Old Town is the most picturesque and attractive district of Prague. Vivid city buildings, various architectural styles, ancient churches, gardens and shady parks – all these creates magic atmosphere in one of the most beautiful and ancient places of Prague.

The history of Old Town began in 12th century. One of the main Prague marketplaces was situated right in that place. It had been developing and started to attract more and more people from various parts of the world. Merchants and sellers started to build here their own houses, city administration, and public buildings and from the 13th century the district received the status of independent city and royal privileges. In 14th century Czech rulers allowed the construction of the town hall, which is situated on the Old Town Square.
Old Town Square with its history and architecture forms the center of the Old Town. Ancient Cathedral of our Lady before Tyn, Chiming Clock Orloj and also the monument to the Czech philosopher and thinker Jan Hus, St. Nicholas Cathedral – the patron of merchants and sellers are the most famous objects on the square. Every winter huge, magnificent Christmas tree is placed there. Holiday markets dedicated to Christmas and Easter are held there.
Famous Powder Gates constructed in the 17th century as one of the elements of fortification wall that surrounded the Old Town are situated near the square. The building of the gates took more than 4 centuries. The height of the tower is 65 meters. In it upper part is situated the observation platform, where you can admire the streets of Old Town and the Vltava river. Near the Powder Gates stands the building of the Municipal House, built at the beginning of 20th century in modern style under the guidance of architect Antonin Balsanek. The building is decorated with beautiful wall mosaics created by sculptor Spiral. A whole team of outstanding Czech painters and architects was involved into the design of interior. Osvald Polivka ruled them. Even such eminent painter as Alfonse Mucha took part in the work. The Municipal House is the cultural and political center of the city. Several cafes, restaurants and opera hall are ready to receive their visitors here. The independence of Czechoslovak republic was proclaimed here on the 28th of October in 1918 after the end of the World War I.

Celetna street is another wonderful sightseeing of the Old Town. The name of the street can be translated from the ancient Czech language as bakery. The street received its name because of the guild of bakers who lived there in 13-15th centuries. Before Celetna street was the part of the king’s road, used for ritual processions of Czech kings, which started on the Vysehrad hill and finished near the St. Vite’s Cathedral in Prague Castle. Walking down the street you can visit unique theatre which named after the distinguished composer W. A. Mozart who loved Prague and also enjoy the view of the ancient Prague University Karolinum. The university was founded in 14th century by famous emperor of Czech lands - Karl the IV. Originally it had only four faculties: theological, medical, the faculty of legal studies and the faculty of fine art. In 18th century all buildings were built in baroque style by famous architect Kan’ka. Outstanding Czech protestant and philosopher Jan Hus was the head of the University fro some time.
If you walk from the Old Town Square behind the Cathedral of Our Lady before Tyn you can see an ancient cathedral in baroque style, which has the name of St. Jakub. It was founded in 14th century and is notable to its inner beautiful attire. Visitors can see the plaster decorations on the walls, ancient paintings of famous masters, sculptures. The biggest treasure is the tomb of one of the Czech counts – Mitrovishovsky. If you walk from Old Town Square to the embankment of the Vltava river your path will take you through the Jewish quarter, which now holds the name of the famous Austrian emperor - Joseph the II. The building started in 12th century and in its first half the quarter received political and economical independence from Prague. The quarter started to attract Jews from the whole Europe and its population started to increase and reached the number of more than 7 000 of people at the end of the 17th century.
Unfortunately, nowadays there is left only few buildings from those times, but for people who are fond of history and architecture synagogues and ancient Jewish cemetery represent great value. The cemetery is considered to be the most famous from all Jewish cemeteries around the world. The burials were held since the 15th century till the 18th century. Scientists count more than 12 000 of tombs; the monuments are made from the sandstone, white and pink marble. Walking around the Jewish city you can not miss one of the most ancient Jewish synagogues, which preserved till nowadays – Staronova synagogue. The building was created in 13th century in gothic style. In one of the walls there is a hiding place with the scroll that contains texts of the 5 of Mosses books in ancient Jewish language.

The union of quality, atmosphere, design and comfort won’t leave any of the visitors careless. On your path from Jewish Quarter to Karlov Bridge you will see the Convent of St. Agnes., built in early gothic style in 13th century. The Convent was founded by emperor of Czech lands -Wenceslas the I for his own sister Agnes. Here are situated the Church of St. Francis and the Church of Our Savior, where many royal representatives are buried such as Wenceslas the I, his sister Agnes and many others. The church was closed in 18th century and nowadays exhibitions and concerts are held in it.