Prague’s current appearance is naturally the result of its history, which in the case of the Czech capital is quite colourful. Since the 9th century, when the Přemyslids chose it as the seat from which to build their princedom, Prague attracted not only tradesmen, but also scholars and Church dignitaries. Charles IV was behind the settlement’s sudden prosperity in the Middle Ages when he made it the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century and established the first university north of the Alps and east of the Rhine. About two hundred years later, Rudolf II made the city a cultural centre. He invited artists and scientists from practically the whole of Europe to his court. The industrial revolution then led to an influx of new inhabitants, and Prague expanded exponentially. Once surrounded by fertile fields, orchards and vineyards, of which there are only remnants today, the town gradually grew into a modern city where factories and a port stood beside grand palaces and venerable monuments. Prague nevertheless remains one of the most compact European capitals and a person can easily get around it on foot. The tempo here is not sleepy, but neither is it rushed: it’s just right for strolling through its most beautiful locations. ►
MAIN RAILWAY STATION address: Wilsonova 8, Prague 1
34
A train station – currently incarnated as a 100-year-old Art Deco building – has been located on this site since 1871. It was first named after Austrian emperor Franz Josef I and then after American president Woodrow Wilson, who played a part in establishing an independent Czechoslovakia. Today it is a fully modern transport hub. Don’t forget to visit the renovated Fanta’s Café located in its heart!