Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, also known as the “Heart of Europe”, the “Magical City”, the “Golden City”, the “City of a Hundred Spires” and the “Paris of the East”. The city offers a wealth of artistic, architectural and cultural treasures as well as being of interest as a modern metropolis. We would now like to lead you through the historical Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana), which grew up along the left bank of the Vltava between the Castle District (Hradčany) and Petřín Hill; it was founded under the reign of Přemysl Otakar II in the 13th century.
The Charles Bridge, one of the symbols “par excellence” of Prague, connects the historical Old Town and the Lesser Quarter. It dates back to the time of Charles IV in the 14th century. The pedestrian bridge offers fantastic views of the city and Prague Castle. It is 516 m long, constructed on 16 pillars and decorated with 30 Baroque statues and sculptural groups. The Lesser Quarter Tower marks the end of the bridge on the Lesser Quarter side. The lower of the two towers that date back to the 12th century was part of the original stone Judith Bridge. The Prague Information Centre is based in the tower and the gallery can be used by tourists as a lookout point.
The Charles Bridge Museum and the Legends of the Charles Bridge exhibition can be visited near the bridge.
If you are history lovers, we recommend that you view the nearby Church of St. Thomas, Nostic Palace on Maltézské náměstí, Buquoy Palace and Vrtbov Palace