Historic Centre of Prague, UNESCO World Heritage Site and old town in Prague, Czech Republic

The Historic Centre of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech capital, covering the Old Town, the Lesser Town, and the New Town on both sides of the Vltava River. Its streets, squares, and old bridges are lined with Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings constructed over several centuries.

Prague grew over more than 1,100 years from a medieval settlement into one of the main cities of Central Europe, serving as the seat of Bohemian kings and later of Emperor Charles IV. The historic centre was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

The Old Town Square is the heart of daily public life in the historic centre, where markets selling food, crafts, and local goods take place regularly. Cafes spill onto the surrounding streets, and the area fills with music and decorations during festivals held several times a year.

The area is best explored on foot, as many of the main sights are close together and several lanes are closed to cars. Visiting early in the morning is a good way to see the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge before the crowds arrive.

The Astronomical Clock's oldest part dates to 1410, making it the world's oldest astronomical clock still in operation. The calendar dial beneath the clock face was added in 1490. Legend holds that the clockmaker Jan Růže was blinded so he could never build another, and he reportedly damaged the mechanism in revenge.