Prague's Historical Architecture: Whose Spires Are Higher?

Prague is well known for its intense historical buildings, dark, frightening and filmworthy architecture, with famous gothic, medieval and renaissance buildings all over the city. The architectural traveler could find himself enamored with Prague for years at a time, with its tall, artistically emotional buildings. Because of the large number of tall churches and castles, Prague is known as the "golden city of spires."

Home to many famous authors, artists, and musicians, Prague in the Czech Republic has a wide array of architectural wonders which have inspired many artists to write, paint, and sing about the city's historical beauty. Prague has appeared as the set in many action movies and art films. The architecture of Prague can have a definite psychological effect on the viewer; the city is packed with imposing castles that stand, high and looming and strong, a piece of the history of man.

One of the most prolific architects in Prague was Peter Parler, he was the main designer of the New Town of Prague, built Charles Bridge and along with Mathias of Arras, co-designed the Church of Our Lady Before Teyn, a tremendously creepy gothic church that stands 80 meters high.

The Church of Our Lady Before Teyn was built in construction bouts that lasted from 1365 to 1511. It is located in the Old Town Square. It is very easy to get to if you ride a bus or take a cab, and you can see its asymmetrical spires from all over town.

Another beautiful building in Prague that a traveler can see from all over the city is Prague Castle. Prague Castle is one of the largest castles in the world, and used to house the royalty and governing offices of Prague. Prague castle is a large complex, including, among other things, a cathedral, a church, several galleries and halls, a monastery, and a breathtaking grand palace. Prague castle can be seen from almost any point in the city, and is considered to be the city's most prominent landmark. There is also a gallery of Bohemian art, a treasure among the many museums and exhibitions in Prague Castle.

Prague itself is a marvel to behold, even while walking throughout town. A traveler cannot walk two city blocks without encountering a piece of history that is one of the oldest he has ever seen. Prague has buildings that were founded in 920 A.D., many hundreds of years older than anything built in the United States. The deep history of the buildings of Prague gives off a cold sense of understanding one small piece of the largeness of the history of humanity.