OLD TOWN, Prague sightseeing

OLD TOWN

Old Town Bridge Tower

The entrance gate from the Old Town to the Charles Bridge, designed by Petr Parler. One of the most beautiful Gothic towers in Europe. The tower contains copies of the enthroned figures of Charles IV and Wenceslas IV. Over the archway is a row of carved emblems of territories belonging to Charles' Empire.

Clementinum
A former Jesuit college, the building dates from the mid-17th century. It now houses the National Library of the Czech Republic and the State Technical Library.

The Municipal House

One of the most precious treasures of "Art Noveau" style, containing rich decoration inside and out (Mucha, Myslbek, Saloun, Svabinsky, Ales, Zenisek), and housing the well known Smetana concert hall.

Re-opened after renovation in May 1997.

St. Agnes the Czech Convent

Prague 1, Anezska ulice

An ensemble of ecclesiastical and residential buildings founded by the King Wenceslas II in 1234. At present there is an exhibition from the National Gallery (Czech paintings and sculptures - 19. century), and a concert hall.

Powder Tower

A Gothic building from 1475 constructed by Matthias Rejsek and once probably used to store gunpowder. Modified in 1875-86.

Carolinum

The original Charles University building, established in 1348. A Gothic bay chapel of 137O was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1718. At present, Charles University graduation ceremonies take place there.

The Estates' Theatre

Opened in 1783 as the Nostic Theatre. The premiere of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was given here on October 29, 1787.

Prague Jewish Ghetto

Seven synagogues remain from this old settlement which includes the Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery - the most remarkable in Europe.

Klaus Synagogue - from 1680, exhibiting Hebrew manuscripts and old prints
The High Synagogue - mid-16th century, exhibiting synagogal textiles
Pinkas Synagogue - established 1475, a memorial to victims of Nazism
Maisel Synagogue - containing silver artifacts from various Czech synagogues
Jewish Town Hall - mid-16th century
Former Ceremonial Hall - children's drawings from the concentration camp at Terezin
Old Jewish Cemetery - with the tomb of Rabbi Low
Old-New Synagogue - an early Gothic building from the 13th century

OLD-TOWN SQUARE

The historical center of the city and site of many significant events; there is a monument to the reformer Jan Hus by Ladislav Saloun. A unique complex of architectural and historic monuments.

House At the Stone Bell
House At the Stone Bell
The most precious "burgess house" from the Middle Ages. Originally Romanesque, later remodeled in Gothic style a two-storey facade dating from the 14th century, renovated in 1988. Currently it serves as an exhibition and concert hall.

Prague Tourist Information