Welcome to Prague
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a treasure trove of history and culture, renowned for its picturesque beauty and architectural marvels. Known as the 'city of a hundred spires', Prague's skyline is dotted with historic church spires, which stand tall above the city's cobblestoned streets and beautiful bridges like the iconic Charles Bridge. This bridge is a must-see, featuring stunning views of the Vltava River and adorned with an array of statues that add to its historic ambiance.
The city thrives with a vibrant arts scene, showcasing a range of performances from classical concerts in grand palaces to modern shows at the State Opera or National Theatre. Visitors are encouraged to experience the richness of Prague's cultural offerings which reflect the city's historical journey through the centuries.
Walking through Prague is like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved castles, Baroque and Gothic cathedrals, and medieval squares that tell stories of its past. Yet, the city is not caught in time; it is dynamic, with transformed run-down areas now hosting fine restaurants, stylish hotels, and lively bars and clubs, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both the historical and contemporary sides of Prague.
When exploring, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestones and to dress in layers to navigate the city's mid-continental climate, which can range from warm summers to chilly winters.
Overall, the essence of Prague lies in its ability to merge its illustrious past with the vibrant pulse of a modern European city. Whether it's the architectural wonders, the rich history, or the buzzing nightlife, Prague offers an experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and excitingly contemporary.

![<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/11561957@N06/">failing_angel</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/11561957@N06/54998001383/" title="Prague, Czechia, 1998"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54998001383_90c4c707f8_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Prague, Czechia, 1998" /></a></p>
<p>From the exhibition<br />
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Graciela Iturbide: Shadowlines<br />
(June - September 2024)<br />
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Discover the world of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide (b. 1942, Mexico City) which she presents in black and white - or as she describes it, as "an abstraction of the mind.".<br />
Widely recognised for the poetry and introspection of her images, Graciela Iturbide captures her subjects with depth and sensitivity. Her photography offers a unique perspective on Mexican society, often exploring themes of Mexican culture, identity and belonging, by combining a documentary and humanist approach with an imaginative quality of image making.<br />
Throughout her career, Iturbide has documented the lives of Indigenous people of Mexico, often living closely with them for months. She offers a glimpse into their rituals, traditions and struggles, capturing the resilience and dignity of her subjects. <br />
The exhibition includes works from several of her most iconic series, including Juchitán de las Mujeres (1979-1989), focusing on the matriarchal society of the Zapotec people of Tehuantepec, south-eastern Mexico. Having immersed herself in their lives for a decade, her photographs show the strength and vitality of the Juchitán women.<br />
Iturbide has travelled extensively, producing work in different areas in Mexico, Germany, Spain, Ecuador, Japan, the United States, India, Madagascar, Argentina, Peru and Panama.<br />
Gradually, Iturbide's images have become devoid of people and her attention has focussed on materials, textures, nature and light. Whatever her subject, Iturbide has continued tracking the sunlight with her camera and experimenting with “shadow lines.”<br />
[*The Photographers' Gallery]<br />
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Taken in the Photographers' Gallery</p>](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54998001383_90c4c707f8_s.jpg)















![<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/meteorry/">Meteorry</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/meteorry/54991667789/" title="Saint Vitus Cathedral - Praha (Czech Republik)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54991667789_b7cce390ee_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Saint Vitus Cathedral - Praha (Czech Republik)" /></a></p>
<p><b>Třetí nádvoří Pražského hradu</b> 17/02/2025 10h29<br />
The Saint Vitus Cathedral as seen from the square along the cathedral; Třetí nádvoří Pražského hradu. <br />
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This cathedral is a prominent example of Gothic architecture, and is the largest and most important church in the country. Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, the cathedral is under the ownership of the Czech government as part of the Prague Castle complex. The cathedral's dimensions are 124 m × 60 m, the main tower is 102.8 m high, front towers 82 m, arch height 33.2 m. <br />
[ <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Vitus_Cathedral" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Wikipedia - <b>Saint Vitus Cahtedral</b></a> ]<br />
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<u>Pražský hrad</u><br />
Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic serving as the official residence and workplace of the president of the Czech Republic. Built in the 9th century, the castle has long served as the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. As such, the term "Prague Castle" or simply "Hrad" ("the Castle") are often used as metonymy for the president and his staff and advisors. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it.<br />
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According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 square metres, at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide. The castle is the most visited tourist attraction in the Czech Republic. In 2024, the castle attracted 2.59 million visitors. <br />
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The history of the castle began in 870 when its first walled building, the Church of the Virgin Mary, was built. The Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus were founded under the reign of Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia and his son Wenceslaus I in the first half of the 10th century.<br />
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King Ottokar II of Bohemia improved fortifications and rebuilt the royal palace for the purposes of representation and housing. 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 the rotunda and basilica of St. Vitus, building began of a vast Gothic church, that were completed almost six centuries later.<br />
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In 1918, the castle became the seat of the president of the new Czechoslovak Republic, Tomáš Masaryk. The New Royal Palace and the gardens were renovated by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. In this period the St. Vitus Cathedral was finished on 28 September 1929. Renovations continued in 1936 under Plečnik's successor Pavel Janák.<br />
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Prague Castle's architecture is a unique blend of styles from different periods, reflecting its long and complex history. Gothic, Baroque and Classicism. <br />
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[ <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Castle" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Wikipedia - <b>Prague Castle</b></a> ]</p>](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54991667789_b7cce390ee_s.jpg)


