by Cathrine Black

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 08, 2009

Prague is amazing city. Centuries of construction gave rise to an exceptional integrated architectural complex, unique in the world as regards its size and concentration of cultural heritage. Different architectural styles mingle and intertwine here, and their symbiosis creates the city's unique atmosphere. The most valuable part of the city's centre was declared the Prague Heritage Reserve in 1981, which was included in UNESCO's world cultural heritage list in 1992.

Prague is a mixture of modern shops and ancient architecture, Gothic spires and Baroque facades. Absolutely fantastic place for leisure, to explore architecture, go shopping, taste European cousin, enjoy chilled Czech beer and see beautiful girls.

Moreover Prague is the seat of the top-level legislative, administrative and political bodies of the country - the parliament, government, and president; and the most important social, cultural and educational institutions reside here. The city is the entrance gate to the Czech Republic.

Prague became as remarkable place and the capital of Bohemian kingdom during ruling of Charles IV, who choose Prague as his living place and so. He was a great town planner and enlarged city and designed Prague hotels and hostels and use a lot of money by building Prague New Town. Soon Prague was bigger town than contemporary Paris or London. In 1348 he also founded university that is nowadays called as Charles University (Universitas Carolina) of Prague. Charles University was first university in Central Europe and it was created at the same model that was University of Sorbonne. He wanted to create a new educational centre in Prague and also raise the importance of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Charles initiated also numerous of other building projects in Prague and Czech lands. He lived a time of Gothic architecture so he had a lot of fine Gothic building built all over the Prague. Clean simple lines and solid structure characterize Gothic architecture. He restored Prague Castle and Vyehrad and many of churches. He also builds a very famous stone bridge over Vltava River in the same place where was earlier the Old Judith Bridge. At today thousands of tourist like to walk over Charles Bridge. On the right bank of Vltava Charles build the Old Town Bridge Tower to guard important bridge.

For the safeguard of his crown jewels and other treasures he founded Karltejn Castle near Prague. Building project started in 1348 and ended in 1357. Numerous artists made all decorations

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