Top Curve Top Shadow
Border

  Czech Prague Mission

Border Shadow
Spacer
Spacer
   Webmaster: Caleb Pusey Other Languages:    
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Username: Password: Help Type:
Help Remember Me:

Prague


Back to main page
Want more info? Try Prague.cz

Goto:
History
Charles Bridge


Wenceslas Square
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and lies in the middle of Bohemia (the CR is divided into three regions - Bohemia, Moravia and Salesia). It covers an area of nearly 500 sq kms and its population is about 1,200,000. Prague is divided into many borroughs. The historical centre is made up by the Old Town, Josefov, the Lesser Quarter, Hradcany, the New Town and Vysehrad. Together they make a town preserve which is quite unique. On the other hand Prague is now surrounded by a ring of modern housing estates serving as residential quarters. Prague is the seat of our President, the Czech government, all important state ministries and the Czech Parliament. It is also a cultural centre of the republic and can offer many outstanding theatrical and musical performances. The Vltava River (Moldau) flows through Prague and surrounds 7 islands. About 18 bridges stretch over the river.

History


Old Town Square
A legend connects the founding of Prague with Princess Libuše of the Přemyslid dynasty who prophesised the future glory of Prague, which "would touch the stars". The oldest settlements of this region date back 25,000 years. In the latter half of the 10th century St. Vitus Rotunda, the Palace and a convent with a church were build on Hradčany. Prague's other castle - Vyšehrad - was built in the 11th century and for some time it was the seat of Czech rulers. Prague became the imperial residence of Charles IV (1346 - 1378). He promoted the construction of important buildings such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. Also the Charles University was founded in 1348. In 1420 Jan Žižka defeated the first anti-Hussite crusade on Vítkov Hill. In 1618 the Czech estates rose up against the Hapsburgs and in 1620 lost the battle of Bílá Hora - these events marked the beginning of the Thirty Year's War throughout Europe. In 1918 Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia and in 1939 was occupied by German troops. It was liberated in May 1945 by Russians. On August 21, 1968 Prague was occupied (as welll as the rest of the country) by the Warsaw Pact troops in order to stop democratic reform in the country. After 40 years of totalitarian depression, on November 17, 1989 "the Velvet Revolution" started in Prague on Národní Street and huge demonstrations woke up the whole nation. The communist era had finished. The current Prague is a modern lively town full of tourists that admire her beauty and charm.

Charles Bridge


Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague, and also one of the most beautiful in the world. It was originally called the Prague or Stone Bridge and its current name dates only from 1870. A Romanesque bridge once stood in its place, named after the wife of King Vladislav I (1140-1172) "Judita". The bridge was badly damaged by floods in 1272 and its remnants did not survive another flood in 1342. A wooden bridge was built in its place and it was not until 9 July 1357 that King Charles IV laid the foundation stone for a new bridge. The construction was supervised by master-builder Peter Parléř. The bridge is 520 m long and 10 m wide, it is supported by 16 pillars with two gates and towers at either end. The Old Town bridge tower is also the work of Peter Parléř, whereas the Malá Strana bridge tower through which you enter the district of Malá Strana itself, dates from a different period. The bridge boasts thirty statues and sculptures of saints, crafted by important Baroque artists. The original sculptures made of the Czech sandstone are gradually being replaced with copies and the originals are being stored in the stone collections at the National Museum and National Gallery. One end of the bridge passes over "Kampa Island", where you can walk down off the bridge via a flight of steps on the left hand side. Kampa has become a favourite place of film makers, the iceland where parts of Forman's Amadeus or the popular Misssion Impossible starring Tom Cruise were filmed. Charles Bridge was a site which often appeared in various old legends. One of these legends is associated with the construction of the bridge. In order that the bridge was sturdy and resistand, the master-builder had mortar mixed from lime, wine and eggs which had to be brought from all the other Bohemian towns, since there weren't enough of them in Prague. The most famous legend, however, is that of the miraculous sword.

Charles Bridge
Brucvík's miraculous sword is concealed in the bridge's masonry, but noone knows where. When Bohemia finds itself in greatest need, St Wenceslas will ride out leading the Blaník knights to come to the aid of his country, his horse will stumble over one of the stones on Charles Bridge and it will turn over, revealing Bruncvík's famous sword. St Wenceslas will grasp it and call out: "All enemies of Bohemia must lower their heads!". And from that moment onwards, peace and tranquility will reign over Bohemia forever.


Other pictures of Prague:


St. Wenceslas

Astronomical Clock

Obora Hvezda at Bila Hora
Home
divider
Alumni
divider
Friends/Members
divider
Currently Serving
divider
Presidents
divider
Reunions
divider
News
divider
Messages
divider
Links
divider
Pictures
divider
Chat
divider
Mission Info
divider
Weather
divider
Comments
divider
FAQ
divider


divider
Christmas Cards
divider
Mission Cities
divider
Czech History Timetable
divider
Grammar Pages
divider
Humor Corner [4]
divider
New Missionary Knowledge
divider
Recipes [10]
divider
Mission Songs
divider


divider

divider
Invite a friend
divider
Login
divider
Spacer Spacer
Bottom Curve Bottom Shadow

Home · Alumni · Friends/Members · Currently Serving · Presidents · Reunions · News · Messages · Links · Pictures · Chat · Mission Info · Weather · Comments

LDS Mission Network

Copyright © 2002-2014 LDS Mission Networksm · mission.net / ldsmissions.net · All rights reserved.

Site-in-a-Box is a service mark of LDS Mission Network. Version 2.1