- Area: 1.29 square meters. km
The business card of Prague is Staré Město or Old Town. This is the historical district of the Czech Republic , which is enveloped in legends and conceals in itself the unique charm of ancient times. It is a part of all sightseeing tours , and the sights located here are a national treasure.
What is the area famous for?
The Old Town is on the right bank of the Vltava River, and the Old Town Square is considered to be its center. For several centuries around it grew and developed Prague. Many buildings that have survived to this day are witnesses of important historical events.
The total area of the district is 1.29 square meters. km, and the number of local residents is 10,256 people. Each street is a real gallery of monuments of art. The buildings were erected in different eras and have a variety of styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The Old Town is considered the most interesting part of the city for travelers. Tourist routes pass through narrow streets and courtyards with arcades, medieval churches and taverns, peaked houses and small shops. Currently, the area hides under its pavement ancient cellars, cellars and underground labyrinths.
History of the Old City
The first settlement appeared here in the middle of the 10th century, and the genus of the Přemyslids led them. A century later, active trade was already taking place in the city. In 1158 the Yuditin Most (second in Europe) was built here, which connected Malu-Strana and Stare Mesto.
In the 18th century, Joseph II came to power, who carried out various reforms. He almost completely changed the face of the settlement and united neighboring cities in Prague. The monarch designed the streets, appointed a magistrate and posted it in the Old Town Hall .
What sights are in the area of Stare Mesto?
The greatest interest among tourists is caused by such objects as:
- Public House - it was erected in the beginning of XX century in the Art Nouveau style. The facade of the building is decorated with mosaics and the coat of arms of Prague. Here in 1918 the independence of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed.
- Powder gates - represent a tower built in the XV-XVI century. In the XVIII century there was a storehouse with gunpowder, from where the name came. Hence the famous Royal Road began.
- The Church of the Virgin Mary in front of the Tyn - it is erected in the Gothic style and is located on the Old Town Square. The church has 2 pointed towers, built in 1339-1511. The interior of the church is decorated with paintings executed by the court painter Shkreta in the XVIII century.
- The monument to Jan Hus is considered a symbol of independence of modern Czechia. He was installed on the 500th anniversary of the death of the famous preacher.
- Church of St. James - it was laid by the order of Wenceslas the First in 1232. Inside the temple there is the largest organ in the country, 21 altars, ancient sarcophagi and icons.
- Charles Bridge - is the most famous building of Prague, it was installed 30 sculptures. The bridge was built in the XIV century.
- Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Mikulas) - located near the Town Hall in Stare Mesto, in Prague. This is an Orthodox church, which in the old days was run by the Russian church. Here hangs a crystal chandelier, which has the form of the Imperial Crown of Russia.
- Town Hall - is considered the main building of the district. It is equipped with an observation deck and the famous astronomical clock Orloj . Every hour a melodious ringing is heard from them, and in the upper part of the clock windows are opened, in which figures of 12 apostles appear.
- The Old Town Tower is the most beautiful in Europe. It is decorated with relief sculptures of kings and saints. The facade is covered with spells that drive away evil spirits.
- Rudolfinum - House of Arts, consisting of a philharmonic, a concert hall and an art gallery. The construction was erected in the XIX century.
In addition to historical buildings, there are museums , theaters , monastery complexes and even the building of the first Prague University in Stare Mesto. There are also souvenir and brand shops, restaurants and pubs on the streets.
How to get there?
You can get there by tram numbers 5, 12, 17, 20. Stops are called Můstek, Čechův most and Malostranská. From them you will need to go for 10 minutes. Also to Stare Mesto there are such streets: Václavské nám., Italská, Žitná, Wilsonova and Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše.