Historic Landmarks of The City of 100 Towers, Prague, Czechoslovakia
Places: 13 POIsDistance: 3.36 miDuration: 1h:46m
Tour #1805
About this English self-guided 1h:46m walking tour in Prague
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Prague Czechoslovakia. My name is Dave, and I’ll be your guide as we explore this wondrous city adorned in Gothic architecture, soaked in suds, beer that is, and brimming with culture and history.
We will be starting on Narodni Avenue. There is a large parking lot located here if you are driving, and there is a tram stop, if you are traveling that way. Now that we’ve arrived, let’s start exploring and immerse ourselves in Prague.
Follow your navigation, and we will begin shortly.
To our left is Most Legií, a historic bridge that crosses the Vltava River and connects the city center with the Smíchov district. It's one of the many iconic bridges in Prague and is known for its stunning architectural design and picturesque views of the river and the city.
The bridge was originally built between 1901 and 1908 and was named to honor the Czechoslovak legions who fought in World War I. It features Art Nouveau and Baroque Revival architectural elements, making it a unique and beautiful landmark in the city.
Most Legií is an important transportation route in Prague, connecting the historical and cultural center of the city with the area around the National Theatre and the Prague Castle complex. Its central location means it's often used by both pedestrians and vehicles.
Follow your navigation as we will continue on Narodni Avenue, also known as National Avenue.
Národní has played a significant role in the history of Czechoslovakia, particularly during the events of the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The Velvet Revolution was a non-violent uprising that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. The street was a site of large-scale protests and demonstrations during this period, which eventually led to the downfall of the communist government.
Národní is also an important commercial and cultural hub in Prague. The street is lined with various shops, restaurants, theaters, and other establishments. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a mix of historical architecture and modern amenities. The avenue is also home to several important theaters and cultural institutions. The National Theatre, (Národní divadlo), is one of the most famous and prestigious theaters in Prague and is located near Národní třída. It hosts a wide range of performances, including opera, drama, and ballet. The street is known for its stunning architecture, with buildings that reflect various architectural styles from different periods in Prague's history. The National Theatre itself is a prominent example of neo-Renaissance architecture.
We will be passing by the Franz Kafka Rotating Head, a notable sculpture created by Czech artist David Černý, and is one of the several sculptures and murals dedicated to Franz Kafka in Prague.
The sculpture is a kinetic artwork that features two large mirrored busts of Franz Kafka, each connected to a mechanical system that causes them to rotate and twist independently. This creates a mesmerizing and surreal visual effect, as if Kafka's head is constantly morphing and transforming.
The installation captures the essence of Kafka's writing, which often delved into themes of existentialism, metamorphosis, and the absurdity of human existence. The ever-changing and distorted nature of the rotating heads reflects Kafka's exploration of the complexities of the human psyche and the elusive nature of reality.
Palackého 43, Nové Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square to your right is one of the most prominent and historic public squares in Prague. Despite its name, it is more of a boulevard or long rectangular plaza than a traditional square.
Wenceslas Square has played a significant role in the history of Prague and the Czech Republic. It has been a site of many important events, demonstrations, and celebrations throughout the centuries. The square is located in the New Town of Prague, just a short walk from the Old Town Square. It is a central hub for both locals and tourists, surrounded by shops, restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions.
The square is dominated by a statue of Saint Wenceslas riding a horse. Saint Wenceslas, or Svatý Václav in Czech, is the patron saint of Bohemia and a symbol of Czech statehood. The statue is a popular meeting point and a landmark in the city.
At the top of Wenceslas Square, you'll find the grand National Museum, (Národní museum) building. This neo-Renaissance structure houses extensive collections of art, history, and natural science exhibits. It's an iconic symbol of Czech culture and heritage.
Now is a good time to tell you about some of the cuisine unique to Prague, as we will be passing many places to get a bite to eat. Perhaps the most well known is goulash, a hearty and flavorful stew made with tender chunks of beef, pork, or sometimes game meat, cooked with onions, paprika, and other spices. It's often served with bread dumplings or potato pancakes.
Czech cuisine features a variety of hearty soups, such as kulajda (a creamy potato and mushroom soup with a poached egg) and bramborová (potato soup). Another favorite is dršťková, a tripe soup that might be an acquired taste for some.
Later we will discuss the significance beer plays as part of the culture here, so what food is helpful for the occasional hangover? Utopenci, which translates to "drowned men," are pickled sausages or sausages in vinegar, onion, and chili. They are often enjoyed as a savory snack with beer in pubs.
Lastly, consider giving trdelník a try. Also known as chimney cake, it is a popular Czech pastry made by wrapping dough around a cylindrical mold, grilling it over an open flame, and then rolling it in a mixture of sugar and nuts. It's a sweet and indulgent treat often enjoyed as street food.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Narodni Ave and Kafka Sculpture
Place 2Wenceslas Square
Place 3Prasna Brana and Estates Theatre
Place 4The Church of Our Lady before Týn
Place 5Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square
Place 6Jewish Quarter
Place 7Klementinum
Place 8Prague Beer Experience
Place 9The Charles Bridge
Place 10Lennon Graffiti Wall
Place 11Lesser Town
Place 12Prague Castle
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