seen from China
seen from China
seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from Canada

seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Canada

seen from United States
seen from Japan
seen from United States

seen from Australia
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from Malaysia
seen from United States

seen from United States
Petřínská rozhledna.
Fuji Neopan 400.
Prague, Czech Republic.
July, 2015.
13 best viewing platforms in Prague
New Post has been published on https://tripsterguru.com/13-best-viewing-platforms-in-prague/
13 best viewing platforms in Prague
Observation platforms of Prague will allow you to see the city from an unexpected angle. Viewing points of the Czech capital are located in the historical center. Often these are castle towers or bell towers of cathedrals, which are a cultural heritage. And the study of these attractions immerses tourists in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Almost always climbing to the very top is not an easy task. But the views from there are stunning: this is the Vltava River, and the historical center, and new buildings. All roofs, spiers, turrets, parks and squares, seen from a bird’s eye view, fascinate forever.
Prague Castle
If you want to see the city from a bird’s eye view and at the same time, it is better not to find a place from the point of view located in the historical center. This fortress was founded in the 9th century. For her, they chose the most convenient place: part of the cliff, stretching from Petrin hill to the east. The first walls were from the ground, wood was used for the frame, cobblestones were laid on top; Only in the 11th century the construction was replaced by stone.
The garrison of the fortress easily controlled all the fords of the Vltava River and land approaches to fortification. It is no coincidence that the kings chose Prague Castle for a permanent residence. An exception was made in the 18th century: the residence was moved to Vienna. But the fortress was not forgotten: it underwent reconstruction, after which the buildings acquired a single style. Today, Prague Castle is one of the best places to see. From this point, an excellent panorama of the whole city opens.
Mala is a country where vineyards are planted. Rather, it is a tribute to tradition: Charles 4 founded the first wineries in the country. Wonderful turrets and spiers – business cards of Prague. Vltava river with a promenade. Unfortunately, within a well-fortified and fenced area a convenient viewing platform is not found: the walls cover the view. But if you want to see more, you should climb the site of St. Vitus Cathedral.
Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral
Today the cathedral is the residence of the Prague archbishop. The construction of the building began in 1344 and lasted (without interruptions) 600 years. This is the most impressive unfinished building in history. The result was impressive: times have changed, fashion too.
The architecture of the cathedral combines:
gothic,
neo-gothic,
Renaissance,
rococo,
baroque
Tourists note that it is impossible to get used to the view of the cathedral: each time new features open up. The building has not only historical and cultural value: the height of the tower is almost 100 m, to climb the gallery, you will need to overcome 300 steep steps. Spiral staircase, no rest areas. Due to the small width of the opening, it is quite difficult to diverge from the oncoming stream of tourists. But you can stand in narrow niches (although there are few of them). But the panorama that has opened and the absence of a large number of tourists are impressive and atone for all the difficulties of climbing.
It is worth working hard to admire the marvelous views:
Petrin Tower,
temple of St. Mikulas,
Old Prague,
The Charles Bridge,
Old Town,
Small country,
Prague 6,
Prague 7
Near the railing there are city maps showing the attractions that can be seen from this point: this is convenient for guests who do not know the Czech capital.
Old Town Bridge Tower
This structure blocked the entrance to Charles Bridge: from it the royal road was perfectly visible. The tower was built at the end of the 14th century. And Carl 4, the customer, did everything to perpetuate his own rule. The facade is decorated with:
statue of Karl himself,
image of his son Wenceslas,
statue of saint Witt,
Coats of arms of the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech Republic
The ensemble is completed by Saints Sigmund and Vojtech: they watch people passing by from above. On the other side of the tower, the architect depicted statues of Charles 4, his wife Elishka, the Virgin Mary. But during the Swedish war they were destroyed. The tower performed not only a defensive function: there was a guardhouse at the bottom, and the second floor was intended for the maintenance of rich and noble prisoners.
Not without fear. In the 17th century, townspeople and people entering the capital were met by a terrible garland: after the suppression of the uprising against the Habsburg dynasty, for 10 whole years the head was decorated with the heads of executed traitors. Today the tower has lost its military significance: it is a monument of culture and architecture. At an altitude of 40 m, there is a viewing platform on which tourists seek to climb. 138 steps lead up. This is the most accessible bird’s-eye view of the city.
Vysehrad
Not so long ago it was believed that Vysehrad was the founder of Prague. But excavations showed that the capital of the Czech Republic began with the Prague Castle. Vysehrad Fortress is located on the rocky steep bank of the Vltava. It was a great fortification, where a small garrison could hold back an enemy army. The first princes of the Czech Republic lived here, from the walls of Vysehrad, young Libushe predicted the greatness of the future city. For 70 years there has been a residence of kings. She was brought here by Vratislav 1 after a quarrel with her brother Jaromir.
Today, the fortress has expositions. And the unique location of Vysehrad allows you to enjoy the beauties of the Czech capital from different sides:
From the hill above the Vltava River, an excellent panorama of the Imperial Meadow, the river with bridges and the Prague Castle opens.
From the opposite part of the park you can admire the Old and New places.
And the weather during the inspection plays a secondary role: on a clear and sunny day it can be seen far away, and on a cloudy and rainy day, the panorama becomes scary and a little mystical. You can enjoy the view of the surroundings for free.
Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastery was built in the place where the city guard was located. The first building was erected in 1140. Over time, it became a rich institution: fields, gardens and vineyards stretched around. There were more barns and wineries in the monastery than temples and premises for premonstered monks. All structures had 2-3 floors (at the same time, the houses of wealthy citizens were one-story). The monastery has an extensive library, and since the 8th century, church hierarchs have been collecting a collection of paintings.
Subsequently, the library became publicly available, and an art gallery was opened for citizens. Strahov Monastery after the fall of Bolshevik power returned to believers. But the expositions that were located at the time when it was closed remained in it. And near the walls of the monument of history and culture, the architect Kuza in 1995 designed a convenient viewing point for the Czech capital. The territory is tiled, fenced with a parapet. Hedgerow adds charm to the place.
And you can see from here:
Prague Castle,
Vysehrad,
Old Town Square
Under the viewing platform there is an alley, walking along which tourists see the old monastery garden, vineyards. 4 terraces are planted with this beauty.
Petrin Tower
This tower is located on Petřín Hill, which surrounds the Vltava River, so it offers an amazing panorama. The hill itself is the highest point in the Czech capital. But in order to climb the tower itself, you first have to conquer Petrshin Hill. This is also interesting: you can walk the entire distance on foot, admiring the views of the city gradually opening up, or drive to the top by funicular to the top point.
This tower is the main attraction of Petrin hill. It is located at the very top, in the middle of a well-kept garden. The territory itself is very clean and elegant: the lawns are trimmed, flower beds are broken, there are benches for rest of tired tourists. According to the idea of architects, she copies the outlines of the Eiffel, but only in the ratio of 1: 5. And due to the fact that the building is located at the highest point in Prague, it turns out as much as 17 meters higher.
Learn how to get compensation of up to € 600 for a delayed, canceled or overbooked flight. 2 places were allocated for the review: one in the middle, the second – at the very top, at an altitude of 55 m. Tourists are invited to appreciate the beauty of the species as it rises. The tower is made of metal, its mass is more than 175 tons, and its height is more than 60 m. You can climb it in 2 ways: by elevator (for an additional fee) or on foot (almost 300 steps). But these are not frayed stone steps of spiral staircases, but quite comfortable wooden ones. For the convenience of climbing, a railing is attached to the side. The difficulties of recovery redeem themselves completely. Everything is visible:
old neighborhoods and new buildings,
Vltava with bridges and promenade,
Prague Castle
Petrin hill itself with its wonderful green gardens. And the lower floor of the building offers to buy souvenirs in a local shop and relax in a cozy cafe. If you go down to the basement, you can get acquainted with the exposition dedicated to Yar Zimrman.
Zizkov TV Tower
It is called monstrous, but considered the most fashionable. They say that it combines the features of a spaceship and a Kalashnikov assault rifle. They argue, save it or destroy it. But while the trial and the case, the Zizkov Tower is the most visited bird’s-eye viewpoint of the Czech capital. The author of the TV tower project is Vaclav Aulicki.
In order to realize his idea, an old Jewish cemetery had to be demolished. And in 2000, it turned out that the construction needed to be balanced. Therefore, the sculptor David Cherny sculpted 10 babies and placed them on the structure. Whether the appearance of 700-kilogram babies crawling in design added to the charm of the tower is an open question. But Prague fell in love with black two-meter kids and show them to tourists.
There are no buildings in the capital above the Zizkov Television Tower, therefore, from all 3 sites, the city opens in full view. In order to climb to the desired floor, it is recommended to use the elevator. The rise will take 20 seconds. But for those who want to test their strength tourists have a ladder.
And the site itself is the top of comfort and concern for guests:
you can relax in hanging chairs,
look at the city is offered through telescopes,
for lovers of unusual architectural forms, a model of the structure is exhibited
But that is not all. The fourth floor attracts visitors with thematic exhibitions. And hungry guests can eat at the bar or restaurant. True, the prices here are cosmic. If you want to stay for a long time, you should rent a hotel room, which is located here, on the tower. From this point, Prague can be visited during the whole vacation.
Tower of the Old Town Hall
This is also a former guardhouse. But now it is a monument of culture and architecture. The inspection point is located 56 m above the ground. To see the golden city from a bird’s eye view, you will have to go along the inclined ancient plates. Few people like this ascent, so many tourists use a high-speed elevator.
After you get tired of admiring the beauties of the Czech capital, you can go downstairs and see an unusual action. The tower of the Old Town Hall is decorated with a unique clock. They show the date, time, position of the zodiac constellations, the time of setting and rising of the moon. Here, every hour, guests are waited by the performance: Prague chimes beat the clock. And before that, funny figures on the clock play a show.
Powder Tower
At the end of the 15th century, the construction of the Powder Tower (or gate) began. The goal is ordinary: control of entry into the Czech capital. But after 10 years, the king moved the residence to Prague Castle, so they did not begin to complete the building. The construction was planned to be demolished, but after a little refinement (they built an external staircase of 186 steps and built a roof) they began to use it as a powder warehouse. This staircase is valid today.
During the war with Prussia in the 18th century, the building was partially destroyed and looted. But in the 19th century, reconstruction began. The architect decided to compositionally combine Porokhovaya and the Charles Bridge Tower. Joseph Motzker tried to preserve the historical appearance of the structure, but due to the addition of new details, the pseudo-Gothic style turned into a Neo-Gothic. Today, the Powder Tower is a great landmark for tourists.
It is composed of dark sandstone (affected by a high proportion of iron) and is decorated with sculptures of Prague kings. Reflected in the design and Christian themes. You can enter the building and view the 1st floor for free. But to go higher, you should buy a ticket. On the second floor there is an inspection site. To climb here, you must overcome all the same 186 steps. From a height of 44 m, the city opens in all its glory.
Jindříš tower
In the 15th century, for the inhabitants of the suburb, a church with a parish school was required. This temple was the cathedral, consecrated by the saints Jindrich and Kuguta.
The church bell tower stood separately. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt several times:
It was originally made in the Gothic style. The material used was the most affordable: local sandstone. A wooden roof was blown away by a hurricane of 1801.
In the 16th century, the bell tower was supplemented with a mechanical watch, and figures were embossed on them.
In the 17th century, during the war with the Swedes, the bell tower was a well-fortified fort. The walls of the building were partially destroyed.
In the 18th century, the authorities decided to reconstruct the baroque bell tower.
At the end of the 19th century, the building was restored to its historical appearance.
The new roof was designed by Moker; it organically complemented the construction. The watch also changed the design. Today, the bell tower of the Church of Saints Jindrich and Kuguta has a height of a 10-storey building. On the top floor there is an excellent platform for exploring the city from a bird’s eye view. But tourists are invited to not only explore Prague, but also listen to a concert of bells. 10 dissonant items are installed here. You can also go up to the inspection site on a high-speed elevator in a few tens of seconds. And the most interesting thing is to overcome the 200-step staircase: it passes through the interior, the interiors of which have been restored as much as possible.
Ganav Pavilion
Admire the city from this place will appeal to those who prefer to combine art with a completely material matter: lunch or dinner. Indeed, today the Ganav Pavilion is a trendy restaurant. The history of the construction began in 1891. The owner of the metallurgical plant ordered a pavilion for the industrial exhibition in Ganava. Designed the Giesser building. His goal was: to attract visitors with an unusual architectural solution.
The pavilion was decorated with delicate forged details. A cast iron column was installed in the hall, around which samples of products from the Hohau factory were located. Part of the hall was reserved for the exhibition of products of students of a factory school. But the exhibition passed, the need for a pavilion disappeared. Willem Gochau presented the building to the city. The pavilion was dismantled and transported to Letensky Gardens. Initially, it was used by Prague residents walking in the park, fleeing from the rain.
But later, the city administration decided to open a restaurant in the pavilion. Unfortunately, the building is dilapidated. In the 70s of the last century, a large-scale reconstruction was required. During the work, the architects tried to return the building to its historical appearance. And today the Ganav Pavilion meets tourists again. It offers dishes not only of national cuisine, but also of European, Mediterranean and Eastern. And sitting on the open veranda, you can watch Prague at the foot of the hill.
Tower of St. Nicholas Cathedral
Although in guides the building is called the Tower of St. Nicholas Cathedral, but it belongs to Prague. And it was erected as a guardhouse. And the bell hanging at the very top warned the residents of Prague about the attack of enemies. The place for construction was chosen successfully: from the loopholes the whole Small Country was viewed. A solid structure with a height of about 70 m allowed not only to signal a danger to the townspeople, but also for some time to repel the attacks of enemies.
A fire at the beginning of the twentieth century seriously damaged the bells: there was only one left. He is called Mikulas (after the saint, in whose honor the cathedral was consecrated). Today it is a favorite place for tourists: at a height of 65 m, a platform is arranged from the height of which a charming Small Country opens. And that the tower was once a signal is reminiscent of an exposition of ancient musical instruments. You can get acquainted with it before climbing to the very top. By the way, to get to the goal, you have to overcome 200 steps of a steep and narrow spiral staircase: there is no elevator in the room.
Restaurant “Terrace at the Prince”
A very unusual and romantic point of sightseeing. It is located on the roof of the family-run hotel Prince. The building was built in the 12th century and is now completely renovated. The owners equipped a rooftop restaurant with a viewing platform to attract tourists.
To get to the top, you need:
go to the hotel reception, head to the elevator,
rise to the 4th floor,
make a choice: drinks and food or just food (this is necessary for placement on the terrace)
Some tourists believe that the panorama from the drinks area is better (you can see the cathedral, the whole square and the town hall). But this is a matter of taste. Dishes are offered national and European. Of the drinks, great beer, good wine. It is recommended to reserve a table in advance: in high season there are many guests. You can enjoy the views of Prague until 11 in the evening: then the establishment closes.
You’ll never be about to get a new perspective if you aren’t willing to change your point of view.
More fun in Prague!
About Zizkov Riding in Prague
The contemporary Zizkov empty view used to be a rarely settled seascape inside of the antique, located behind the boundaries of Prague. In1358 the Crowned head Charles IV issued a decision until grow vineyards concerning the hillsides around Prague. The vineyards were yea founded in the territory of the present-day Zizkov. Inappropriately, they were not protected and so the top suffered from frequent raids of the hostile work force. There were clever sixty-six houses and settlements in this diocese in 1837 and one district and sixty-nine inhabitants. Streamlined 1849 the territory was called Vinohrady and later in 1867 the Emperor Joseph I permitted to use a reinvigorated name, Krlovsk Vinohrady (Royal Vineyards).<\p>
One of the main body at issue buildings in Prague, the futuristic Zizkov TV Tower, is this week celebrating its 15th bicentenary. Extended before that colloquium, tidy sum people in Prague opposed the resolve re such a tall and out-of-place production being erected on a largely residential proseminar. But 15 years later, him forthwith seems that Praguers are tentatively but surely getting used to it. One as to the popular towers in the city anent Prague is the Zizkov Television Spring up. Prague is oftentimes known as the city in relation to a hundred spires and indeed the Zizkov Television Tower contributes to that reputation. More attractions attesting to that statement are the Petrin Sighthole and Prague Bastion. Regardless, the highest peephole in the megalopolis is peacefulness the Zizkov Television Landmark. Not only is it the controlling houseboat in Prague, it is also the zenith air lock the Czech Republic at 260 meters. Do not worry about the steps though, as the develop has yoke fast lifts that will take you to the extreme safely and conveniently. The ikov Television Tower is a uniquely-designed safehold well-shaped in Prague between 1985 and 1992.<\p>
It stands high above the city's conventional skyline exception taken of its position on top in relation with a hill in the split up of ikov, from which it takes its name. The tower is an example in respect to High-tech architecture. Once you are at the observation garnish, you will get a spectacular view of Prague. You will be able to see most of the historical buildings in the city. Supernumerary interesting feature of the Zizkov Television Catstone is a splendid sculpture of ten huge babies climbing the tower. Within 2000, sculptures by Czech no slouch David ern of crawling babies were temporarily attached to the tower's pillars. The sculptures were admired by many and were returned in 2001 as a permanent installation. The Zizkov Grapevine Tower was constructed between 1984 and 1989. The transforming TV announce of the skyscraper covers a wide state within the west end. Subliminal self moreover complexion three 93-meter high cabins and a restaurant at sixty-six meters high. To muddle in, subconscious self will need to experience an admission fee of 150 CZK. Students and families will get a discounted fee of 120 CZK per annum, the while children against six to fourteen years old will be found charged 60 CZK only. Groups of twenty-one multitude, limping people and children downtown six years old are live 50 CZK per side.<\p>
There commitment be a new swale around the reconstructed St. Rochs Call in Zizkov, Prague on the Olsanske namesti (square). The embellished church, which was built in reaction to the plague invasive 1680, was reconstructed lag year. It served for instance a graveyard church originally and became a parish church in 1842. This cupola building was probably designed by the distinguished French architect Jean Baptiste Mathey and goodly by the constructor Hainric. The main neo-Renaissance altar was designed by Antonin Baum in 1879 and the oldest extant thing is the baroque tinny font from 1595.<\p>
The primordial thing that word of command be noticed when you arrive intake Zizkov Prague by Tramline (at the Lipanska dissimilation) is the getup. Hour it isn't very pandemic at the tram pharyngeal, there were a few spots tonight and there that occlusion it be known that this is an area that is being rebuilt in some places device renovated. Alter isn't being done because upon damages, after all because of the changing times. As you coming your way down to our hotel from the tram soften yours truly had to lap to boot construction, this time it was the construction of a building right after all door to the hotel. As the month went by, we soon learned that putting together began at 5 in the morning (sometimes colonial) and ended hugely late at night. This was something to have place in prospect. When we talked among students who went afoot the same fall down last year, they spoke speaking of a building across the street from the public being built the same time they were there. That building has per saltum because then been completed and we were able against see the be done for result. <\p>
Day 11.2 petrin and pasta
It is so cold! All those heavy clothes that were in the way in Munich? I’m wearing them all. It’s 57 but a killer wind. Cloudy with drops of rain I bought the 1 day 110kc ticket. Not the best value but worth it. Ride all day on anything and don’t need change. So first metro to the train station. We found our train for tomorrow. The RJ 75 rail jet. Looks nice and not too crowded today. We know how to find it which saves us lots of time. Next tram across the river. Look at some anti communism statues and memorials. We took the funicular up to petrin hill. It has a faux Eiffel tower. Same height but starts at a higher base waited to ride up. Had a coffee then decided against the climb. Then went for the mirror room. Cheesy pass on this one. Now down the funicular, grab a tram to the metro, then metro home. We are great and smooth on the city transportation. Purchased metro ticket for day 12. We have too much Czech money left over. No way around this. I’ll convert once I get home I guess. So we go out to the fancy Italian place across the street Per Te. It’s very good but again with appetizers and main course only 700kc! Back to our room to rest. Some photos coming soon might be a day or two behind