Europe - Czech Republic - Prague

The superb city at the center of Europe

(photos of July 2005 and July 2008)

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The city of Prague (described at Wikipedia, map) is characterized by its bridges over the beautiful Vltava River, in particular the famous Charles Bridge, by its impressive Prague Castle, and by its charming Old Town, among many other attractions that draw hordes of tourists.

The classic Charles Bridge

The 15th-century Charles Bridge (map) was for several centuries the only bridge across the River Vltava (Moldau in German) in the region. The first picture combines the Charles Bridge with the Prague Castle above it and a statue of Smetana, the Bohemian composer, conductor and pianist. The next scrollable panorama highlights the unique setting of the Charles Bridge in the heart of a major city.

The bridge is reserved for pedestrians and normally crowded with artists selling their wares. To find it nearly deserted requires an early-morning visit. (Ghosts are common creatures in panoramas -- they are not particular to this bridge!) The following views exhibit the characteristic roof structures of Prague.

The next three panoramas give three different perspectives of the remarkable Charles Bridge and its surroundings.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle (map) forms an impressive backdrop to the so-called "Lesser Town" below it.

The changing of the guard attracts a large crowd, as seen in this 360-degree panorama. (Coincidentally, this map shows the same event at some unspecified date, at least until Google provides a new map view!)

The strict building style seen outside the castle is repeated in the inner courtyards, where St. Vitus Cathedral stands out.

The next picture looks from the Castle back down over the red roofs of the Lesser Town toward the Old Town across the river -- the bridge at left points at the double-spired Tyn Cathedral on the Old Town Square.

The Old Town

Prague's Old Town (map) is a delightful pedestrian zone centered on famous Old Town Square, shown in the next 360-degree panorama. Here, from left to right, are St. Nicholas Church (white), the historic Jan Hus Monument (green), the double-spired Tyn Cathedral, and the Old Town Hall (at far right, dark against the sun).

The Old Town Hall shown in the next two views contains a much-admired old astronomical clock.

Music is ubiquitous in Prague, such as by the Jan Hus Monument.

The last views illustrate some of Prague's architecture, including modern structures outside the center.