Stunning Satellite Image Showcases Prague’s Iconic Landmarks and Medieval Allure

A stunning high-resolution image of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, highlights the city’s enchanting medieval core, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Nestled in the heart of Europe, Prague has expanded from its initial riverside settlements into a sprawling metropolitan area of approximately 496 square kilometers, perched along the picturesque Vltava River, the longest river in the country.

The image reveals an array of iconic landmarks, taking advantage of its remarkable clarity to showcase the famed bridges and islands that dot the river’s meandering course. Among these prominent features is Kampa Island, named after the Latin word “campu,” which translates to “field,” reflecting its historic use as farmland prior to being elevated above potential flooding. A narrow stream, known as the Čertovka, separates the island from the mainland, and the image captures the steps leading from Kampa to the renowned Charles Bridge.

Stretching 500 meters across the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, adorned with Baroque sculptures, was the sole bridge connecting both banks until 1841. The structure boasts two towers at either end that provide expansive views of the river and the city’s famous skyline adorned with spires. Dominating this skyline are the twin towers of St. Vitus’s Cathedral, located within the expansive grounds of Prague Castle. This castle, a major tourist destination and the official residence of the head of state, is recognized as the world’s largest ancient castle complex and encompasses numerous historic structures, museums, and galleries.

To the right of the river, the bustling Old Town Square can be observed northeast of Charles Bridge, where the Jan Hus Memorial is positioned at the northern end, facing the Marian Column. Further south, the iconic Wenceslas Square can be identified, extending in an elongated rectangle and culminating at the neoclassical National Museum located near the city’s main railway station. Prague is also home to a variety of parks and gardens, with the expansive Strahov sports complex situated to the west of Kampa Island.

The remarkable image was captured by the Pléiades Neo mission, an advanced optical constellation capable of achieving resolutions up to 30 centimeters. This mission is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Third Party Missions program, which utilizes its expertise in acquiring and processing data from various satellite missions operated by different organizations. In conjunction with the 17th anniversary of Czechia’s membership in ESA, a new exhibit titled “Earth from Space” recently opened at the Prague Planetarium. This exhibition, organized by ESA, features four interactive installations that use cutting-edge data visualizations, aiming to engage and inspire the curiosity of future generations.