Prague castle was built in the 9th century and a Romanesque palace was erected there in the 12th century. In the 14th century, during the rule of Charles IV, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style.
The Spanish Hall, in a new part of the castle, was added during the reign of Rudolf II and it took its final form during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, under the direction of the architect M. Pacassi. After World War I the interior and gardens of the castle were renovated by architect J. Plecnik.
Today the Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic and it serves as the historical and political centre of both the city and state.
The current St. Nicholas Church, designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, was completed in 1735. The interior of the church is inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-Invalides in Paris. The delicate stucco decoration was executed by Bernardo Spinetti, the frescos were made by Peter Adam the Elder. From 1870 to 1914 the church was used by the Russian orthodox congregation. During the second World War Czech army units were stationed in the church. After the war the church was handed over to the Czech Hussite movement.
The oldest Prague bridge was built in the place of the Judita's Bridge that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. The Stone or Prague Bridge, called Charles Bridge since 1870, was founded by Charles IV in 1357. By the latest researches the construction was started by Master Otto and finished by Peter Parler in 1402. Both ends of the bridge are fortified by towers (Lesser Town Bridge Towers & Old Town Bridge Tower). From 1683 to 1928 thirty sculptures and sculptural groups of the saints were gradually set on the bridge piers (M. Braun, F. M. Brokof, etc.). The bridge is 515 meters long and 10 meters wide.
The National Theatre is situated alongside the banks of the Vltava River and is home of some drama, ballet and opera performances. The neo-renaissance building, originally constructed between 1868 and 1881, had to be reconstructed in 1883, after a fire had destroyed much of its interior. The National Theatre is one of the most important Czech cultural institutions with a rich artistic tradition.
Originally a Gothic chapel dating from 1391, this chapel was where Jan Hus preached from 1402 to 1412, to crowds of more than 3,000. The chapel continued to serve as a reformist place of worship under the leadership of Hus's friend, Jakoubek of Stribro, eventually becoming part of a Jesuit Order until 1773, when it was demolished to make way for a private dwelling. Completely damaged, the building was reconstructed in 1950-53 from old engravings and pictures. The door through which Hus entered the pulpit is original.
After King John of Luxembourg accorded the citizens of Prague the privilege of having their own district council in 1338, they decided to build a Town Hall. The almost 70 meters high tower was completed in 1364. Due to continuous expansions, the building now is a colorful collection of gothic and renaissance-style facades. During the Second World War the building was severely damaged when the nazis set it on fire but it is now thoroughly restored.
The 65m tall Powder Tower is the gateway to the Royal Route which leads through the Old Town over the Charles Bridge to the castle up the hill. The gothic Powder Tower was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II at the site of an 11th century gate, one of Prague's 13 original city gates. The master builder Matous Rejsek constructed an ornate tower based on the 14th century Old Town Bridge Tower. Construction of the tower was interrupted between 1477 and 1485, when riots forced King Vladislav II to flee the city. The monumental tower was severely damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757. It was finally rebuilt between 1875 and 1886 by Josef Mocker. In the 1990s the Powder Tower, like many other historical buildings in Prague, was renovated.
Tyn Cathedral, also known as Church of our Lady, is one of the most famous buildings in the city. From Jewish perspective there is a very sad but interesting story: there is a tomb in the church of a young, 12 year-old Jewish boy called Shimon Abeles. In 1689 there was a fire in the Jewish quarter and the Jews were moved to the Christian part of the city. Young Shimon for the first time left the confines of Jewish community, was dazzled by Christianity and soon sought conversion. There is a confusion over what happened but it seems that Simon’s father (Lazar) went after him, beat him and tragically killed him. The boy’s body was found shortly afterwards and buried in the Jewish cemetery. The boy’s father and alleged accomplice were arrested and charged with attempting to prevent his son from joining Christianity which was a capital offence. He was tortured and allegedly he committed suicide rather than suffer anymore. The body of Shimon Abeles was brought to Tyn Cathedral with much pomp and ceremony for burial.