Take the traditional route of Czech kings. Discover the most interesting sights of Prague. Everything is described in articles and accompanied by lots of photos. Click here to get on the page of the Royal Route.
The Royal Route – part one, Republic Square and Celetná Street
Our Royal Route in the tracks of the coronation processions will start in Náměstí republiky (Republic Square). We have chosen this place for a very simple reason. The royal coronation processions were moving out from here so our voyage needs to start here as well.
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Náměstí republiky (Republic Square) and Municipal House – panoramatic picture
(drive your mouse over the picture – if you move the mouse pointer the picture will start to move)
Náměstí republiky (Republic Square)
History
There used to be fortifications and trenches in Náměstí republiky (which was called also Hybernské or Kapucínské náměstí in the past) and they were part of the old Town defences. There was also a gate through which importants guests or representatives from abroad were entering. However, for the purpose of our excursion a different building was important – the one which was standing in the place of the current Municipal House.
Královský dvůr (The Roayl Court)
It was the Royal Court, the residence of the kings of Bohemia. The kings decided to reside here in the time when the cold walls of Prague Castle were not suitable for the lives of the sovereigns. The first monarch in the history who moved here from Castle was Wenceslas IV of Luxembourg. However, he chose the house At the Black Eagle in the nearby Dlouhá street to be his working place first. He decided for the The Royal Court to be his royal residence later and he got it garmented into a luxurious robe that matches the king of Bohemia perfectly. The Royal Court was preferred to Prague Castle also by his further successors excluding Wladyslaw II Jagiello who returned to Prague Castle again. And right from the courtyard in Náměstí republiky the ceremonious processions with the new monarch were coming and they followed the Royal Route towards Prague Castle. Currently you will find one of the most prestigious places of Prague there,the Municipal House.
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Obecní dům (Municipal House)
The house was built in the secession style and it is mainly determined for significant social events these days, for concerts and other cultural and formal purposes. The decoration of the Municipal House was the work of the most remarkable sculptors and painters. You have the opportunity to see the works of Mikoláš Aleš, Max Švabinský, Alfons Mucha or Josef Václav Myslbek, the author of the equestrianstatue of St. Wenceslas in Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square). Besides the balls and concerts also tourist excursions are given here which will reveal all the beauties of this exceptional Prague landmark to you.
House U Hybernů (At the Hybernians)
Just opposite the Municipal House you will see another significant building, the house U Hybernů (At the Hybernians). There used to be the monastery of St. Ambrož in place of this house in the past. However, it was rebuilt and transferred to the church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in 17th century. It was closed some time later and used as city´s showroom. There was a change in 21st century and the showroom building was rebuilt into the stage. So today Divadlo Hybernia (Theatre Hybernia) is to be found here.
Prašná brána (Powder Tower)
Powder Tower is the gate through which the ceremonious coronation processions used to pass. The construction was initiated in 1475 but the building remained uncompleted because the monarch moved back to Prague Castle at the end of 15th century and he did not care for the completion of the tower anymore. It was even used for storage of gunpowder in 18th century, therefore it is called Prašná (Powder). We will find rich sculptural designs here. There are for instance images of George of Poděbrady, Wladyslav II, Charles IV or Přemysl Otakar II. Besides the sovereigns you can take a look at the patrons and significant saints of Bohemia and also the symbols of the Czech royal towns. At present you will find a sales exhibition of the contemporary weapons in the first floor of the tower and an exposition from the Hussite period in the second floor.
Nová mincovna (New Mint)
Now we will walk along the Powder Tower up the Celetná street. Do not forget to notice the corner house with an arcade after a few meters on the left. This building which is called Nová mincovna (New Mint) has a very rich history. It is a former residence of the Bohemian queens, located not too far from the Royal Courtyard, the residence the Bohemian kings. Afterwards the royal mint was established here, which ceased to exist a few years later in 1434. However, the purpose of the mint has not disappeared because it was restored nearly a century later again and operated until 1784. After the mint had been closed the headquarters of The Land Military Command were established here. In 1849 the New Mint became the property of the Ministry of Justice and of the Land Court. It is curious that it still serves a purpose of the Court these days.
Additional landmarks
Now we will walk along Celetná street towards another remarkable square. The street is four hundred meters long and serves as pedestrian zone. The name of the street has historical overtones. It was derived from the so-called „caltna“ makers. And who actually were they? Bakers who used to bake twists called „calta“.
PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1
Discover the most beautiful sights of Prague. Review the educational route PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1. All sights are described with lots of pictures.Click here
Besides the already mentioned buildings there is a whole range of significant buildings on the way between Republic Square and the Old Town Square. We know some of them from the previous articles already. One of those houses you should notice on the left and right side of Celetná street is the house U Zlatého anděla (At the Golden Angel) and the house U Černé Matky Boží (At the Black Madonna).
We will make a stop at this landmark because it is one of the most remarkable works of the Czech cubism. The building was called according to Madonna placed in the corner of the house. Originally, it was supposed to be a big department store. Also the Czech Museum of Fine Arts was to be found here.
From the house at the Black Madonna we will go on until we catch sight of the house U České orlice (At the Czech Eagle), house U Kindlů, house U Červeného orla (At the Red Eagle), Menhartovský palác (Menhart House), Buquoyský palác (Buquoy Palace), Millesimovský palác (Millesimo Palace), Hrzánský palác (Hrzán Palace), house U Černého slunce (At the Black Sun), house U Zlatého jelena (At the Golden Deer), furthermore the corner house U Hřebene (At the Comb), the opposite Týn vicarage and finally Sixtův dům (Sixt´s House).
The royal procession
In the Roayl Courtyard the servants festively made the new monarch and the whole procession ready. In the meantime the residents of Celetná street richly decorated their houses with ribbons and long draperies and hung them from their windows. They embraced the passing-by procession by waving and cheering and the king was tossing coins about which won him favour of the dependants and he was this way promising prosperity to the land. The processsion was accompanied by music, people were tossing flowers, and significant representatives of the town were embracing their new monarch. Then the procession moved toStaroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square).
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Articles about Czech Royal Route:
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Royal Route – Introduction
Royal coronation ceremony
Who could become monarch
Coronation processions
Coronation of the most famous Czech King – Charles IV.
The first and the last Royal Coronation
The coronation feast
Czech Crown Jewels
Secret of St. Wenceslas Crown
List of the crowned kings of Bohemia
Royal Courtyard – Residence of the Bohemian Kings
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Map of Czech Royal Road:
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http://maps.google.cz/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202947159415092968266.0004abe1a80f4793818ca
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MONUMENTS ON Czech Royal Route::
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number 1: The Royal Route part one – Republic Square and Celetná Street
number 2: The Royal Route part two – Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)
number 3: The Royal Route part three – Charles Street and Charles Bridge
number 4: The Royal Route part four – The Lesser Town
number 5: The Royal Route part five – Hradčany
number 6: The Royal Route part six – Prague Castle
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DOWNLOAD: Tourist guide PRAGUE PRAGUE CITY LINE 1
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Tourist guide PRAGUE CITY LINE - Prague 1 (7,0 MiB, 18 497 hits)
Prague 1 still belongs to one of the most attractive parts of the whole Prague. Probably nowhere else you can find such a concentration of historic monuments and places where the history and romance of bygone times are all around you. Hardly anywhere you can walk on the same paths where were walking Franz Kafka, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the Golem of Prague.
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PHOTO GALLERY :
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PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1
Discover the most beautiful sights of Prague. Review the educational route PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1. All sights are described with lots of pictures.Click here
Traditional Royal Route
Take the traditional route of Czech kings. Discover the most interesting sights of Prague. Everything is described in articles and accompanied by lots of photos. Click here to get on the page of the Royal Route.
Prague Candy Festival 2017
The sweetest festival of the year in hotel Pyramida! All the sweets lovers are meeting at 8th April 2017 from 12 till 19 pm at hotel Pyramida where the second year of Prague candy festival is held.
ONE-HOUR RIVER CRUISE
A cruise is truly one of the most delightful ways to see the beauties on offer in the historical centre of Prague. During the cruise you will get unforgettable views from the deck, refreshing drinks and a fascinating commented tour.
Old Town Square
Come with us and explore the real heart of Prague. Do you know the secret of the Old Town Astronomical Clock? Do you know where to find the Prague Meridian and the meaning of the crosses on the paving stones? Click here and explore the Old Town Square on your own!
Enjoy a beautiful view of Prague!
The roof terrace restaurant Coda is open to all lovers of great gastronomy and unique views of the city. The terrace offers a 360° view of the entire Prague and looking at all the treasures of the Golden City.
Enjoy a sights and life in Prague - Download FREE Guides !
Discover the most beautiful sights and places of Prague. Discover the real life of Praguers. Enjoy prepared vouchers in guidebooks. DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDES !
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