Prague - Hrad
Where: Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. In the historical center of the city.
What: the "Hrad" - the main fortress (actually a small fortified city) of Prague, a medieval complex including government and military buildings but especially the wonderful gothic Cathedral dedicated to Saint Vitus (seen on the center top of the image).
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The Hrad is on a hill, as a very common placement for fortress around the world, overlooking the river Vltava and the famous Charles Bridge ("Karluv most" appearing in the right side of the image).
Its history began already in 870 with a walled church, then in 10th century two cathedral were added (one of them is the Saint Vitus), then a convent (the first in Bohemia) and the first version (romanesque style) of the royal palace in 12th century. Two centuries later the royal palace were rebuilt according to the gothic style and the fortification were made stronger.
Under the Hasburgs royal family, new buildings were added in a new style (renaissance), among them the beautiful so-called Spanish Hall that is a not-to-be-missed place to visit.
Since 1918, the Hrad is the seat of the President of Czech Republic.