A Short History of Prague
for First-Time Visitors

Prague: A Thousand-Year Story in One City

Prague is often called “the heart of Europe” not only because of its location, but because so many important historical moments took place here. From medieval kings and astronomical discoveries to revolutions and modern independence, the city has lived many lives.

1. The Beginnings: 9th–11th Century

The earliest settlement in the area of today’s Prague dates back thousands of years, but the city truly began to form in the 9th century, when the Přemyslid dynasty built Prague Castle. The castle became a political and cultural center — and remains the largest ancient castle complex in the world today.

2. The Medieval Rise of a European Capital

In the 14th century, Prague reached its peak under Charles IV, one of the most important kings in European history.

• Founded Charles University — the oldest university in Central Europe.
• Built Charles Bridge and planned the New Town district.
• Transformed Prague into the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

The city became a magnet for scholars, merchants and artists from all over Europe.

3. The Hussite Era (15th Century)

Prague became the center of the Hussite movement — a major religious reform that challenged the Catholic Church long before Martin Luther.

4. The Golden Age of Rudolf II (Late 16th Century)

Emperor Rudolf II moved his royal court to Prague, turning it into a hub of science, alchemy and art.

• Tycho Brahe & Johannes Kepler worked here.
• Artists and scholars from across Europe gathered in Prague.
• The city gained a mystical reputation that lasts to this day.

5. The Defenestrations & Thirty Years’ War

Prague is famous for its “defenestrations” — political conflicts where officials were thrown out of windows. The defenestration of 1618 triggered the Thirty Years’ War.

6. 19th Century: National Revival

The 1800s brought cultural rebirth. Czech writers, composers and thinkers helped build national identity.

• The National Theatre was built
• Modern Czech literature flourished
• The city modernized rapidly

7. 20th Century: Wars, Communism & Independence

Major events shaped Prague in the 1900s:

• 1918 — Founding of Czechoslovakia
• 1939–1945 — Nazi occupation
• 1968 — Prague Spring
• 1989 — Velvet Revolution
• 1993 — Czech Republic becomes independent

Traces of these eras remain visible throughout the city.

8. Modern Prague: A Blend of Old & New

Today, Prague is a mix of medieval streets, baroque palaces, art nouveau buildings and modern life.

• One of the safest capitals in Europe
• A cultural & tech hub
• Home to artists, musicians, students and startups