#Gothic

Karlštejn Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress perched atop a hill in the picturesque village of Karlštejn, about 30 kilometers southwest of Prague. It is one of the country's most famous and historically significant castles. Karlštejn is also easily reachable by public transportation. And that makes it an ideal destination for those who love Gothic architecture.

Kutná Hora is a perfect destination for a one-day trip from Prague. Once upon a time, it was the second most important town in the Czech kingdom. Today, numerous Gothic monuments remind us of the city's former wealth: the majestic St. Barbora Cathedral, the Church of Saint James the Great, the Italian Court, and Hradek, to name a few. The place is also famous for its ossuary, which is decorated with the bones of 40000 people.

The Church of Our Lady before Tyn is one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Prague. And many people consider its eighty-meter-high spires to be the most beautiful in the city.

Few visitors can remain unmoved when standing before this Gothic cathedral. The full name of the main Czech temple is the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Wenceslas, and Adalbert. The church we see today is the third one standing on this site.

Six synagogues have been preserved to this day in Prague’s Jewish Quarter. The Old New synagogue and High synagogue are still used for services. The remaining four house exhibitions of the Jewish Museum. These are the Pinkas, Klausen, Maisel, and Spanish Synagogues.

The predecessor of Charles Bridge — Judith's Bridge from the 12th century — was destroyed by a flood in 1342. King Charles IV invited Petr Parler — the same architect who built the cathedral at Prague Castle — to manage the construction of a new bridge. He also ordered an astrologer to determine the most favorable moment for construction to begin.

In the 13th century, Mountain Gate stood on the site of Powder Gate. In 1348, the New Town was built around the Old Town. After that, the Old Town walls and gates were no longer carefully maintained, as any attacking army would have had to pass through the New Town first.

In 1338, King John of Bohemia granted the Old Town permission to build a town hall. The House of Wolflin of Kamen, dating back to the late 13th century, became the core of the new complex. It is the building located closest to the clock tower. Take a moment to admire its beautifully decorated Gothic portal. Soon after, construction of the clock tower began.