One of the main sights in Prague is Charles Bridge (Karlův most). The bridge is a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV and finished in the early 15th century.

The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide. It is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style. The bridge connects the Old Town (Staré Město) and Lesser Town (Malá Strana).

The bridge was named after its founder, Charles IV. In the past, it served as a busy thoroughfare for horse trams, trams, buses, and even cars. Today, it is exclusively for pedestrians. An extensive renovation was completed in 2010.

Charles Bridge comes alive during the day, bustling with crowds of visitors. Street artists sketch portraits while musicians fill the air with music. Impressive towers mark both entrances: the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town Bridge Tower.

This photo shows the Little Quarter Bridge Tower (Malostranská mostecká věž), which marks the end of Charles Bridge and the entrance to the charming Malá Strana district in Prague.

The tower is unique because it actually consists of two connected towers from different periods, linked by an archway.  

On the right is the tall Gothic tower, built in the late 15th century. Its design was inspired by the Old Town Bridge Tower at the other end of Charles Bridge, created by the famous architect Peter Parler. Visitors can climb this tower for stunning views of the bridge and Old Town.  

On the left is the smaller, older Romanesque Judith Tower, which was originally part of the Judith Bridge. That earlier bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1342 and later replaced by Charles Bridge.  

The gateway between the two towers serves as the symbolic entrance to Malá Strana for those crossing Charles Bridge from the Old Town.

The picture shows one of the most famous statues on Charles Bridge in Prague. It is the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk (in Czech: Svatý Jan Nepomucký). He was a Czech priest and martyr from the 14th century.

The Statue Itself: It depicts John of Nepomuk holding a crucifix. The most distinctive feature is the halo with five stars around his head. According to legend, five stars appeared on the water surface of the Vltava River when he was thrown into it from the bridge.

The Pedestal: Below the statue are two bronze relief panels depicting scenes from his life.

• Left relief: Shows Queen Sophia's confession. John was her confessor and refused to reveal her secrets to the suspicious King Wenceslas IV.
• Right relief: Shows the martyrdom itself, where John of Nepomuk is thrown into the river from Charles Bridge.

An Interesting Detail: Certain parts of the reliefs are very shiny and golden. This is due to a popular tradition that says touching them – especially the figure of the falling priest and the dog on the left relief – will bring good luck and ensure you return to Prague one day. Millions of tourists over time have touched these spots, polishing the bronze to a bright shine.

This is the statue of the great Czech composer Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884). He pioneered a musical style that became closely tied to his people’s aspirations for cultural and political revival, and he is regarded in his homeland as the father of Czech music. Internationally, he is best known for his 1866 opera The Bartered Bride and for the symphonic cycle Má vlast (My Fatherland), which portrays the history, legends, and landscapes of his native Bohemia. The statue stands gracefully on the Novotného Lávka embankment, beside the Smetana Museum and just steps away from the beginning of Charles Bridge on the Vltava River.

Standing in a single file line, 34 penguins march along a metal beam on the Vltava River near Kampa Park in Prague. Despite their charming appearance with bright yellow color and round little bellies, the penguins carry an urgent warning about climate change and plastic consumption. Created by the Cracking Art Group, a Milan-based art collective, the penguins are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

According to the group, “The penguin is a social animal and has a strong ecological meaning: its survival is affected by global warming and ice melting. Despite being loved by many, this animal is constantly endangered by human technological progress that brings wellness to man but damage to the planet.”

The artists deliberately chose plastic, not only for its malleability and striking effect, but also to highlight how our world is becoming increasingly artificial. By transforming waste into art, the group hopes to spark dialogue about plastic, consumerism, and the future of our environment.

In the heart of Prague’s Old Town lies Havelská Market (Havelské tržiště), one of the city’s most historic and beloved street markets. As a sign on one of the stalls proudly declares, it was “založeno 1232” – founded in 1232 – making it the only market in the historic center that has operated continuously for nearly 800 years.

Walking down the narrow street of Havelská, which connects Wenceslas Square with the Old Town Square, you step into a lively stretch of stalls that blend centuries-old tradition with modern life. Here you can browse seasonal fruits and vegetables, discover marionettes, hand-carved wooden toys, ceramics, and jewelry, or taste sweet treats and local delicacies.

The market is more than a place to shop; it is an atmosphere. Surrounded by Prague’s elegant old buildings, it is filled with vibrant colors, the chatter of vendors, and the rhythm of everyday life. For visitors, it is the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or simply soak in the bustling spirit of the Old Town.

This was my first visit to a Jewish cemetery, and it felt very different from anything I had seen before. This is the world-famous Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov) in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, Josefov.

Its unique and striking appearance is immediately recognizable. As the photo clearly shows, the tombstones are packed incredibly close together and lean at many angles. This is because the cemetery was in use from the 15th century until 1787, but space was severely limited.

For religious reasons, old graves could not be removed, so when the cemetery ran out of space, new layers of soil were added, allowing burials in up to 12 layers. Old gravestones were often lifted and repositioned atop new earth, creating the chaotic, dense landscape seen today.

The cemetery is one of Europe’s oldest preserved Jewish burial grounds and an emotionally powerful, historically significant site. Many prominent members of Prague’s Jewish community are buried here, including the renowned Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (Rabbi Löw), linked to the famous Golem legend.

In the background to the right, you can see the Klausen Synagogue with its distinctive arched windows, located next to the cemetery. The cemetery is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague.

High above a cobblestone street in Prague’s Old Town, a statue looks like a man about to fall—and it often worries passersby. But it is actually a lifelike sculpture of Sigmund Freud, created in 1996 by Czech artist David Černý.  

Called “Man Hanging Out,” the statue shows Freud hanging by one hand from a pole. It’s a striking symbol of 20th-century intellectualism and Černý’s doubts about it. Freud himself was born in what is now the Czech Republic, adding local significance.  

David Černý is known for his bold, provocative art scattered across Prague. This piece surprises visitors and invites reflection on intellectual life and Czech history. “Man Hanging Out” is one of Černý’s most famous works and a perfect example of his unique artistic vision.  

This is the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), in the very heart of Prague’s historic center, featuring two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Dominating the scene is the Old Town Hall tower with the world-famous Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj). Dating back to 1410, it is the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation. The clock’s upper dial shows the Sun and Moon’s position, zodiac signs, and time in old Bohemian, Babylonian, and modern Central European formats. Below it, the calendar dial displays the months with medallions. Every hour between 9 AM and 11 PM, two small windows open to reveal the procession of the 12 apostles, accompanied by moving figures including Death ringing a bell, drawing crowds of onlookers.

In the background rise the illuminated twin spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem), often called simply Týn Church. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its two 80-meter towers are a defining feature of Prague’s skyline. The church also houses the grave of the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.

Just a 15-minute walk from Charles Bridge lies the grand palace complex. In front of it is Hradčanské náměstí (Castle Square), a large open space right before the main entrance.

The square is surrounded by several magnificent and historically important palaces. Starting on the right from the photo:  

The Archbishop’s Palace (Arcibiskupský palác) is the large, ornate building seen down the square on the right side. It serves as the official residence of Prague’s archbishop.  

Next, the Schwarzenberg Palace (Schwarzenberský palác) stands out with its distinctive patterned facade decorated in a sgraffito technique, resembling small pyramids. This style is typical of Renaissance architecture in Bohemia. Today, it houses part of Prague’s National Gallery focused on Baroque art.  

On the left is the Salm Palace (Salmovský palác), a large pale yellow Classicist building, also part of the National Gallery.  

In front of Salm Palace stands a statue of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia after its founding in 1918.

This photo shows the main entrance to Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), seen from Hradčanské náměstí (Castle Square), where you stood in the previous photo.

You face the monumental Gate of the Giants (Brána gigantů), flanked by striking statues of battling giants, one of the castle’s most famous landmarks.

Passing through the gate, you enter the first of the castle’s three courtyards. The facade buildings belong to the New Royal Palace.

Above the buildings, the Gothic spires of St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Víta) tower in the background, the jewel and spiritual heart of the castle complex.

In front of the gate, a grand ceremonial changing of the guard takes place daily at noon with fanfare and banners, a popular event for visitors.

The famous and charming Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) lies within the walls of Prague Castle. This old street is known for its tiny, colorful houses built into the castle’s fortification wall.

The name comes from a legend that alchemists lived here in the 16th century, trying to make gold for Emperor Rudolf II. In reality, the small houses were originally built as homes for the castle’s guards and their families.

The street is especially famous because writer Franz Kafka lived and worked in the light blue house number 22 from 1916 to 1917.

Today, the houses serve as small shops selling books, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. Many are also mini-museums showing how life might have looked for the street’s former residents, including a goldsmith’s workshop, a fortune teller’s home, and a film historian’s archive.

Golden Lane remains one of the most popular and picturesque attractions within the castle complex.

This shows the interior of one of the small houses on Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), recreated as an alchemist’s laboratory.

The exhibition directly references the legend behind the street’s name—the myth of alchemists who supposedly lived here, trying to turn metal into gold and find the “philosopher’s stone” for Emperor Rudolf II.

In here, you can see all the typical elements:  

- The hearth or furnace, essential for chemical processes and experiments.  

- Shelves filled with flasks, glassware, jars, and other laboratory equipment for mixing potions and elixirs.  

- Dried herbs hanging from the ceiling, reflecting the use of natural medicine and botany in alchemy.  

This room illustrates how the houses on the lane now serve as small, atmospheric mini-museums that bring history and myth vividly to life for visitors.

Strahov Monastery (Czech: Strahovský klášter) is a serene complex in Prague, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and a traditional brewery. Founded in 1140 by Prince Vladislav II, the monastery has survived fires, communist rule, and restoration to become one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic landmarks.

The monastery is home to the Strahov Library, the largest monastic library in the country, housing over 130,000 volumes, including 2,500 books printed before 1500 and the 9th-century Strahov Gospel. Its two Baroque halls feature ceiling frescoes like The Spiritual Development of Mankind by Franz Maulbertsch. The Theology Hall (1679) and Philosophy Hall (1780) showcase intricately carved bookshelves filled with rare manuscripts and artworks.

The grounds also include St. Roch Church and the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, where Mozart played the organ in 1787. After the fall of communism in 1989, the Premonstratensian Order returned to continue their pastoral work. Don’t miss the Strahov Picture Gallery and the charming Miniature Museum.

Štefánik Observatory has stood in Petřín Park since 1928. Its current form follows a major renovation in the 1970s. The observatory offers public viewings of the day and night skies, an astronomy exhibition, and tours of its historic equipment.

Today.
The observatory features modern and historic telescopes, including the original Zeiss instrument. Public access is available to the Western dome (with a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope) and the main dome. Visitors can observe the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies, with expert guidance.
Its name has varied over time, but since 1990, it has honored Štefánik once again.

History.
Founded in 1917 by the Czech Astronomical Association, the observatory aimed to bring astronomy to the public. Early attempts at Wilson Railway Station and Grébovka Cave failed due to city lights. In 1926, the association chose Petřín, near the Hunger Wall, where a fortification bastion was repurposed. Builder J. Veselík expanded the site, adding a terrace, the first dome, and facilities for members and the public. Named after Milan Rastislav Štefánik, a Slovak astronomer and Czechoslovak statesman, it opened to the public in 1929.

The main dome was completed in 1930, housing a Zeiss double astrograph—a 400mm telescope acquired from Vienna. Its installation was technically challenging, with a 15-meter pillar anchored 7.5 meters deep. The pillar also holds urns with the ashes of astronomers Jaroslav Štych and Karel Anděl.

In 1945, retreating German troops damaged the observatory, but the telescopes were saved. After repairs, it underwent a major reconstruction from 1971–76.

This image shows the modern section of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň, Czech Republic. The view overlooks a high-tech bottling and packaging line, where conveyor belts (green belts and metal chains) efficiently transport bottles and cans through each stage of the process.

About Pilsner Urquell Brewery

Pilsner Urquell is more than just a brewery—it is one of the most significant in global beer history.

Origins of Pilsner

The brewery was established in 1842 in Plzeň (Pilsen) with a clear goal: to produce a high-quality, consistent beer. On October 5, 1842, brewmaster Josef Groll created the first batch, introducing a revolutionary new beer style—a clear, golden lager.

The World’s First Pilsner

This beer became the first-ever pilsner, gaining immense popularity and inspiring countless imitations. To protect its authenticity, the brewery registered the trademark "Pilsner Urquell" in 1898, meaning "Pilsner from the original source." Today, the pilsner style is the most widely consumed beer type worldwide.

Unique Ingredients

The distinctive taste of Pilsner Urquell comes from its local ingredients:

Soft Water: Naturally soft water from Plzeň.

Saaz Hops: Aromatic hops from the Žatec region.

Bohemian Barley Malt: A special malt that gives the beer its characteristic color and flavor.

A Brief History

The story of Pilsner Urquell began in 1839 with the founding of Měšťanský pivovar (Citizens’ Brewery) in Plzeň. Josef Groll developed the first pilsner, which was brewed on October 5, 1842, and served on November 11, 1842. Due to its immediate success and the rise of imitations, the "Pilsner Urquell" trademark was registered in 1898 to emphasize its originality.

The Historic Cellars
Beneath the brewery lies an impressive 9-kilometer network of tunnels, hand-carved from sandstone and marl in the 19th century. These cellars were essential for maintaining the cool, stable temperature (5–7°C) required for lagering. Before refrigeration, ice blocks harvested from nearby lakes kept the cellars cool year-round.

Today, only a small section of the cellars is used for oak barrel aging, while the rest offers visitors a glimpse into the brewery’s rich history. This blend of old and new ensures that Pilsner Urquell remains true to its origins—one sip at a time.

A Taste of History
Every brewery tour culminates in a special moment: tasting unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell, drawn directly from historic oak barrels. This is the beer in its purest form, offering a direct connection to the past.

Why Oak Barrels Still Matter
The brewery maintains its 1842 brewing method alongside modern production. Here’s how it works:

Modern Brewing: Over 99% of the beer is produced in stainless steel tanks for efficiency and consistency.

Traditional Brewing: A small batch is still brewed the original way—fermented in open wooden vats and aged in tarred oak barrels deep in the brewery’s cellars.

Quality Assurance: Expert tasters compare the modern beer to the oak-aged version. If any difference is detected, the process is fine-tuned to match the historical benchmark.

This ensures that every sip of Pilsner Urquell tastes just as it did when Josef Groll first brewed it in 1842.

The famous Dancing House (Tančící dům) is one of Prague's most recognized and photographed examples of modern architecture. The building stands as an iconic symbol of the post-Velvet Revolution era, representing a new, dynamic chapter in Czech history.

Nickname: Also known as "Fred and Ginger" after the famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The static concrete tower symbolizes the male figure (Fred), while the dynamic glass tower that appears to sway represents the female dancer (Ginger).

Architects: The building was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in collaboration with world-renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry.

Construction: Completed in 1996 on a site that had remained empty since a World War II bombing. Former Czech President Václav Havel, who lived in the neighboring building, was a strong advocate for the project.

Function: The Dancing House primarily serves as an office building, but also houses an art gallery, a hotel, and a ground-floor café. At the very top of the glass tower ("Ginger") sits a rooftop bar (Glass Bar) offering spectacular panoramic views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.

Style: The building's architectural style is called deconstructivism. It deliberately breaks with traditional architectural forms, creating a dramatic and playful expression that stands in striking contrast to the surrounding historic buildings.

The famous Powder Tower (in Czech: Prašná brána) is one of Prague's most striking Gothic landmarks.

About the Powder Tower:

History: Dating from the late 15th century, the tower was one of the original 13 city gates leading into Prague's Old Town (Staré Město). Coronation processions for Bohemian kings officially began their journey to Prague Castle from here.

Name: It gained its name in the 17th century when it was used to store gunpowder.

Architecture: An impressive example of late Gothic architecture, richly adorned with sculptures. Visitors can climb the tower for excellent views.

Municipal House (Obecní dům)

Right next to the Powder Tower stands the other magnificent building in the picture - Obecní dům, which translates to the Municipal House or People's House.

Architecture: This building is Prague's finest example of Art Nouveau style (Jugendstil). It was constructed between 1905 and 1912.

Function: One of the city's most important cultural centers, it houses Prague's most famous concert hall, Smetana Hall, along with several restaurants, cafés, and exhibition spaces. The entire building is lavishly decorated by leading Czech artists of the era, including Alfons Mucha.

These two buildings, standing side by side, create a fantastic architectural contrast and represent two completely different, yet equally important, periods in Prague's history.

Prague's narrowest street is a fun and quirky little attraction. The street is called Vinárna Čertovka and is located in the charming district of Malá Strana (Lesser Town).

Width: At its narrowest point, the street is only about 50 centimeters wide. It's impossible for two people to pass each other.

Pedestrian Traffic Light: Because it's so narrow, there's a traffic light at each end of the approximately 10-meter-long passage. You must press a button to get a green light and ensure there's no oncoming "traffic" (other pedestrians) before entering.

Purpose: Technically, it's not an official street but rather the last preserved fire escape in the area. It leads from U Lužického semináře street down to a restaurant of the same name, which has a terrace by the Čertovka Canal (Devil's Stream).  Although fully functional, the little alley is now best known as a fun tourist attraction and a popular spot for taking photos. It's a perfect example of the many curious and historical details you can find when exploring Prague's old streets.

The Lennon Wall (Lennonova zeď) in Prague is one of the city's most vibrant attractions - a constantly changing canvas for graffiti, poetry, and messages about peace and freedom.

After John Lennon's murder in December 1980, young Czechs began painting his portrait, Beatles lyrics, and political slogans on the wall as a peaceful protest against the communist regime. Authorities repeatedly painted it white, but new artwork appeared each night. The wall became a powerful symbol of youth rebellion and the freedom of speech they were denied.

Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the wall evolved into an international symbol of peace and freedom. Today, visitors from around the world add their own messages and drawings, making it a living, ever-changing artwork. Professional artists now maintain larger portraits in designated areas to preserve its spirit.

Located in Malá Strana near Charles Bridge, opposite the French Embassy, the Lennon Wall stands as more than just graffiti - it's a living monument to resistance and an enduring symbol of peace and freedom.