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Top 10 sights of Prague:
1. Staromestske Namesti (Old Town Square).
 The Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) is one of two main squares in the city center (the other is Wenceslas Square, only 5 minutes walk away). With its ancient buildings, magnificent churches, cobble stones, horse drawn carriages, restaurants and cafes, this is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe.
2. Astronomical Clock.
The clock tower
The Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj (Czech: Pra¾ský orloj) is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Orloj is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.
History
Clock, calendar, and animated figures.
The oldest part of the Orloj, the mechanical clock and astronomical dial, dates back to 1410 when it was made by clockmaker Mikulá¹ of Kadaò and Jan ©indel, the latter a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. The Prague Orloj was one of a number of complex astronomical clocks designed and constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, soon after the invention of the mechanical clock. Other examples were built at Norwich, St Albans, Wells, Lund, Strasbourg, and Padua.
Later, presumably around 1490, the calendar dial was added and clock facade decorated with gothic sculptures.
In 1552 it was repaired by Jan Taborský, clockmaster of Orloj, who also wrote a report on the clock where he mentioned Hanu¹ as maker of the clock. This was a mistake, and was corrected during the 20th century.
Astronomical dial
The astronomical dial is a form of mechanical astrolabe, a device used in medieval astronomy. Alternatively, one may consider the Orloj to be a primitive planetarium, displaying the current state of the universe.
The astronomical dial has a background that represents the standing Earth and sky, and surrounding it operate four main moving components: the zodiacal ring, an outer rotating ring, an icon representing the Sun, and an icon representing the Moon.
Zodiacal ring
Inside the large black outer circle lies another movable circle marked with the signs of the zodiac which indicates the location of the sun on the ecliptic. The signs are shown in anticlockwise order. In the photographs accompanying this article, the sun is currently in Aries, and will be moving anticlockwise into Taurus next.
The displacement of the zodiac circle results from the use of a stereographic projection of the ecliptic plane using the North pole as the basis of the projection. This is commonly seen in astronomical clocks of the period.
The small golden star shows the position of the vernal equinox, and sidereal time can be read on the scale with golden Roman numbers.
The four figures flanking the clock are set in motion at the hour. These represent the four things which are despised. Starting with Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time. On the hour. Vanity (represented by the figure holding a mirror), Greed (the figure with the bag) and finally the Turkish (the figure with the turban). There is also a presentation of statues of the Apostles at the doorways above the clock, with all twelve presented at noon.
Calendar Overview and Detail
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3. Wenceslas Square.
Taken in part from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia - thank you.
Wenceslas Square (Czech: Václavské náměstí) is one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities in the New Town of Prague. Many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.
Formerly known as Koňský trh (English: Horse Market), for its periodical accommodation of horse markets during the Middle Ages, it was renamed Svatováclavské náměstí (English: Saint Wenceslas square) in 1848 on the proposal of Karel Havlíček Borovský.
Features
Less a square than a boulevard, Wenceslas Square has a shape of a very long (750 meters long - total area 45,000 m²) rectangle, in a northwest–southeast direction. The street slopes upward to the southeast side. On that end, the street is dominated by the grand neoclassical Czech National Museum. The northwest end runs up against the border between the New Town and the Old Town.
Art and Architecture
The two obvious landmarks of Wenceslas Square are at the southeast, uphill end: the 1885-1891 National Museum Building, designed by Czech architect Josef Schulz, and the statue of Wenceslas.
The mounted saint was sculpted by Josef Václav Myslbek in 1887–1924, and the image of Wenceslas is accompanied by other Czech patron saints carved into the ornate statue base: Saint Ludmila, Saint Agnes of Bohemia, Saint Prokop, and Saint Adalbert of Prague. The statue base, designed by architect Alois Dryák, includes the inscription: "Svatý Václave, vévodo české země, kníže náš, nedej zahynouti nám ni budoucím" ("Saint Wenceslas, duke of the Czech land, prince of ours, do not let perish us nor our descendants"). A memorable parody of this statue, created by David Černý, hangs in a Lucerna Palace gallery near the square.
4. Charles Bridge.
 Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and the Little Quarter (Mala Strana). It was called the Stone Bridge during the first several centuries. Its construction was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The king himself stood on the construction site on July 9, 1357 at 5:31 in the morning to set the first stone. Writing the date down in numerical sequence, you will get - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 7, 5, 3, 1 - which was carefully chosen by Charles’ numerologist. In charge of the construction was architect Petr Parler whose other works include the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle. It is said that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction of the bridge.
Charles Bridge is one of the many monuments that were built during Charles' reign but it is not the first bridge that ever connected the Prague banks of the Vltava.
5. Infant Jesus of Prague.
The statue of the "Infant Jesus of Prague" is made of wax and wood. It is 47 cm (about 19 inches) tall and when "undressed" is still dressed in a simple robe. Its history starts in Spain. It is the work of an unknown artist, probably going back to the 16th century.
It is believed that it comes from a convent between Cordoba and Seville and is a copy of a venerated wooden sculpture. There Dona Isabela Manrique de Lara a Mendoza obtained it. The sculpture then traveled as a wedding gift to her daughter Maria Manrique de Lara. She married a prominent Czech nobleman Vojtech of Pernstejn. During her travel to meet her new, never met husband, she prayed for a safe journey and a happy marriage. Since both came through, this was the first miracle performed by the statue. Later, again as a wedding gift to her daughter Polyxena, who married Vilem of Rozmberk, it became a central point on the private altar of the new bride. She took the sculpture with her to her second marriage with Zdenek Vojtech of Lobkowicz. After his death, she donated the statue of the Child Jesus to the monastery of the Teresian Carmelites, to the church of the Virgin Mary the Victorious in Prague Mala Strana. There it was placed first in the chapel, where it was venerated mainly by the novices. It is now in one of the many altars of the church, taking a prominent, richly gilded position on your left, as you come in.
The statue has become a symbol of Prague. It is a favorite sight to visit for people coming in from all over the world, especially Spain, certainly due to its Spanish heritage. We are proud of the fact that our "Infant Jesus of Prague" has become the Patriot Saint of the country of the Philippines. In Italy, he is called the "Bambini de Praga" and also celebrated.
5. Jewish Quarter.
Jewish Museum and Old New Synagogue in Prague
Basic information:
The Jewish Museum in Prague is a collection of buildings and sites that came together under one authority and one entrance fee. They are:
The Maisel Synagogue - Jewish history in Bohemia and Moravia
The Pinkas Synagogue - the holocaust memorial as well as collection of childrens drawings and the entrance to the Old Jewish Cematary
The Old Jewish Cemetary - the famous cemetary in the center which is the resting place for most Jewish citizens of Prague until 1787. Entrance is through the Pinkas Synagogue.
The Ceremonial Hall - an exhibit of burial customs and more
The Klausen Synagogue - an exhibit of Jewish customs and more
the Spanish Synagogue - the moorish style Synagogue which houses the silver collection and more
They are all former working synagogues, however now serve as a museum. One entrance tickets pays for all and it is not possible to purchase tickets for just one exhibit. They are all withing easy walking distance of oneanother.
Maisel Synagogue .
 The Maisel Synagogue was built in 1590 - 1592 by the Mayor of the Jewish Town, Mordechai Maisel, who funded the extensive Renaissance reconstruction of the ghetto. The builders of this synagogue were Josef Wahl and Juda Goldsmied de Herz. The original building was seriously damaged by fire in 1689 and was then renovated in baroque style. In the end, it was considerably rebuilt in neo-gothic style by Prof. A. Grott in 1893-1905. All that remained intact of the original renaissance layout was the ground plan of the tripartite central hall with the upper-storey woman’s section. The Maisel Synagogue is currently used by the Jewish Museum as an exhibition venue and depository.
Exhibit: the history of the Jewish people in Bohemia and Moravia are on display as well as many valuable historical items.
Spanish Synagogue .
The Spanish Synagogue was built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague Jewish house of prayer ("the Old Shul"). It was designed in a Moorish style by Vojtech Ignaz Ulmann. The remarkable interior decoration features a low stucco arabesque of stylized Islamic motifs which are also applied to the walls, doors and gallery balustrades. The interior, together with the stained glass windows, were designed by architects A. Baum and B. Munzberg and completed in 1893. Frantisek Skroup, the composer of the Czech national anthem, served as an organist here in 1836-45.
Exhibit: Silver objects as well as the sheer beauty of this unusual synagogue. Concerts are performed here often.
Pinkas Synagogue .
The present building is the work of the Horowitz family. In 1535 Aaron Meshullam Horowitz had it built between his house "U Erbu" and the site of the Old Jewish Cemetery. After the Second World War, the synagogue was turned into a Memorial to the Jews of Bohemia and Moravia murdered by the Nazis. On its walls are inscribed the names of the Jewish victims, their personal data, and the names of the communities to which they belonged. In 1968, however, the Memorial had to be closed because ground water had penetrated the buildings foundations, thus endangering the structure. During work on the underground waterproofing of the building, a discovery was made of vaulted spaces with an ancient well and ritual bath. The communist regime held up renovation work and the inscriptions were removed. Not until 1990 was it possible to complete the building alterations. Finally, in 1992-1994, the almost 80,000 names of the Jewish victims of Bohemia and Moravia were rewritten on its walls.
Exhibit: Memorial to the Jewish Victims of the Holocaust from Bohemia and Moravia. Children’s drawings from Terezin 1942-1944.
Old Jewish Cemetery .
 The Old Jewish Cemetery was established in the first half of the 15th century. Along with the Old-New Synagogue, it is one of the most important historic sites in Prague’s Jewish Town. The oldest tombstone, which marks the grave of the poet and scholar Avigdor Kara, dates from the year 1439. Burials took place in the cemetery until 1787. Today it contains some 12,000 tombstones, although the number of persons buried here is much greater. The cemetery was enlarged a number of times in the past. In spite of this the area did not suffice and earth was brought in to add further layers. It is assumed that the cemetery contains several burial layers placed on top of each other. The picturesque groups of tombstones from various periods emerged through the raising of older stones to the upper layers.
The most prominent person buried in the Old Jewish Cemetery is without a doubt the great religious scholar and teacher Judah Loew ben Bezalel, known as Rabbi Loew (d. 1609), who is associated with the legend of the Golem. Among the many other prominent persons buried in the Old Jewish Cemetery are: the Mayor of the Jewish Town Mordechai Maisel (d. 1601), the renaissance scholar, historian, mathematician and astronomer David Gans (d. 1613), scholar and historian Joseph Solomon Delmedigo (d. 1655), and rabbi and collector of Hebrew manuscripts and printed books David Oppenheim(d. 1736).
Exhibit: The permanent exhibition of Jewish customs and traditions, which is housed in the main nave of the synagogue, highlights the significance of the synagogue and of specific Jewish festivals. The gallery of the Klausen synagogue contains exhibits associated with the everyday life of the Jewish family and customs connected with birth, circumcision, bar mitzvah, wedding, divorce and the Jewish household.
Ceremonial Hall.
The building housing the former Ceremonial Hall and mortuary of the Old Jewish Cemetery was built in a new-Romanesque style in 1911-12 to a design by architect J. Gerstl. As part of the Jewish Museum, the Ceremonial Hall of the Prague burial society Hevrah Kaddishah (founded in 1564) later became an exhibition venue.
The Old-New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue was built in early Gothic style around the middle of the 13th century. It was originally called the “New” or “Large” Synagogue, as opposed to the older house of prayer which did not survive. It was not until the 16th century, when other synagogues were built in Prague, that it became known as the “Old-New” Synagogue. The main hall is the only existing medieval-type hall of its kind, represented originally by the Romanesque synagogue in Worms (dating from the 12th century) and the early Gothic synagogue in Regensburg. The hall is vaulted by six five-partite vault compartments supported by two octagonal pillars. The Old-New Synagogue, which is not part of the Jewish Museum, is one of the three Prague synagogues, together with the High and Jerusalem Synagogues, in which divine services are held.
7. Prague Castle.
 The Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) is a collection of buildings that came together to be the seat of royalty. It was built on a hill overlooking the Vltava river valley, where an earlier pagan ritual grounds used to be. From it’s humble beginnings in the 9th century, it has grown to be the largest royal palace complex in Europe with about 2000 rooms. It houses a permanent picture gallery, timed exhibitions, several churches, the office of the president of the Czech Republic, is the site of the ritual “changing of the guards”, state visits and more. The royal chambers are accessible only to special visitors, one day a year for everyone (with long lines) and visitors that pay a very large (CZK 3000 and up) fee for the privilege. These room contain period furnishings and are considered special due to some prominent guests that have visited or even stayed here as state visitors to our country.
The most visited sites are the St. Vitus Cathedral (the most important church in Prague), St. George Basilica (the oldest remaining church here - a Romanesque masterpiece), the Royal Palace (the former seat of the kings), the Golden Lane (some of the smallest houses in Prague) and the Lobkowicz Palace (the home of the Princely Art Collection).
History
 The history of the castle stretches back to the 9th century (870). The first walled building was the church of Our Lady. The Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus were founded in the first half of the 10th century. The first convent in Bohemia was founded in the castle, next to the church of St. George. A Romanesque palace was erected here during the 12th century. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV the royal palace was rebuilt in Gothic style and the castle fortifications were strengthened. In place of rotunda and basilica of St. Vitus began building of a vast Gothic church, that have been completed almost six centuries later. During the Hussite Wars and the following decades the Castle was not inhabited. In 1485 King Ladislaus II Jagello begins to rebuild the castle. The massive Vladislav Hall (built by Benedikt Rejt) was added to the Royal Palace. Then were also built new defence towers on the northern side of the castle. A big fire of 1541 destroyed large parts of the castle. Under Habsburgs some new buildings in renaissance style appeared here. Ferdinand I built Belvedere, summer palace for his wife Anne. Rudolph II used Prague Castle as his main residence. He founded the northern wing of the palace, with the Spanish Hall, where his precious artistic collections were exhibited. Second Prague defenestration in 1618 began the Bohemian Revolt. During the subsequent wars the Castle was damaged and dilapidated. Many works from the collection of Rudolph II were looted by Swedes in 1648, in the course of the Thirty Years' War. The last major rebuilding of the castle was carried out by Queen Maria Theresa in the second half of the 18th century. Ferdinand V after abdication in 1848 chose Prague Castle as his home.
The castle houses many buildings. It is said that it is the largest royal palace in Europe with over 2000 rooms.
St. Vitus Cathedral
 St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important temple in Prague. Apart from religious services the coronations of Czech kings and queens also took place in here. The cathedral is a place of interment of remains of provincial patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops.
The cathedral is the third church consecrated to the same saint on the identical site. About the year 925 Prince Vaclav I founded a Romanesque rotunda here which after 1060 was converted into a basilica with three naves and two steeples. The importance of the cathedral grew especially after the establishment of the Prague bishopric in 973 and the founding of the body of canons - the St. Vitus chapter, which later became an important cultural and administrative institution.
In 1344 Charles IV began the construction of a Gothic cathedral. Its first builders, Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler, built the chancel with a ring of chapels, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Golden Portal and the lower part of the main steeple.
In spite of the endeavours of some sovereigns to secure the continuation of the construction work the cathedral remained uncompleted for whole centuries. The main steeple was crowned with a Renaissance helmet and the music choir was built. The facade of the cathedral was provisionally closed.
It was not until the latter half of the 19th century that the Union for the Completion of the Building of St. Vitus Cathedral began the repair of the original part and the completion of the building of the cathedral in Neo-Gothic style. The cathedral was solemnly consecrated in 1929. Its interior was subjected to adaptations even in later years.
St. Wenceslas Chapel
St. Wenceslas Chapel is a cult center of St. Vitus Cathedral. Its magnificent decoration and the different conception of its architecture emphasize its singularity as the central point of the cathedral with the tomb of the most important provincial patron saint. The facing of the walls, consisting of precious stones, and the wall paintings of the Passion cycle are parts of the original 14th-century decoration of the chapel. The scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas forming another decorative band are attributed to the workshop of the Master of the Litomerice Altar (the cycle is dated in 1509).
The door in the south-western corner of the chapel leads to the Crown Chamber in which the Bohemian Coronation Jewels are kept.
Golden Lane
 The Golden Lane originated after the construction of the northern wall of the Castle. The area of the northern bailey was used for the building of modest dwellings, which are now the last remainder of the small-scale architecture of Prague Castle. They were inhabited by the castle servants, perhaps goldsmiths (the name "Golden Lane" is documented from the 16th century] and the castle marksmen. The tiny houses were occupied until World War II, but already during the period of the First Republic care was taken to ensure that the picturesque character of the lane was not changed in the course of modifications. From 1916 to 1917 house No. 22 was inhabited by the writer Franz Kafka.
The appearance of a 16th-century dwelling is best demonstrated by house No. 20 with a frame upper floor. The original size is documented by house No. 13, which is the only dwelling here to have adhered to the present to the original regulation according to which the room had to be built in an arch of the wall - its facade does not protrude into the lane at all.
The staircase in house No. 12 affords access to the terrace in front of the tower called Daliborka. This round cannon tower formed a part of the Jagello fortification system and its bottom floor was used as a prison from the beginning. The first and also the best-known prisoner was the knight Dalibor of Kozojedy, who was imprisoned here in 1498. Another well-known prisoner was Baron Frantisek Antonin Spork of East Bohemia, renowned in the 18th century as an admirer and patron of art.
8. St. Vitus Cathedral.
 St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important temple in Prague. Apart from religious services the coronations of Czech kings and queens also took place in here. The cathedral is a place of interment of remains of provincial patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops.
The cathedral is the third church consecrated to the same saint on the identical site. About the year 925 Prince Vaclav I founded a Romanesque rotunda here which after 1060 was converted into a basilica with three naves and two steeples. The importance of the cathedral grew especially after the establishment of the Prague bishopric in 973 and the founding of the body of canons - the St. Vitus chapter, which later became an important cultural and administrative institution.
In 1344 Charles IV began the construction of a Gothic cathedral. Its first builders, Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler, built the chancel with a ring of chapels, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Golden Portal and the lower part of the main steeple.
In spite of the endeavours of some sovereigns to secure the continuation of the construction work the cathedral remained uncompleted for whole centuries. The main steeple was crowned with a Renaissance helmet and the music choir was built. The facade of the cathedral was provisionally closed.
It was not until the latter half of the 19th century that the Union for the Completion of the Building of St. Vitus Cathedral began the repair of the original part and the completion of the building of the cathedral in Neo-Gothic style. The cathedral was solemnly consecrated in 1929. Its interior was subjected to adaptations even in later years.
St. Wenceslas Chapel
St. Wenceslas Chapel is a cult center of St. Vitus Cathedral. Its magnificent decoration and the different conception of its architecture emphasize its singularity as the central point of the cathedral with the tomb of the most important provincial patron saint. The facing of the walls, consisting of precious stones, and the wall paintings of the Passion cycle are parts of the original 14th-century decoration of the chapel. The scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas forming another decorative band are attributed to the workshop of the Master of the Litomerice Altar (the cycle is dated in 1509).
The door in the south-western corner of the chapel leads to the Crown Chamber in which the Bohemian Coronation Jewels are kept.
9. Loreta.
A Marian pilgrimage place with a copy of the Italian Santa Casa (G. Orsi, 1626 - 1627) including also the baroque Church of the Nativity of Our Lord (K. I. Dienzenhofer, 1734 - 1735). The ground is encircled by a cloister and chapels. The spire houses a carillon which consist of 27 Loreta bells which tune a Marian song We Greet You a Thousand Times (every hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The most valuable item of the liturgical treasury is the so-called Loreta Treasure, a collection of sacral object from the 16th to 18th centuries. The most famous of these is the Diamond Monstrance adorned with 6 222 diamonds.
Closed on Mondays and during lunch hour - from 12:15 to 1:00 pm
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