(Photo via Tumblr)
Prague is one of the biggest cities in the European Union and it is steeped in history. The capital of the Czech Republic, it is located in the Northwest of the country on the banks of the Vltava River. Around 2 million people call it home and it draws in a similar number of tourists annually. One of Prague’s main attractions is its Old Town Square, which lies in the historic quarter of the city.
The Old Town Square is located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, in a section appropriately named Old Town. A medieval settlement, it was once separated from the outside by a semi-circular moat but which has since been covered up with roads and pathways. Today, it is the home of numerous churches and historic buildings, which are noted for the vast amount of architectural styles the represent. Whether gothic to baroque, the structures within the Old Town Square certainly display grandiose styles that fill the square with an ancient beauty.
One of the square’s main attractions is the Prague Astronomical Clock. Also called the Prague Orloj, it was built somewhere around the late 15th century by a clock maker and a professor of mathematics. It’s purpose was to convey information about the relative positions of the sun, moon, and other astronomical entities. It’s design is incredible, featuring things such as animated figures that spring into action with the hour. It’s as unique as the square itself and adds to the depth of history that the city claims.
Have you been to Prague’s Old Town Square?
What an awesome view! I loved Prague and its Town Square. Its probably my favourite city in Europe. It really captured me and I could see myself living there one day.