History and nearby

Prague Castle is one of the most important cultural and historical places not only in Prague but also in the Czech Republic. There are many sites that have witnessed the long and rich history of the Czech lands. The most famous ones are: St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St.George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, Royal Summer Palace, etc. Origins of Prague Castle go back to the ninth century when it was started to be build by Premyslid Duke Bořivoj.

Leads from the upper corner of Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town Square) up the hill towards the Prague Castle. At its end, you can continue to walk to Radnické schody (City Hall Stairs) or Úvoz Street. Nerudova Street used to be the main road to the Castle, it was part of the Royal Route. From the architectural perspective, this street is the most significant street in Lesser Town with beautiful Baroque facades, and gothic cellars in some of the houses. One should also notice historical portals, old decorated entrance doors and locks, and the beautiful historical house signs.

Is in the immediate vicinity of the Prague Castle. It is the main square in Hradčany that is connected to the 1st Castle courtyard, western gate, and western façade of the Castle. On its southern side, you can continue to the street Ke hradu (from the end of Nerudova street), where the Royal Route ended. There is a beautiful view of Prague from here. A statue of the first Czechoslovak president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk was placed in one of the corners of the square at the occasion of his 150th birthday anniversary.

The square is enclosed by Prague Castle from the eastern side, Salmovsky Palace and Schwarzenberg Palace (National Gallery) from the southern side, Tuscany Palace from the western side, and Martinicky Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and Sternbersky Palace (National Gallery from the northern side.

Another attractive place to visit is the Petřín tower on the top of a nearby hill offering a unique view of the city. This 60 meter tower was built as part of the Jubilee exhibition in 1891 as a copy of the Eiffel tower in Paris. There are 299 stairs. The park on the Petřín hill with many beautiful views of Prague is a very popular place for romantic walks.

You can also find Nový Svět (New World) in Hradčany. It was originally a quarter for the poor. The street originated in the 14th century and it was supposed to provide housing for the cattlemen. However, due to frequent fires, majority of houses are from the 17th century. Maybe because they belonged to the poor ones, they have so much gold in their names. You can find houses at the Golden Pear, Golden Vine or Golden Star. A bush, tree, plough or a stark are also made of gold in Nový Svět.