What is the early history of Prague?

The early history of Prague dates back to the 5th Century CE, when the city was originally founded by the Celtic Boii being a fishing and farming settlement. Soon afterwards the city was taken over by the Romans and the name of the city was Latinská Lyka and the area was a part of the larger Roman province Noricum.

At the dawn of the 10th century, the Prague Castle was built as residence for Bohemian Kings. The city then became the seat of power for the Kingdom of Bohemia and at this time it was transformed from a small fishing village to one of the leading cities of the Holy Roman Empire. This change meant that Prague was now one of the most influential cities in Europe.

Throughout its evolution, Prague was historically home to many diverse ethnic groups. During its early years, people were mainly Czechs and Poles; however, by 1253 Jews began to come and settle in the city.

In later centuries, Prague would see a rise in its Jewish population as Jewish refugees from other parts of Europe began to make their way into the city, thus turning Prague into an important cultural centre. Jews would integrate into mainstream Czech culture providing an important contribution to Prague’s cultural development.

In 1348 Prague experienced an influx of German and Austrian migrants who settled mainly near the Charles Bridge. By 1420 Germans were the most numerous ethnic group in the city, followed by Bohemians and Jews.

This mix of cultural components allowed for a unique urban atmosphere by combining traditional Czech culture with modern European elements. It also increased cultural exchange between different nations, allowing for the development of a unique Renaissance culture within Czech territory.

In 1618, the second Defenestration of Prague took place and this led to the start of what would come to be known as the Thirty Years War. The war devastated much of Bohemia and Moravia, however it would also be during this period that Prague’s most iconic monuments were erected, such as Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral.

The 18th Century saw another influx of Jews who brought with them their own religion and culture and established their own schools and places of prayer within Prague’s old ghettos. In 1780, eight Canadian families fleeing persecution in Canada settled in Prague, becoming the first Canadians to ever settle on European soil. The city also experienced a significant Baroque revival period, which saw a series of new churches and palaces in grand architectural styles being built as a testament to Prague’s imperial influence.

Today, Prague is an incredibly popular tourist destination that celebrates its diverse cultural heritage while still having a deep connection to its European roots. This has been achieved through maintaining its cobblestoned streets, picturesque buildings and unique local customs that are still very much present within the city’s atmosphere. With its many museums and galleries, art collections and archeological sites, Prague is an ideal place for anyone looking for a glimpse into the past.

If you would like to know more about the early history of Prague, this article provides an excellent overview of how this wonderful city has evolved throughout the years.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Prague’s Early History

As the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is an enchanting city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, charming ambiance, and cultural significance. Visitors will be delighted with this city’s labyrinthine streets filled with hidden gems and attractions, from Gothic landmarks to amazing museums and historic pubs. In this insider’s guide, we will explore Prague’s early history, its most prominent attractions, delicious culinary delights, and other off-the-beaten-path recommendations.

A Brief Overview of Prague’s Early History

Established in the 9th century as a significant trading hub where merchants from across central Europe would meet and transact business, Prague was also the capital under the Bohemian Kingdom, which later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for over 300 years. The city played an important role in the European continent as a political, economic, and cultural hub. Thus, visitors can expect a lot of history, art, and culture when they visit Prague.

Top Attractions in Prague

Prague Castle is undoubtedly the biggest attraction in the city, a stunning complex that consists of various palaces, churches, gardens, museums, and galleries. A guided tour inside the castle walls will bring the vibrant history of Prague to life, while visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the castle’s ramparts.

Old Town Square, located in the heart of Prague, is awash with history, bustling with tourists, street performers, and talented artists. While there, visitors can enjoy watching the famous Astronomical Clock chime every hour from the sixteenth century. They can also visit St. Vitus Cathedral, a striking Gothic structure that houses significant artworks, religious relics, and tombs of Bohemian kings.

For lovers of modern art, the Veletrzni Palace museum is the place to visit, showcasing the country’s extensive 20th-century art. Visitors will have the chance to explore the works of famous artists such as Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Klimt, and Schiele. The museum also hosts many temporary exhibitions and offers an opportunity to learn about contemporary Czech art.

Cuisine and Culinary Delights in Prague

Traditional Czech cuisine is hearty and comforting, with many popular dishes that include beef goulash, pork knuckle, schnitzel, and duck with red cabbage. For dessert, visitors can try the Chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches) with various fillings or the Trdelník (sweet pastry coated with cinnamon sugar).

For a classic Czech dining experience, visitors can go to Mlejnice, a restaurant located close to the Old Town. Mlejnice serves authentic Czech dishes and a large selection of beers that complement the meal. Another good recommendation is Lokál, which has various branches throughout the city and offers traditional Czech cuisine and an extensive collection of beers.

For a quick bite, visitors can visit Nase Maso (Our Meat), a small authentic butcher shop that sells freshly cooked burgers, steak sandwiches, and meatloaf. They mostly use locally sourced, high-quality ingredients to create their delicious delicacies.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Recommendations

When visitors are done exploring the popular tourist sites, Prague offers many hidden gems that are less traveled but worth visiting. One such gem is Vyserad, a vast fortress established on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. The fort is shrouded in legend, and the hill has a beautiful park, ancient walls, underground galleries, and the Church of St. Peter and Paul.

Another attraction visitors can consider is the Museum of Communism, located in the heart of the Old Town. The museum exhibits various artifacts, photos, and videos from the Communist era of Czechoslovakia in the late 1940s and 80s. It offers a unique insight into the daily life and struggles of the Czech people and is an eye-opener for visitors interested in understanding post-war Czech culture.

For a different experience, visitors can visit the Letna Beer Garden, perched at the top of Letna park, offering a stunning view of the city and the river below. The beer garden is popular among locals, and visitors can enjoy cold beer, snacks, and the beautiful surroundings.

Conclusion

Prague’s impressive early history has left it with a rich cultural legacy and fascinating attractions. By exploring its historic sites, sampling its cuisine, and experiencing its vibrant culture, visitors may come to appreciate this city’s uniqueness and timeless charm. With this insider’s guide, visitors will surely have an unforgettable time visiting Prague.