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© 2009 Stig Albeck & Ventus Publishing ApS
All rights and copyright relating to the content of this
book are the property of Ventus Publishing ApS, and/or its
suppliers. Content from ths book, may not be reproduced
in any shape or form without prior written permission from
Ventus Publishing ApS.
Quoting this book is allowed when clear references are made,
in relation to reviews are allowed.
ISBN 978-87-7061-425-2
2nd edition
Pictures and illustrations in this book are reproduced according
to agreement with the following copyright owners:
Stig Albeck, Wikipedia, Creative Commons, Czech Tourism,
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Kapiteloverskrift ONLIBRI
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Travelling to Prague
Travelling to Prague
www.prague-info.cz
www.czechtourism.com

Prague is one of Central Europe's most enchanting
cities. The Vlatava River winds through the many
districts, that each hold unique architectural gems,
impressive squares, lush oases and everything else
you could hope for in a big city.

Paying a visit to Prague is paying a visit to one of
Europe's oldest cultural cities. In the streets of the
old districts, you can see fascinating buildings and
historical sights, where emperors and kings have left
their mark on the city.

The Old Town and the New Town on one side of
the river, and the Mala Strana and Prague Castle on
the other side, all offer various experiences from the
periods in which they were built; but you will also
come across modern rows of shopping streets,
colourful attractions and experimental modern
architecture, which are exciting contrasts to the
Gothic and Baroque architectural influences, that are
very visible in Prague.

Many historical sights outside the city are in close
proximity to it. A trip through the environs of

Prague will allow the opportunity to get a
perspective on the visit. You can experience
everything from the castles of the countryside nobles
overlooking the wealthy provincial towns, to the
fashionable accommodations that dominate in the
spa city Karlovy Vary.

Happy travelling!


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6

Historical outline
Historical outline

The Czech history of Prague started with the
immigration around the year 500. Prague Castle was
founded during the 800s, and was the first actual
urban formation. Prague was fast becoming a part of
the Great Moravian Empire.

In 921 Prince Wenceslas, who is a national saint of
Czechoslovakia, came to power. During the 930s he
introduced the Christian faith in Prague, and where
the cathedral is situated today, he founded a church.

Prague quickly became an active city of commerce.

Its rulers invited many German merchants to Prague,
and they formed an increasing part of the city's
population, which had an impact on its culture as
well as on the language. This was also the beginning
of Prague's large Jewish colony.

Prague's population grew, and during the 1300s, it
was one of Europe's biggest cities with a population
of 35,000. In the years of Charles IV, who reigned as
a German-Roman emperor from 1346 to 1378, the
city blossomed.

Charles IV expanded the city to Nove Miesto,
founded the Charles Bridge and the city university,
and begun the construction of St Vitus Cathedral
and Teyn Church, among other things. Thus, he
founded, in many ways, past tense modern Prague,
which we continue to see examples of many places
in the city.

In the beginning of the 1400s, it came to a
showdown with the Catholic Church. The preacher
Jan Hus of the Bethlehem Chapel led the showdown,
which resembled the Reformation years later
inspired by Martin Luther's theses. Jan Hus was
convicted as a heretic and burned at the stake in
1415. Four years later disgruntled citizens stormed
the city's new town hall and literally threw some
Catholic officials out of the window. This was the
beginning of Prague's early reformation.


In the coming centuries, the battle between various
Protestant groups and the Catholic Church
continued, but in 1526 the Catholic House of
Hapsburg ascended the throne, which put a damper
on the sporadic battles.

With the Hapsburgs and the close connection to
Austria-Hungary, Prague experienced a major
resurgence, especially during Rudolf II in the period
1576-1611.

Prague became Rudolf II's home town, and he
declared it a European sanctuary for scientists. One
of the entrants was Danish astronomer Tycho
Brahe.

Rudolf II was also very liberal in regards to culture
and architecture. Many Italian artists put their mark
on the city through the many Renaissance buildings.

Throughout the period, there were continued
rebellious tendencies, and in 1618 the citizens once
again threw officials out of a window. The riot
finally ended in 1620 at the battle of the White
Mountain. A third of the country's population had
been killed in the battles or had emigrated, and
Prague consequently came under Austrian control
for the next 300 years.


A new Austrian upper class arrived in Prague. They
built many new Baroque palaces, and during much
of the time under Austrian control there was
widespread development, notably during the rule of
Maria Theresia from 1740 to 1780.

Prague and Bohemia were industrialized during the
1800s. The area had in a few decades become very
modern, and along with it the Czech mindset.

National pro-democratic movements emerged all
over Europe and also in Prague, where there was a
small rebellion in 1849. In 1861 the Czech
candidates beat the German ones at the city council
elections.
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Historical outline
In the same period, the Czech language was used in
an increasing number of contexts, and artistically
many Czechs, such as the two composers Dvoőák
and Smetana, thrived.

The national thoughts and ideas culminated with the
1st World War defeat to Austria-Hungary and
Germany. In 1918 Czechoslovakia was a republic

with Prague as its capital.

Life in the country and in the capital was very active
and positive during the two world wars. Especially
cultural life was developed and supported by the
new state.

During the 2nd World War, Prague was occupied.
By parliamentary elections after the war, the
Communist Party became the largest, and in 1948 a
one party regime was introduced during Klement
Gottwald. In 1968 there was unrest, and
subsequently military troops were deployed in the
Czechoslovakian capital. It happened in connection
with the government's introduction of political
reforms.

Until the restoration of democracy in 1989, Prague
was reinforced with many modern and densely
populated suburbs. At the same time, the beautiful
old urban centre was maintained. In 2004 the Czech
Republic became a member of the EU.



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Prague Trip 1
Prague Trip 1

1. Staromďstské námďstí

Metro: Staroměstska
The Staroměstské Náměstí Square is the so called
centre and Town Hall Square of the Old Town, and
directly translated the name means Old Town Square.
You can see a number of beautiful and interesting
buildings here, and in the centre of the square, you
will find the Jan Hus Monument from 1915. Jan Hus
was a Czech reformer, who was burned at the stake
as a heretic in 1415.

1a. Town Hall/Staromestská radnice

The Town Hall of the Old Town was originally
constructed in the first building in 1338, and since
then a number of beautiful houses in Gothic and
Renaissance style have spread out.

The Town Hall Tower, which is the most striking
part of the edifice, is from 1364, and from the top
balcony there is a beautiful view of the city.

The Town Hall's famous astronomical clock, which
you can see on the façade of the building, was built
in 1490. It serves as both a clock and a calendar,
and it attracts numerous tourists every day, who at

the beginning of every hour can see the procession
of the twelve apostles above the clock.

1b. St Nikolai Church/Kostel Svatého Mikulase
The beautiful white Nikolai Church, was built in
1733-1737 in a Baroque style. The façade is
decorated by Antonin Braun.

2. Teyn Church/Kostel Matky Boží
pĢed Týnem

Celetná 5

Metro: Staroměstska
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The Teyn Church is one of Prague's most famous
buildings, and the most striking outline in the Old
Town. Construction of the church took place from
the 1300s until 1511, when the southern tower was
completed. The Church’s exterior is in Gothic style,
while the interior was rebuilt in a Baroque style after
a fire in 1679.

The famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe was
buried in the Teyn Church. Tycho Brahe worked in

Prague for Emperor Rudolf II, and was buried here
in 1601.

Inside, you can also see an altarpiece in Baroque
style, made by Karel Škréta in the mid 1600s. The
church organ is from 1673, and one of the best
examples of European organs of that century.

3. Tyn Yard/Týnský Dvur

Between the streets Týnská, Štupartská og Malá
Štupartská.
Metro: Staroměstska
The Tyn Yard is a beautiful oasis in the middle of
Prague. It is believed to have been built around the
year 1000, and used by foreign merchants. Today,
the backyard has various buildings, that represent
almost every style found in the streets of Prague.

4. National Gallery/Národní galerie

Anezská 12
www.ngprague.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
The Czech National Gallery is housed in different
locations in Prague, such as the former St Agnes of
Bohemia Monastery, Kláster sv. Anezky Ceské. Arts
and crafts are exhibited there, primarily Bohemian
and Central European from the 1200-1500s.


5. Letná Park/Letenské Sady

Ulice nábő. Edvarda Beneše
Metro: Staroměstska
From 1955 to 1962, the Letná Park on the northern
bank of the river was the setting of Prague's 50-
meter (164 feet) high marble statue of Joseph Stalin,
the former Soviet state leader. Almost 30 years after
the monument was taken down in 1991, the current
metronome was put there.

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The park is a nice green area, and from a ridge inside
the park, there is a great view of the river and the
Old Town.

6. Josefov
Josefov
Metro: Staroměstska
Josefov is the name of the old Jewish district in
Prague. Not many of the old buildings are left today,
but the preserved synagogues and the cemetery give
an impression of the district's culture.

7. Old New Synagogue/Staronová

synagoga

Cervená 2
www.synagogue.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
The Old New Synagogue was built in the mid-1200s,
in an early Gothic style. Its distinctive name comes
from the fact that the building, at the time it was
built, was the city's new synagogue. During the
1500s, more synagogues were built, and suddenly
“the New Synagogue” became “the Old New
Synagogue”. The synagogue is still in use today.

8. Pinkas Synagogue/Pinkasova
synagoga
Siroka 3
www.jewishmuseum.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
The Pinkas Synagogue is another of the synagogues
of the area. It was founded in 1535, and is famous
for being a memorial to the Jews, who were killed
in Bohemia and Moravia. Its walls have been
inscribed with 80,000 names of dead victims.

9. Old Jewish Cemetery/Starý židovský
hĢbitov

Siroka 3
www.jewishmuseum.cz
Metro: Staroměstska

Prague's Old Jewish Cemetery was established
during the 1400s, and the first tombstone is from
1439. The last burial was carried out in 1787, and
there are 12,000 tombstones on the relatively small
cemetery. More than 12,000 people were buried
here through the centuries, but they were put to rest
in several layers.

10. Museum of Applied
Arts/UmďleckoprĪmyslové muzeum
Listopadu 17 2
www.upm.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
The Museum of Applied Arts in the
Czechoslovakian capital was founded in 1885, but
the current building was completed in 1901 in a
neo-Renaissance style.

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The museum has one of the world's finest glass
collections, not least of the local Bohemian crystal,
which the country is so famous for. Porcelain,
furniture and clocks are also exhibited there.


11. Rudolfinum

Alšovo nábőezí 12
www.ceskafilharmonie.cz
www.galerierudolfinum.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
The Rudolfinum is the home-stage of the Czech
Philharmonic Orchestra. It was built during the
period of 1876-1884, and was named after Rudolf,
the Crown Prince of the Hapsburg Monarchy.

The Rudolfinum contains many concert halls, of
which the impressive Dvoőák Hall, is a great
example of Prague's building style during the 1800s.
A gallery is located inside the Rudolfinum (Galerie
Rudolfinum), which focuses on contemporary art
by exhibiting new collections regularly.

The museum used to play a major part in
Czechoslovakia’s political history by being the seat
of the country's parliament from 1918 until 1939.

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Prague Trip 1
12. Clementinum
Karlova 1
www.nkp.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
The former monastery complex, the Clementinum,
was founded as a Dominican monastery. It was
given to the Jesuits upon their arrival in Prague in
1556.

It became one of the city's leading universities, and
during the 1700s the complex was expanded. When
the Jesuits dissolved in 1773, it was transformed into

the Clementinum University Library – predecessor
to today's National Library.

13. House of the Lords of Kunštát/DĪm
pánu z Kunštátu
Betlémské námesti 5a
Metro: Staroměstska
This Gothic mansion was built during the 1400s. In
the basement you can find three well preserved
Roman rooms from around the year 1200.

Georg Poděbrady, who later became king, is among
the people who have lived in this mansion. The two
Lords Poděbrady and Kunštát also used to live in
the mansion, where there is now an exhibition of
archaeological finds.




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Prague Trip 2
Prague Trip 2

14. Museum of the Capital City of
Prague/Muzeum hlavního mďsta Prahy

Na Poőíÿí 52
www.muzeumprahy.cz
Metro: Florenc
At the Museum of Prague, you can get an overview
of the city's history, especially the pre-1600s history
is richly represented. In the large collection there is
an interesting model of Old Prague.

15. Central Station/Hlavní Nádraží
Wilsonowa 8
Metro: Hlavní Nádraží
Prague's central station, Hlavní Nádraží, is a
beautiful Art Nouveau building from 1901-1909,
that because of its ornaments, glass mosaics and
large halls, is a fine example of the prestigious
railway constructions of the past.

The first central station was inaugurated in 1871
with the name, Franz Josef I Central Station, nádraží
Františka Josefa I. After the Czech independence, it
was renamed as Wilsonowa Central Station,
Wilsonovo nádraží. It was given its current name in
1953.

16. Jubilee Synagogue/Jubilejní
synagoga
Jeruzalémská 1310/7
Metro: Hlavní Nádraží
The Jubilee Synagogue is Prague's newest and
biggest synagogue. It is abundantly decorated, and

one of the most colourful buildings in the city.

17. Jindrisska Tower/Jindrisská vez
Jindrisská
www.jindrisskavez.cz
Metro: Muzeum
Jindrisska Tower, was built in 1472-1476 as a
detached bell tower after an Italian model. The style
was late Gothic, but after a fire in 1745 it was
partially rebuilt in a Baroque style. It was
reconstructed in the 1870s, and the style was once
again Gothic. The tower is 66 metres (216 feet)
high, and has public access.

18. Prague State Opera/Státní opera

Wilsonowa 4
www.opera.cz
Metro: Muzeum
The State Opera building of Czechoslovakia, was
opened in the year 1900 as the New German
Theatre. German was the spoken language here, as
opposed to the city's Czech National Theatre. In
1945, the theatre became the National Opera
House.

The style is neoclassicism, and on the façade you
can see a Greek inspired frieze above the entrance.

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Prague Trip 2
19. National Museum/Národní
Muzeum

Václavské náměstí 68
www.nm.cz
Metro: Muzeum
The Czech National Museum is the country's oldest
institution, founded in 1818 as “the Patriotic
Museum”. The huge museum building, built in an
impressive castle-like style, was completed in 1891.
The building is a good example of the growing
national consciousness at that time.

The museum's collection includes millions of pieces,
so there is much to look at for curious visitors.
There are large exhibitions in anthropology,
archaeology, botany, entomology, mineralogy,
mycology, palaeontology, zoology, among other
things, so you can choose a specific department or
just enjoy the very beautiful building.

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Prague Trip 2
20. Wenceslas Square/Václavské
námďstí

Václavské náměstí
www.evropahotel.cz
Metro: Mţstek/Muzeum
The beautiful Wenceslas Square, Václavské náměstí,
which today has many fine buildings from the
decades around the year 1900, was established in the
Middle Ages as the city's horse market. After having
been reorganized, the square is now like a
magnificent boulevard, 60 metres (196 feet) wide
and 750 metres (2460 feet) long.

In the middle of the square, in front of the National
Museum, there is a statue of the mounted St

Wenceslas, after whom the park was named.

Among the many houses that can be seen there is
also Hotel Europe (nr. 29), which was built in an Art
Nouveau style in 1906. The hotel has largely been
kept as it originally was, on the inside as well as on
the outside.

21. Museum of Communism/Muzeum
Komunismu
Na Pőíkopě 10
www.muzeumkomunismu.cz
Metro: Mţstek
At the Museum of Communism, you can learn
about the Czechoslovakian regime in 1948-1989,
and about the dreams and realities from various
parts of the country. Among the effects are photos,
films and arrangements of furniture from the past.

If you are interested in the history and governance
of this period, a visit to this museum would be very
interesting.

22. Ovocný trh
Ovocný trh
Metro: Mţstek
The cozy square, Ovocný trh is Prague's former
fruit market. Over time, several stately buildings
have been built here, not least the Estate Theatre.


22a. Estate Theatre/Stavovské divadlo

Ovocný trh
www.narodni-divadlo.cz
The Estate Theatre, Stavovské divadlo, is an elegant
theatre building in Prague’s old district. It was built
during the period 1781-1783, and was the national
theatre, but in 1798 the Bohemian Estate Assembly
bought it.
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Prague Trip 2
In 1859, the theatre was expanded by one floor, and
three years later German plays were staged here,
which resulted in a change of name to the Royal
German City Theatre (Königlich Deutsches
Stadttheater). In 1920, Czech plays were once again
staged in the theatre.

The Estate Theatre was renovated during the 1980s,
and today it is used by the National Theatre's Ballet
and Acting Troupe.

22b. Carolinum

Ovocný trh
www.cuni.cz

Carolinum is Prague's and Central Europe's oldest
university. It has been located here since the 1400s.

The beautiful Baroque building originated from a
reconstruction of the university in 1718, and the
great hall in the main building, which is used for
special occasions, is particularly interesting.

22c. Museum of Czech cubism/Muzeum
ceského kubismu
Ovocný trh 19
www.ngprague.cz
In this museum Czech cubism within the fields of
architecture and art is displayed. The museum
building was built during the 1900s, and it is one of
the best examples of cubic architecture. The building
is called the Black Madonna House, Dom U Cerné
Matky Bozí.

23. Powder Tower/Prašná brána

Na Pőíkopě
Metro: Námestí Republiky
The Powder Tower was built as an addition to a
royal palace from 1475. The gate of the tower, was
used as one of the 13 entrances to the old district.
The 65 meter (213 feet) high tower got its name,
when it was used for gun powder storage during the
1600s.


24. Obecní dĪm

Námesti Republiky 5
www.obecnidum.cz
Metro: Námesti Republiky
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Prague Trip 2
Among Prague's many Art Nouveau buildings, the
Municipal House (Obecní dţm) is the most
remarkable. The house was built in 1905-1911 as a
community centre and exhibition room. It is located
where the residence of the Bohemian kings used to
be during the 1300-1400s.

Obecní dţm was made a cultural landmark, because
this is where the country’s independence was
declared in 1918.

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Prague Trip 2


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Prague Trip 3
Prague Trip 3

25. Bethlehem Chapel/Betlémská
Kaple

Betlémské náměstí 255/4
Metro: Národní tőída
The Bethlehem Chapel was originally built during
1391-1394. It is notable because Czech reformer, Jan
Hus, used to give sermons here from 1402 to 1412.
Hus was convicted as a heretic and burned at the
stake in 1415.

The chapel was torn down in 1786, and the current
building is a reconstruction from 1950- 1952.


26. National Theatre/Národní Divadlo

Národní 2
www.nationaltheatre.cz
Metro: Národní tőída
The Czech National Theatre was built for the first
time in 1868-1881, but because it burned down
right around the inauguration, it had to be rebuilt
immediately after. It reopened in 1883.

The interior of the theatre is lavishly decorated by
the best contemporary artists in the country.
Notable features are Ženíšek's ceiling painting in
the lobby, the Grand Hall and its stage curtain.

Linked to the old building is the new stage, Laterna
Magika.

27. TanĀící dĪm

Rašínovo nábőeží 80
Metro: Karlovo náměstí
Tanÿící dţm means „the Dancing House“, and if
you stand in front of it, you will be able to see why.
It was built in 1994-1996 as the Fred & Ginger
House, in honour of Fred Astaire and Ginger
Rogers.

The house is an office building, located where the

previous building was destroyed by bombardment
in 1945.

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Prague Trip 3
28. U FlekĪ

Kőemencova 11
www.ufleku.cz
Metro: Karlovo náměstí
The restaurant U Flekţ, is famous for having brewed
and served beer since 1499. The dark beer of this
place is only sold here, which makes it one of the
city's historic sights within the gastronomic field.

The name U Flekţ means „At Fleck's“, in honour
one of its previous owners, Mr. Fleck.

29. Town Hall of the New
City/Novomestská radnice

Karlovo námestí
www.novomestskaradnice.cz
At the beautifully laid out Charles Square, Karlovo
námestí, stands the Town Hall of the New Town.

During the period of 1377-1784, the local
authorities were housed in this Gothic building
complex, which also has several fine halls and a
chapel.

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Prague Trip 3
30. St Ignatius Church/Kostel Sv.
Ignáce
Jeÿna 2
www.jesuit.cz/praha
Metro: Karlovo náměstí
St Ignatius Church is situated opposite Charles
Square (Karlovo námestí). It is the earliest example
of a Baroque style church on the east bank of the
Vltava River. It was built in 1665-1670 by the Jesuits,
who clearly got their inspiration from the Church of
the Gesú in Rome. Inside the church, there is a
statue of St Ignatius, which was put there in 1671.

31. Faust House/FaustĪv dĪm


Karlovo náměstí 40
Metro: Karlovo náměstí
The Faust House is a house surrounded by stories
and mystery. Dr. Faust is known for black magic and
his pact with the devil, and although he had nothing
to do with the house, some of its historic and
eccentric residents have made people associate to
him and thereby link the house to his name.

During the 1300s, Prince Václav of Opava,
experimented with alchemy. Several alchemists
moved in later on, and some of their experiments
ended in explosions, that went through the roof and
scared people who lived in the area. The most
eccentric character was probably Karl Jänig, who
lived in the house during the 1800s. He decorated
his home as a big funeral setting, where gallows
were a part of the interior decoration. Jänig himself
slept in wooden coffins.

There is unfortunately no public entry to Faust
House.

32. Antonin DvoĢák Museum/Muzeum
Antonína DvoĢáka
Ke Karlovu 20
www.nm.cz
Metro: I. P. Pavlova
The world renowned composer Antonin Dvoőák,
was born in Czechoslovakia in 1841. He has

composed nine symphonies, whereof the most
famous is his ninth, named, The New World
(Novosvětská). Dvoőák composed this symphony
during his trip to the USA in 1892-1895.

In the Dvoőák Museum, you can get to know more
about the composer, his life and his work.

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Prague Trip 3


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Prague

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Prague Trip 4
Prague Trip 4

33. Crusaders' Square/KĢižovnické
námďstí

Kőižovnické náměstí
www.guk-prague.cz
Metro: Staroměstska
Crusaders' Square, is located at the eastern bridge
tower of the Charles Bridge, and because it is located
at the river, this square has a great atmosphere.

In the middle of the square, you can see a statue of
Charles IV. Furthermore there are two churches and
the eastern bridge tower of the Charles Bridge,
which was built during the late 1300s, with an
obvious architectural inspiration of Prague's old
district.

The dome church St Fraciskus/Kostel Svatého
Františka z Assisi, located to the north, used to be a
part of the Convent of the Maltese Knights.
In the square you can also find the Kőižov
Gallery/Galerie u Kőižovníkţ, where the art
collection of the crusaders is displayed.

34. Smetana Museum/Muzeum
BedĢicha Smetany
Novotného lávka 1

www.nm.cz/english/mbs
Metro: Staroměstska
Located at the Vltava River, is the museum of the
famous Czech composer Bedőich Smetana, who
among other things composed Má Vlast, which
means My Mother Country.

35. Charles Bridge/KarlĪv Most

Karlţv Most
Metro: Staroměstska
Charles Bridge is one of the most popular
attractions in Prague. The bridge was built by Peter
Parler, during the years of Charles IV in 1357. It is
520 meters (1706 feet) long and built in sandstone.

The many statues on the bridge have been added
since 1683, inspired by the bridge Ponte
Sant’Angelo, that crosses the Tiber in Rome. The
statues are mainly of saints. The large crucifix in the
middle of the bridge, was put there in 1629, and
more statues arrived in the early 1700s. One of the
most admired statues is the one at the stairs leading
down to Kampa Island. It was made by Matthias
Bernhard Braun when he was just 26 years old. The
statue is of St Luitgard.

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Prague


24

Prague Trip 4
At each end of the bridge, a Gothic bridge tower
was built as an integrated part of Prague's
architecture. You can enter the towers, and enjoy a
beautiful view of the bridge.

36. Church of St Mary Below the
Chain/Kostel Panny Marie pod
Ģetďzem
Lázełská
Metro: Malostranská
This church, with its somewhat peculiar name, is the
oldest in the Malá Strana district, and it was built
during the mid 1100s. The two solid towers look like
a part of a fortress, which is exactly what they are.
The church used to be a part of a fortified convent,
hence its name. It is the Church of St Mary below
the chain that efficiently kept the gates of the
convent shut.

37. Devil's Stream/ÿertovka

Langs þertovka
Metro: Malostranská
Devil's Stream is the picturesque stream that
truncates Kampa Island from the district Malá
Strana. It was named after a woman in the
neighbourhood, who supposedly worshipped the

devil. The stream was used to run the water mills of
the area, and today you can visit the Grand Master's
Mill.

38. Kampa
Kampa
Metro: Malostranská
Kampa is an island in the Vltava River, and on it
there is a park, frequently visited by the locals. The
green area at the river, with its view of the districts
on the other side, is a great place for a hike.

39. Maltese Square/Maltézské námestí
Maltézské námestí
Metro: Malostranská
The Maltese Square is atmospheric and has various
mansions that were rebuilt in a Baroque style by
catholic noble families during the 1600-1700s. The
name of the square was taken from a Maltese knight
convent, which used to be located here.

40. Church of Our Lady
Victorious/Kostel Panny Marie Vítďzné
Karmelitská 9
Metro: Malostranská
This church was built as a Carmelitan Church in
1613, which makes it Prague's first Baroque
building. It got its current name from the
Hapsburgs’ victory over the Czech army at the
battle of the White Mountain in 1620. The new

church was named “Victorious” in honour of the
event.

Church of Our Lady Victorious is a Pilgrimage
Church. A number of miracles have been ascribed
to its wax doll, Prague's Baby Jesus.

41. Malostranské námďstí
Malostranské náměstí
Metro: Malostranská
Ever since the square Malostranské náměstí was
built in 1257, it has been the centre of this district.
There are various buildings surrounding the square,
like Church of St Nicolas and the town hall, built in
Renaissance style. The column in the square was
erected on the occasion of the end of the plague
epidemic in 1713.
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Prague

25

Prague Trip 4
41a. St Nicolas Church/Kostel sv. Mikuláše

www.psalterium.cz
St Nicolas Church is an extremely beautiful Baroque
building built between 1703-1752 by the
Dientzenhofer architects. The dome is recorded to
be 74 metres (242 feet) high, and is one of the

landmarks of the district. Next to it is the Bell Tower,
which was the last part of the building to be
completed.

St Nicolas Church is lavishly decorated. The statues,
frescoes and paintings on display here, have been
created by the leading artists of that time. Some
examples are the fresco of the Guardian Angel of
Music, which hangs above the organ, and the Trinity
Dome, made by Franz Palko in 1752. The church's
beautiful pulpit is from 1765. In 1787, Mozart played
the church organ.

42. Wallenstein Palace/Valdštejnský
palác

Valdštejnské náměstí 4
www.senat.cz
Metro: Malostranská
This richly decorated palace was built in 1624-1630
by Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Forces,
Emperor Wallenstein, who bought the lot and 23
houses to make room for his palace and its garden.
The plan was to construct a luxurious building that
would match the nearby Prague Castle.

The castle has a magnificent main hall where there
is a painting of Wallenstein himself in the ceiling
frescoes.


Of the many gardens in the district, Wallenstein’s is
the most popular with its pools, statues and lavish
flower beds. The garden was, like the palace,
created during the 1600s.

Today, the Wallenstein Palace is used by the Czech
Senate.