Today Prague is one of the most fascinating places for vacation in Europe. Great sights and low prices make it a very popular destination. In Prague you can find cheap gourmet food and hotels; and probably the largest beers in Europe.

The building of the castle Prazsky Hrad from the 9th century was the beginning of the history of Prague. It is located on a hill high above the Vltava River.

Behind the castle wall are a palace, three churches and a monastery located. Around the year 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle’s outer courtyard.

The castle has been the seat of the president since 1918. Every hour there is changing of the Guard in front of the castle. At noon it includes a fanfare.

Stare Mesto is the old part of Prague. Centrally located in the town is the square Staromestske namesti (Old Town Square) located. The square is surrounded by historical buildings that can be compared with any other European city.

In the 1000 century the first settlements started around the castle. From here the settlers spread to the right side of the Vltava River, where houses and churches where build around the square.

The Old Town Hall was built in 1338 and in 1490 the unusual astronomical clock was added. Today large groups crowd to watch the show with odd performers like a rooster, a turkey, apostles, the Death, the Greed and the Vanity.

The famous Charles Bridge unites the two parts of Prague. The 520 meter long bridge was built in 1357 of sandstone blocks. It is said to have been reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. Until 1741 it was the only bridge to cross the Vltava.

Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.

The bridge is a tourist magnet. For the same reason a large group of artists and merchants sell the wares to the tourists on the bridge.

Prague is not as cheap as it used to be, but it is nevertheless still possible to make some really good shopping. And if you think it is only wares from the former East Europe, you are wrong.

A lot has happened in Prague since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today you can find Czech, American and Western European brands in the city. So it is easy to spend a whole day in Prague’s department stores and specialty shops.

Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prague on Prag Weekendophold. Read more about the sights in Prag Sevaerdigheder .

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