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Prague

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Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic.

Prague districts en
Prague districts en

It also serves as the historical capital of Bohemia. The city sits along the Vltava River. It has a population of about 1.4 million people.

Prague by Sentinel-2, 2020-05-18
Prague by Sentinel-2, 2020-05-18

This makes it the twelfth-largest city in the European Union. The metropolitan area is even larger. It is home to approximately 2.3 million people. Prague is a major global city. GaWC studies classify it as a "Beta+" global city.

The city is famous for its many architectural styles. You can see Romanesque and Gothic buildings. There are also Renaissance and Baroque structures.

Prague old town square panorama
Prague old town square panorama

This variety makes the city a popular tourist destination. In 2017, more than 8.5 million international visitors arrived. This made Prague the fifth most visited European city. At that time, only London, Paris, Rome, and Istanbul were visited more. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status was granted in 1992.

Many theories explain the origin of the name Prague. One legend from the 12th century suggests it means "threshold."

Praha CoA CZ small
Praha CoA CZ small

Another theory links it to a Slavic word for "ford" or "rapid." This refers to the Vltava River crossing. In the 19th century, people thought it meant "burned forest." This refers to a forest burned to start a settlement. Linguist Antonín Profous offered a different view. He suggested the name relates to the word "to roast." This might describe a hot, arid place near the shale bedrock.

Josef Mathauser - Kněžna Libuše věští slávu Prahy
Josef Mathauser - Kněžna Libuše věští slávu Prahy

The history of Prague is very deep. Archaeological deposits reach over 10 meters deep. The city grew from a settlement near Prague Castle. It expanded toward the Vyšehrad fort in the south. Legend says Princess Libuše prophesied the city's glory.

Maqueta del castell de praga
Maqueta del castell de praga

In the 14th century, Prague became an imperial capital. King Charles IV was a key leader. He was both the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Emperor. He ruled from 1346 to 1378. Under his reign, the city flourished greatly.

Charles IV made many lasting changes. He founded Charles University in 1347. It is the oldest university in Central Europe. He also ordered the building of the New Town.

Mariánské náměstí 2-2 Praha, Staré Město 20170906 001
Mariánské náměstí 2-2 Praha, Staré Město 20170906 001

He built the Charles Bridge to connect different districts. This bridge replaced the Judith Bridge. The old bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1342. The Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral also began in 1344.

These projects helped make Prague a center of trade.

The city has seen many periods of conflict. During the Hussite Wars, the city fought bravely. The city militia used a specific swallow-tailed banner.

Prague banner c1477
Prague banner c1477

This is the oldest preserved municipal flag of Bohemia. Prague also played roles in the Thirty Years' War. It was the capital of Czechoslovakia during the interwar years. It also served as a capital during the post-war Communist era. Throughout these changes, the city remained a major cultural hub.

Today, Prague offers many cultural attractions. You can see the Prague astronomical clock.

Astronomical Clock (8341899828)
Astronomical Clock (8341899828)

This is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. The city has over ten major museums.

Praha Národní muzeum 2
Praha Národní muzeum 2

There are also many theatres and galleries. An extensive modern public transportation system connects the city. You can visit the Jewish Quarter or Petřín hill. The city is often called the "City of a Hundred Spires."

Prague 07-2016 View from Powder Tower img4
Prague 07-2016 View from Powder Tower img4

Some experts estimate there are actually 500 spires today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (39)
File:Josef Mathauser - Kněžna Libuše věští slávu Prahy.jpg
Josef Mathauser - Kněžna Libuše věští...
File:Maqueta del castell de praga.JPG
Maqueta del castell de praga.JPG
File:Archikatedra Świętych Wita, Wacława i Wojciecha w Pradze 20190816 1333 5260.jpg
Archikatedra Świętych Wita, Wacława i...
File:Astronomical Clock (8341899828).jpg
Astronomical Clock (8341899828).jpg
File:Prague banner c1477.png
Prague banner c1477.png
File:Praha CoA CZ small.svg
Praha CoA CZ small.svg
File:Frantisek Palacky monument.jpg
Frantisek Palacky monument.jpg
File:Praha 2009-12-26-27.jpg
Praha 2009-12-26-27.jpg
File:Prague liberation 1945 konev.jpg
Prague liberation 1945 konev.jpg
File:Havla 1989.jpg
Havla 1989.jpg
File:Mrakodrapy v Praze 2018.jpg
Mrakodrapy v Praze 2018.jpg
File:Prague by Sentinel-2, 2020-05-18.jpg
Prague by Sentinel-2, 2020-05-18.jpg

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