Prague, Czech Republic
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Arched Windows—Prague, Czech Republic
Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which ended Communism in the Czech Republic, Prague is one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe. The city escaped serious damage during World War II, preserving most of its historical architecture. Prague has some of the world’s most pristine and varied collection of architecture. The two act opera Don Giovanni, music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, premiered at the Estates Theatre in Prague on October 29, 1787. In the right window is reflected the sculpture of those who Come for Giavonni.
Vincenc Josef Rott started an iron goods store in 1840, which went from a small family business to one of Czechoslovakia’s largest enterprises. In 1896, the V. J. Rott house was renovated and the colorful fresco facade by Mikulaš Aleš was added. In 1949, the Rotts barely escaped being arrested and hanged by the Communists. They set up business in Switzerland where it still operates. The beautiful V.J. Rott building in Prague is now a hotel and houses a crystal shop.
Lots of Steps—Prague, Czech Republic
The statue on Ke Hradu street stands at the bottom of the 173 steps leading up to Prague castle. With a history of more than 1000 years, the castle was the seat of power for Czech royalty until 1918 when the republic of Czechoslovakia was created. The castle is now the residence and office of the Czech President.
U Zlate Studny (Golden Well)—Prague, Czech Republic
A four star hotel, with just four double rooms and four suites, returned to private ownership following the Velvet Revolution of 1989 which ended Communism in what was then Czechoslovakia. Located in the Old Town district, the hotel on Kings Road is near the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Prague Castle. Hotel U Zlate Studny, whose origins began in the 16th century, is a beautiful historical building under the patronage of UNESCO.
St. John of Nepomuk—Prague, Czech Republic
There are thirty statues on the Charles Bridge in Prague. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk is one of the oldest, having been placed on the bridge in 1683. John of Nepomuk was a religious figure in the court of Saint Wenceslas during the 14th century. He died when thrown from the Charles Bridge into the Vltava River.
The banner above the statue is for the cosmetics and perfume retailer Sephora, a member of Paris-based Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Group (LVMH), which encompasses some of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. Sephora is the leading retailer of perfumes and cosmetics in the United States and the second largest in Europe. There are over 91 stores in the United States and 400 throughout Europe.
The buildings in Prague span centuries of architectural styles. Along the narrow, winding streets in Old Town, the Lesser Quarter, Hradčany, and other sections of the city are structures built in Gothic, Baroque, Beaux Arts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco style standing side-by-side. Early in the 1600s, an exuberant new style called Baroque lavished buildings with complex shapes, extravagant ornaments, opulent paintings, and bold contrasts. These structures help give Prague its grand elegant look.
During the Middle Ages, Prague experienced a golden age under the reign of Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. During that time Prague grew into a spectacular city, larger than London or Paris. In 1526, the Austrian House of Habsburg took control of Prague until 400 years later when Czechoslovakia gained independence on October 28, 1918, but a few short years later found itself under Nazi "protection". Prague came out of World War II mostly unscathed by bombings, but quickly succumbed to Communist rule, which ended in 1989 with the Velvet Revolution.
Gargoyle—Prague, Czech Republic
Gargoyles, with their freakish faces, stare down from atop the towers of St. Vitus Cathedral. Construction of the present-day cathedral started in 1344 and was finally completed in 1929. The cathedral is a tribute to the patron saint of the Czech Republic, St. Wenceslas. Good King Wenceslas of Christmas carol fame, who was actually a duke, made Christianity the state religion of Bohemia (Czech Republic) during the 930's. Even today, Prague is known as the city of a thousand spires.
Heraldry—Prague, Czech Republic
Heraldry began in 12th century, most likely as a response to the difficulty of recognizing men in armor, who were completely enclosed in metal suits. The coat of arms painted on shields and woven into battle flags was the only way to tell friend from foe during the rage of battle. Contrary to popular opinion, coats of arms were rarely recorded visually, that is to say in the form of a picture or drawing. Instead, a written description was recorded.
The Prague streetcar system, over 900 cars, and 35 lines, is operated by Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy a.s., a company owned by the City of Prague. All lines converge at Lazarská in the city center. The system is used by 300 million people a year. The Nostalgic Tram no. 91 (nostalgická linka č. 91) is a historic tram that runs on weekends and holidays from the end of March through mid-November. The first horsecar tram line was opened in 1875, and the first electric tram in 1891.
Colorful Block—Prague, Czech Republic
During the Middle Ages, Prague experienced a golden age under the reign of Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. During that time Prague grew into a spectacular city, larger than London or Paris. In 1526, the Austrian House of Habsburg took control of Prague until 400 years later when Czechoslovakia gained independence on October 28, 1918, but a few short years later found itself under Nazi "protection". Prague came out of World War II mostly unscathed by bombings, but quickly succumbed to Communist rule, which ended in 1989 with the Velvet Revolution.
In the background is the Powder Tower built in 1496 by King Vladislav II as a cannon bastion overlooking the Stag Moat. The original tower was destroyed by fire in 1541, but was rebuilt as the home and workshop of gunsmith and bell founder Tomas Jaros who made Prague's largest bell. In 1576, during the reign of Rudolph II, the tower became a laboratory for alchemists such as Edward Kelly. In 1754 it was converted into apartments for the sacristans of St. Vitus's Cathedral. Today it is a tourist attraction, housing a museum to its earlier activities.
