Prague: Facts & Essentials

Situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia, Prague has been the Czech state’s political, cultural, and economic center for over 1100 years. The city is home to more than 1.2 million people (the whole population of the Czech Republic is 10 million), while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 1.9 million.

Prague is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is among the most visited cities on the continent. Since it largely escaped bombing during the Second World War, which befell so many European cities during that period, Prague has kept its unique historical appearance with a labyrinth of winding, medieval cobblestone streets and beautiful palaces and churches of all architectural styles. Since 1992, the extensive historical center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. According to Guinness World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. Nicknames for Prague have included “the mother of cities” (Praga mater urbium in Latin), “city of a hundred spires,” and “the golden city.”