Residence Karolina is located in a very heart of Prague, very close to the most of major sights. It stands not far from the Narodni Street, one of the most important boulevard of the rich Czech history, and of course the famous National Theatre. The residence itself is a unique neo-renaissance building, more than 150 years old. This imposing building was gently renovated preserving original layout and interior design.
The St. Cross Rotunda (or Rotunda of the Finding of the Holy Cross) is a real hidden gem of the Old Town. Just 100 metres from our Karolina Residence, it is the oldest romanesque rotunda in Prague. It was first mentioned in 1365 when it served as a parish church, but it was much earlier probably build around year 1125. It was built on a important trade route from Vysehrad Castle to crosses over Vltava river.
The National Theatre is the most important theatre of the Czech Republic. It was built from the national public collection and was open in 1881 for the first time. After a devastating fire, the theatre was open for the second time in 1883. It has noble exterior and interior decorations which attract especially with their rich gilding. It contains masterpieces of the best Czech artists of the 19th century (Ales, Hynais, Myslbek and others). You can visit drama, opera or ballet performance.
The Kranner's Fountain (or Monument of Francis I. Emperor) is a neo-gothic monument located in a park just next to the Vltava River. The construction started in 1845 but due the revolution in 1848/1849 it was delayed and finished in 1850. The authors are architect Josef Kranner and sculptor Josef Max. In the monument there is an equestrian statue of the emperor which was took down in 1919 and reinstalled 84 years later, in 2003.
The Bethlehem Chapel is located in the Old Town and it was established in 1391 when former chapel was built here between years 1391 and 1394 and was used for preaching in Czech language. The most famous priest was a Hussite Jan Hus. The former building fell into disrepair in 1786 and its large part was damaged. It was constructed again in 20th century preserving all the retained parts and engravings depicting its appearance over the centuries.
One of the most unique Prague's modern monument, the Kafka Statue by Czech artist David Cerny, was built in 2014 next to the Quadrio shopping centre, between Spalena and Vladislavova streets. The height of the statue is 10.6 metres, the weight is 39 tons. It consists of 42 moving layers made of stainless steel, 2.8 metres tall mirror pedestal and 42 engines. David Cerny is also author of controversial sculptures like hanging Sigmund Freud statue or Babies on Zizkov TV tower.
Famous Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge over the Vltava River and one of the most visited sights in Prague. Its construction started in 1357 under the shield of King Charles IV and was completed in 1402. The bridge is 1690 feet long, composed of 16 arches and also decorated with 30 stone sculptures. Three bridge towers are built at both ends of the bridge. From this sight, the visitors have astonishing views towards the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the Prague Castle.
Lesser Town is a district that lies below the Prague Castle on the left bank of the Vltava River. It is connected with the Old Town by the Charles Bridge. There is a large number of notable buildings and interesting places – such as Kampa Island, the baroque Church of St Nicholas, Petrin Hill & Tower or a large complex of beautiful gardens which are great for relaxing and enjoyng the wonderful views. Lesser Town is like a green oasis in the centre of Prague.
Old Town Square is the oldest and historically most significant square in Prague. Its origin dates back to the 10th century. The square used to be a marketplace at the very important crossroad of European trade routes. Here you can find Prague's major monuments – the Old Town Hall with the world's unique Astronomical Clock built in 1410 or the Tyn Church, 80 metres tall iconic church from the 14th century.
Dancing House is an unmissable gem that has become an integral part of Prague. Building gained its name from the towers that resemble famous dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Astaire is a stone tower, his partner is a glass tower. It was open in 1996 and won the prestigious Time magazine Design of the Year prize in the same year. The house was designed by Croatian architect Vlado Milunić along with world-renowned Frank O. Gehry.
Even other Prague's major sights are not far from the Residence Karolina and can be comfortably accessed on foot.
Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, is the traditional seat of Czech monarchs and presidents. It is proudly overlooking Prague since the 9th century. The St. Vitus Cathedral with its more than 300 feet tall Bell Tower is a dominant visible from almost everywhere.
Jewish Quarter or simply Josefov is a small district surrounded by Old Town. Until 1850 it used to be called Jewish Town, earlier even Jewish ghetto. Jewish Quarter dates back to the 13th century and today is a well preserved complex of important Jewish buildings.
Wenceslas Square, formerly known as a 'Horse Market', is a 700 meters long square, the largest cultural and business centre of Prague. It has witnessed many important historic events, huge celebrations and demonstrations. Famous for its vibrant nightlife.
Petrin is more than 1000 feet tall green hill on the left bank of the Vltava River. The most characteristic point of the hill is 213 feet tall Petrin Tower, five times smaller copy of the Eiffel Tower, built in 1891. Get a wonderful view of Prague and surrounding areas.
Vysehrad was originally a small fortification built in the 10th century, which was gradually rebuilt into the massive fortress. It is situated on a high cliff above the right bank of the Vltava River. Throughout its history, the Vysehrad was even the seat of Czech kings.
Probably the most famous Art Nouveau building in Prague. Its construction began in 1905 and was finished in 1912. It stands on the Republic Square next to the Powder Tower. Today it serves mainly for representative purposes.
Powder Tower (or Powder Gate) is one of the most important monuments of medieval Prague. It used to be the beginning of the famous Royal Route to the Prague Castle. This late gothic gate was built in the 15th century.
Strahov Monastery is the oldest Premonstratensian monastery in Bohemia. It was founded in 1143 by Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia, and now is one of the most important architectural monuments in the Czech Republic.
Rudolfinum, built in 1876-1884, is architecturally one of the most important buildings in Prague. For more than 130 years it serves as a concert hall and a gallery. It is the main concert venue of the famous Czech Philharmonic.
National gallery shows a largest art collection in the Czech Republic. It is located in a number of buildings all over Prague. You can see very valuable collections of an old art, contemporary art or even oriental art.
