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Prague Castle

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. The castle is located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Prague and is the former residence of the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. The castle complex includes several palaces, churches, gardens, and other structures. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, Prague Castle is open to visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its grandeur and rich history. Visitors can explore the castle complex themselves or take one of the many guided tours. There is also an on-site museum with exhibits on the history of Prague Castle and its occupants.

The History of Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. It is located on a hill above the Vltava River and has a history that dates back to the 9th century. Earlier, Prague Castle was built as a seat of power for the Premyslid dynasty and served as a fortress against invasions from neighboring countries.

Over the centuries, Prague Castle has been expanded and remodeled many times, most notably during the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. It became more of a royal palace than a fortification during this period. In 1541, Prague Castle was captured by the Habsburgs and became their main seat of power in Bohemia.

At the end of World War I, Czechoslovak troops seized Prague Castle, and until 1918 it remained in the hands of Habsburg. Today, Prague Castle is once again an official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the largest castle in the world, covering an area of over 18 acres. The palace has been home to many royals over the centuries, including Holy Roman Emperors, Kings of Bohemia, and presidents of Czechoslovakia.

The first recorded mention of Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century when it was a fortified town known as Vysehrad. The Prague Castle was first expanded in the 11th century by King Vladislav II and then by King Sobeslav I in the 12th century.

In 1344, Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV declared Prague a royal city and made it the seat of his empire. Under Charles IV, the Prague Castle was again expanded and made one of the most important centers of politics and culture in Europe.

Many famous people have resided in the palace over the centuries, including Rudolph II, who made Prague a center of Renaissance learning; Wallenstein, who built an impressive Baroque garden; and Mozart, who composed his opera Don Giovanni here. In 1918, Czechoslovakia's first president Tomas Garrigue Masaryk made the palace his official residence.

The Cathedral of St. Vitus

The Cathedral of St. Vitus is one of the most important churches in Prague and has been a royal church since the 10th century. The current structure, built in the Gothic style, dates back to the 14th century. The cathedral is home to many important works of art, including the tomb of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.

Other notable buildings in Prague Castle

Prague Castle is home to many other notable buildings except St. Vitus Cathedral. These include the Old Royal Palace, the New Royal Palace, the Royal Summer House, and the Ballgame Hall. 

The Old Royal Palace was built in the 12th century and is the oldest building in Prague Castle. It served as the seat of power for Bohemian kings for centuries until replaced by the New Royal Palace in the 18th century. The Royal Summer House is a beautiful Baroque-style building built in 1695. It served as a summer residence for Czech royalty, and today is open to the public as a museum. The Ballgame Hall, built in 1567, is a large hall used for royal banquets and balls. Today it serves as a concert hall.

Visiting the Prague Castle

The Prague Castle was a seat of power for the kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. It consists of four courtyards, several palaces, and other buildings. The castle complex has undergone several reconstructions since its foundation by King Bořivoj I in 880, the most notable being the work done in the late 19th century by Czech architect Josef Mocker.

The best way to approach Prague Castle is from Malá Strana (Lesser Town). You can get there by taking the funicular from Újezd up to Pohořelec or by climbing one of several sets of stairs (including Nerudova Street). If you are coming from Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square, it is about a 20-minute walk up through Lesser Town. Once you arrive at Malá Strana Square, continue up Ke Hradu Street (toward Prague Castle) until you reach the main gate. Entering through this gate will take you into First Courtyard.

First Courtyard is where you will find the ticket office for Prague Castle (located to the right of the entrance, just before you reach the main building). There is an entry ticket for entering several of the castle buildings, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. You can either purchase tickets individually for each attraction or opt for a combined ticket to accessing all of them.

Once you have your tickets, continue through First Courtyard and into Second Courtyard, where you will find the entrance to St. Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral is one of Prague's most iconic landmarks, built in the 14th century. If you have time, explore the interior, it is truly breathtaking.

After visiting the cathedral, exit Second Courtyard and enter the Third Courtyard, where you will find the Old Royal Palace, the former seat of power for Bohemian kings. The palace now houses several museums, including the National Gallery's collection of Bohemian Baroque art.

You can also access Golden Lane, a narrow street lined with colorful houses from the third courtyard. These houses were once home to castle servants and artisans, and today they are occupied by souvenir shops and cafes.

Conclusion

Prague Castle has a long and storied history, serving as not only a royal palace but also a fortress, home to Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors. Today, the castle is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague, Czech Republic. If you're interested in learning more about Prague's rich history, be sure to add a visit to Prague Castle to your list of things to do.


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Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. Every year, millions of people visit Niagara Falls to see the amazing sights and experience the natural wonders of this world-famous destination.

The History of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has been a tourist destination for centuries. The first person to visit Niagara Falls was Father Louis Hennepin, a French missionary, in 1678. He wrote about the beauty of the falls, which attracted other European explorers and settlers to the area.

In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls became a popular honeymoon destination for American couples. The popularity of the falls as a tourist destination grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Different Views of Niagara Falls

There are three different ways to view Niagara Falls: from the Canadian side, from the American side, and from above.

·        The Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls. There are several observation decks, viewing areas, and a boardwalk that takes you right to the edge of the falls. You can also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which gets you up close and personal with the falls.

·        The American side offers different views of Niagara Falls than what you will see from the Canadian side. The most popular spot to view Niagara Falls on the American side is Goat Island, where you can walk out to the edge of Horseshoe Falls. Another great spot for views is Prospect Point Park, where you can get a bird’s eye view of all three waterfalls.

·        For something truly unique, take a trip aboard the Niagara Gorge Railway and enjoy panoramic views of Niagara Falls from above. It is a great way to see all three waterfalls at once and get an idea of how massive they are.

The Edge of the Niagara Falls

The edge of the falls is the best place to see the power of the water as it tumbles over the precipice. Several observation decks along the Niagara Gorge offer breathtaking views of the falls. The Rainbow Bridge, which spans the gorge just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for picture-taking and boasts an up-close view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Daredevils of Niagara Falls

Since the early days of Niagara Falls, people have been drawn to its raw power and beauty. Over the years, many have attempted to conquer the falls, often with tragic results. Here are some of the most famous (or infamous) daredevils who have taken on Niagara Falls:

·        Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She did it on her 63rd birthday in 1901 to achieve fame and fortune. Thankfully, she survived the stunt and lived to tell the tale.

·        Bobby Leach was the second person to went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. He did it in 1911 and also survived. Later he performed other stunts, including walking across a tightrope stretched over the falls.

·        Charles Stephens attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1920 but died during the attempt. His body is still missing.

·        Red Hill Sr., along with his son Red Hill Jr., became the first (and only) father and son duet, who went over Niagara Falls together in a barrel. They did it in 1951, and both survived.

·        Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 2012. He completed the stunt, which was televised live around the world.

How to get to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are located on the border between the United States and Canada, so there are a few different ways to reach them depending on your location.

If you are coming from the United States, the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is by car. Several highways lead right to the falls, and once you cross the border into Canada, signs will point you in the right direction.

If you are coming from Toronto or another Canadian city, you can take a bus or train to Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the falls.

·        You can walk along the edges of the waterfall.

·        You can ride an elevator to the top of one of the falls for an incredible view.

·        You can also take a boat tour that takes you right into the spray of the falls.

Travel Guide for Niagara Falls

While planning a trip to Niagara Falls, there are a few things to know before visiting. Here is a travel guide for sightseers that will help you make the most of your trip:

When to Visit: The best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the summer season when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that June through August are also the busiest months at Niagara Falls, so expect large crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for September or October when the weather is still pleasant.

What to See: There is more to see at Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves. Be sure to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close look at the powerful falls, and do not forget to visit Goat Island for some fantastic views. For something truly unique, check out 'Journey Behind the Falls', where you can stand inside a cave behind the raging waters of Horseshoe Falls.

What to Do: Other than sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Niagara Falls. Take a walk along one of the many scenic trails, go whitewater rafting or tubing down the rapids, or take a helicopter.

Where to stay when visiting Niagara Falls

The first question you need to ask when trying to find accommodation in Niagara Falls is, how close to the Falls do you want to be?

If your priority is to walk out of your door and see the Falls, then you can stay in hotels like the Niagara Falls Marriott or the Sheraton on the Falls. Both of these come with a high price tag, so if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of other hotels located a little further away from the Falls. These hotels will still give you easy access to all the main attractions.

If you are hoping to do some wine touring, then it might be worth considering staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town, situated right in the middle of Ontario's wine country, offers visitors plenty of options for day trips and activities. There are also several good restaurants and cafes, as well as several bed and breakfasts if you are looking for a more intimate accommodation option.

No matter where you choose to stay, there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is an incredible destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for any traveler. With its three massive waterfalls, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world to be visited once in a lifetime. This travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to Niagara Falls, from where to stay and what to do, to how to best experience this natural wonder. So start planning your trip to Niagara Falls today.