Filip Novotny Are you interested in the history of Prague, but do you find the strict interpretation of classic guidebooks boring? How about trying an interactive interpretation using an iPhone or iPad? A new Czech application can accompany you on your way from Prašná brána to St. Vitus Prague Chronicles.
It is no coincidence that this application appeared in the App Store on November 29. Exactly on this day, 635 years ago, one of the greatest figures in Czech history died - Charles IV. It is his story that Prague Chronicles tells.
And it does so in an unusual way - beneath the perhaps somewhat simple graphics is hidden a really nicely produced series of short animated films. These two- to five-minute videos depict the life of the former monarch, from his disagreement with his father John of Luxembourg to his coronation as emperor. There are a total of ten of these video chapters and together they take about half an hour.
Everything takes place against the background of Prague monuments. The application takes us through the historic center of Prague via its own prepared route, and while we learn about Karl's forced departure to France at the Municipal House, the circumstances of his coronation as king will be revealed to us by the Old Town Astronomical Clock. It is possible to watch all the short films at once and without going through the important places of Prague, but we would be depriving ourselves not only of the experience, but also of another part of the application.
Prague Chronicles contains a simple map of the city, which we can follow when looking for the next part of the story, but it also displays additional information. It displays important landmarks along the route that are worth learning about further. That's why he also offers a few written words and a link to Wikipedia about, for example, the Týn Temple or Clementine. Dramatized story of Charles IV. so we can add facts about history and important buildings.
The application is obviously aimed primarily at foreign visitors – the videos played are in English and only with optional Czech subtitles. Nevertheless, it is certainly suitable for domestic tourists as well, and it can revive the knowledge of the capital even for Prague residents themselves. With a bit of exaggeration, however, it should be noted that one essential thing is missing for the application to be truly successful – a translation into Russian.
[app url=”https://itunes.apple.com/cz/app/prague-chronicles/id741346884?mt=8″]
[app url=”https://itunes.apple.com/cz/app/prague-chronicles-hd/id741341884?mt=8″]
