as „Fred & Ginger“, after Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers – the legendary American dancing couple.

Location Of The House

The site was originally occupied by the Neo-renaissance house dating back to the end of the 19th century. That house was, however, destroyed during the Nazzi bombardment in 1945, just missing the neighbouring Art Nouveau house of Vaclav Havel – leading figure of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the last president of Czechoslovakia and first president of the Czech Republic. The Dancing House stands out among the Neo-Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings that Prague is famous for. The very non-traditional design was controversial at the time causing a big public debate. After ten years, emotions have subsided, and the house finally deserves its own place in modern Prague.

Dancing House Nowadays

The house is presently used as an office building. However, you can visit the restaurant situated on its top floor which affords a magnificent panoramic view of the Vltava River and the Prague Castle.

Dancing House is only few minutes from our hostel, book one of our cosy rooms!

Charles Bridge Museum

You should not miss the opportunity to visit the Charles Bridge Museum and museum of Charles IV  and to immerse yourselves in the world of our ancestors. You will have a chance to see the original parts of buildings and parts of the Charles bridge as well as the authentic grilles of St. John of Nepomuk and a lot more priceless historical. Would you like to learn more about the construction of the Charles Bridge in the Middle Ages? Well you‘ll see a unique model of the Charles Bridge construction and find out more about medieval building practice. You will then meet Charles IV, Petr Parler, St. John of Nepomuk and many other significant historical figures of this period. The Charles Bridge has become a very special and world renown monument. It is one of the iconic  symbols of Prague.  Nowadays it represents not only a remarkable example of high Gothic architecture, but also a beautiful „gallery in the open-air“.  See the 30 sculptures and groups of statues dating back to the Baroque period. Moreover from the bridge you can enjoy the glorious views over both riverbanks.

Prague Venice

Just come and learn about the Charles bridge history and the medieval life. You will also have an opportunity to cruise through the so-called Prague Venice and see the Charles Bridge from the different points of view. You could see the uniquely preserved arch of the former Judita’s bridge dating back to the 12th  century. A cruise through Čertovka and Prague Venice is undoubtedly an unforgetable experience mainly due to the fact that it‘s the only historical canal in Prague. It will stay with you long after you leave Prague.

Charles Bridge Museum is only 5 minutes from our hostel, book from wide selection of rooms and apartments!