The capital of the Czech Republic has played since its origin an important role in the history of the nation, the country and Europe. Since the 9th century already Prague was the centre of the Czech state, the settlement town of the princes and kings and since 1918 also the seat of the Presidents of the republic. The unique historic core includes unique examples of all building styles – the Romanesque rotundas and basilicas, Gothic temples, Renaissance palaces, an extensive collection of the Prague Baroque, Neo-Renaissance and Secession buildings. Thanks to its uniqueness the centre of Prague, together with the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and a number of churches, palaces and gardens is inscribed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.