Prague itself is located on hills, but one of them is of particular importance for the city. Petřín Hill in Prague - this name most likely comes from the word “petr” - a stone. Today it is a large and very beautiful park and entertainment complex. Its history is inextricably linked with the history of the Czech capital.
The history of Petrshin
Previously, pagans worshiped their gods here, in the 10th century. the first Catholic church appeared here, later - defensive walls. And in the 19th and 20th centuries there were many structures that still attract tourists here today. The most impressive historical monuments are the Hungry Wall and the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. The Hungry Wall was built in the 14th century. by order of King Charles IY. At that time, Prague was threatened by the raids of numerous conquerors, and the king, whose palace was nearby, with all his might wanted to protect both himself and his city. The poor who built the wall received food for their labor for their families.
The Church of St. Lawrence was built in the 10th century. just in the place where the pagans used to worship Perun. Over the long years of its history, the church has been rebuilt several times, it was closed and reopened. Today it is a fine example of a Baroque architecture and has the status of a cathedral. It is believed that Saint Lawrence patronizes the mountains and people living on their slopes.
Attractions of the Petrin Hill
Among the attractions of Petřín Hill, first of all, mention is made of the Observation Tower, which was built at the end of the 19th century and resembles its Parisian "older sister" - the Eiffel Tower. You can go upstairs both by steps, there and by a paid elevator. A majestic panorama opens from the observation deck - a view of the old and new Prague. This spectacle is especially beautiful in the evening hours - the tower itself is lit up, the city below is burning with a thousand lights. At the bottom of the tower they sell souvenirs, and here you can also taste Czech delicacies in a small cafe. Fans of attractions will be attracted by the Mirror Maze. It will seem to you that you are in a palace with countless corridors. The main thing here is to walk carefully so as not to bump into mirrors.
Another object that will be interesting to visit for both adults and children is the Stefanik Observatory. Here they give lectures, talk about space. You can watch a thematic exhibition and even buy a piece of meteorite as a keepsake. But the main thing is that they give you a look through one of the two large telescopes intended for visitors to the observatory. The main thing is to have good weather. You can observe both the moon and stars, nebulae, galaxies. There are several churches and a monastery on the top of the hill, not all of them are available for free visit, but the appearance itself gives an idea of the Czech architecture of the past centuries. There are also many monuments dedicated to poets, writers, and prominent cultural figures. At one of them - the monument to Karel G. Makhe - boys and girls like to make appointments. The surroundings are the most romantic.
There are several gardens on Petřín Hill, including the Rose Garden, where thousands of these beautiful flowers grow. One can only imagine what a fragrance spreads in the air when they bloom. Another monument - the Victims of Communism - also makes a strong impression. It was installed after the fall of the communist regime in the Czech Republic. The monument consists of 7 figures, each subsequent one is destroyed more and more. This symbolizes the disintegration of the personality during the period of the domination of the totalitarian system, as well as the massive human sacrifices that the Czech Republic suffered at that time.
[leveltravel country = ”CZ” city = ”Prague”]
How to get there on your own
To drive up to the foot of Petřín Hill, you need to take trams no. 6, 9, 12, 20, 22, 57, 58, 59 and get to the Uyezd stop. You can go upstairs both independently - along asphalt paths, and using the funicular, which runs every 30 minutes.
