A very important architectural monument in Bohemia is the ancient monastery at Strahov. Covered by thick woods and brush, the hill above the Prague Valley was of no use to anything but wild animals for a long time.

After the origin of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918 Prague Castle once again became the centre of the state.

The Little Quarter (Lesser Town) was established in 1257, built on the slopes below Prague Castle. In 1541 it was badly damaged by a great fire and than erected again during 17^th and 18^th century. It is part of Prague least effected by recent history having an image as the ultimate Baroque City.

Charles Bridge was built by Bohemian king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. in 1357 and for four hundred years was the only connection between the two halves of Prague.

The heart of the Old Town is the OLD TOWN SQUARE, Prague's showpiece main square and the most magnificent in central Europe.

The New Town of Prague extends around the east and south sides of the Old Town. To be found here there are the busiest shopping streets and commercial areas in Prague.

At the end of 19^th century the area of the ghetto, with its slums, malodorous backstreets and alleyways of the Jewish Town were replaced with luxurious five-storey mansions. However, the Town Hall, five synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetry were saved.