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With its blend of ancient and modern architecture, Prague offers wonderful experiences in culture and art. |
The most well-preserved ancient city in Europe.
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Located in the west, on the picturesque Vltava River, Prague boasts a rich history spanning hundreds of years. It's a vibrant tapestry of architecture, art, and culture, with its ancient buildings, grand squares, and beautiful cobblestone streets. Prague is also renowned as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Europe, having been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most unique and famous architectural landmarks in Prague. Built atop Hradčany Hill, it is considered one of the largest and most important cathedrals in the Czech Republic.
Construction of St. Vitus Cathedral began in 1344 and lasted over 500 years, encompassing numerous phases of construction and renovation. St. Vitus Cathedral is considered a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its colonnades, arched windows, and ornate stone and metal sculptures.
Inside St. Vitus Cathedral, visitors can find numerous works of art and historical treasures. The highlight of the cathedral is the Window of the Precious Blood, considered one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. In addition, the cathedral features frescoes and statues made of stone and metal with religious and historical themes.
One of Prague's most outstanding landmarks is the Charles Bridge, the Bridge of Love. It's said that if you visit the bridge with your loved one, your love will last forever. If you wish for happiness, your wish will surely come true in the future.
Built in 1357 in the Gothic style, the Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the Mala Strana district across the Vltava River in Prague. Along both sides of the bridge, the piers are decorated with 30 statues of saints from the 17th century. This is an artistic blend of Gothic and Baroque styles.
The most beautiful and famous part of this bridge is the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. Saint Nepomuk served as a priest under King Wenceslas IV. The king wanted to know how his wife confessed her sins, so he had the priest arrested. Nepomuk, of course, said nothing, so he was tortured to death and thrown into the Vltava River. Additionally, you can easily notice the glittering gold leaf at the base of the statue.
The city center also houses the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Museum, located in the 17th-century Vertramka villa, where the composer completed "Don Giovanni". Mozart's bedroom and study have been restored. The villa's seven rooms display various musical instruments from the era, including a piano Mozart once played.
The oldest area of Prague is Mala Strana, or the Lesser Quarter, dating back to the 13th century, but destroyed by fire and rebuilt with magnificent palaces and villas. Some of these buildings now house foreign embassies. Nerudova is an old street with splendid facades featuring large wooden doors and ornate iron gates, interspersed here and there with charming, colorful flower gardens.
The highlight of this area is the Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 18th century, with its bronze-colored spire and dome. The most famous interior features are the frescoes and sculptures.
One of the architectural landmarks that Prague is most proud of is the Royal Summer Palace, also known as the Benvize Palace, meaning "Beautiful Palace" in Italian. Built during the Renaissance in 1538, it was designed to welcome royalty, nobility, and foreign envoys. The palace boasts a magnificent design. Surrounding it are walls decorated with human figures, supported by 36 columns that hold up the vaulted ceiling. The roof rests on a unique truss, resembling an inverted ship, supported by copper-plated metal panels.
Another must-see destination when visiting Prague is Kastanienallee, also known as the Avenue of Maple Trees. This famous street is lined with maple trees on both sides, creating a magnificent landscape.
City of Music
Prague prides itself on being a city of music, boasting three opera houses and two large halls for symphony orchestras and choirs.
In the summer, modern music fills the streets, especially in the old town square, with various forms of performance. Violinists play for money from tourists on the narrow streets leading to the castle. Accordion players perform solos in the bustling markets. And saxophone players' voices resonate beneath the Gothic arches.
Here, there are also serious concerts featuring strings, organ, and trumpet. Gentle jazz music is performed daily and nightly in churches and palaces. Famous orchestras perform Dvorak's opera arias at the America Mansion, a magnificent mansion now the Dvorak Museum, which displays numerous artifacts of the great Slavic composer, such as violins, hats, fountain pens, and some letters, evoking his life, including his three-year stay in America (1892-1895).
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Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202505/praha-thanh-pho-vang-cua-cong-hoa-sec-1042058/
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