Prague
is a city of stunning physical beauty. Many of the capitals
of other eastern European nations were flattened or heavily
damaged during World War II, but Prague survived intact. Thanks
to the city's role as a focal point of culture and commerce
for nearly a millenium, it retains the evidence of the many
nationalities that have influenced and sometimes dominated
its course in history. Gothic and baroque spires, art-nouveau
facades and even cubist structures reflect a crucible of German,
Italian, Flemish and Bohemian artistic movements. At one time
the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and at another the citadel
of the Hapsburgs, Prague sustains a reputation as a vital
political, cultural and economic center. This is especially
true since the 1989 bloodless Velvet Revolution swept out
communism. Tourists and foreign expatriates continue to descend
on the "City of a Hundred Spires" to experience
a place in the throes of transition, although those hoping
to see evidence of its totalitarian past might be disappointed
to learn that Prague is now as Western as Vienna.
Even with its fast-food restaurants, cash machines and ubiquitous
cellular phones, Prague's old-world appeal has been steadfastly
preserved. Thick river fogs, arched stone bridges, mysteriously
lit alleyways and other charming scenes linger around almost
every corner. If you slip away from the main tourist scene,
you'll likely stumble upon a bakery offering freshly baked
brown loaves from 200-year-old recipes, or a lively political
debate in a Hapsburg-era hospoda (pub). For many, Prague carries
on as it always has. |
Charles Bridge
Take in a busker's tune or simply enjoy stunning views of
the castle above and river below. Linking the Lesser Side
with the Old Town, the pedestrian bridge's foundation stone
was laid in 1357 on 9th July at 5:31am (note the sequence:
1357 9 7 531); it was believed that a sequence of odd numbers
would secure successful construction. Between 1683 and 1928,
31 statues of saints were placed along the bridge. At statue
16, there is a plaque where you can place a hand and make
a wish.
Prague Castle
The castle was originally the seat of Czech royalty and
nobility but is now the residence and offices of the Czech
President. However, President Masaryk updated and modernized
the buildings in the 1920s. Lined on three sides by palaces
(with the fourth by its main gate), there are a number of
galleries and gardens to visit as well as the Military Museum.
The Changing of the Guard takes place every hour on the
hour; at noon expect an elaborate ceremony. The galleries
and museum are closed on Mondays.
International Jazz Festival
Do you enjoy toe-tapping, eclectic live music in a variety
of genres and venues? Prague's International Jazz Festival
is a popular annual event that you won't want to miss out
on. You'll see trios, soloists, big bands, and jazz-rock
crews in every style from acoustic to electric. Each year,
impressive established and up-and-coming artists from all
over the world are invited to astound audiences and connect
with other musicians. Ticket prices will vary widely depending
on performance.
Petrin Park
Ride a cable car from street level to the top. Once up there,
the Petrin Observation Tower, built in 1891 and modelled
on the Eiffel Tower, affords a magnificient view. There
is also an observatory and two formal gardens. At street
level is a rose garden planted around a children's maze.
Through a gate in the ancient wall (the Hunger Wall) lies
a lush, quiet garden with a small waterfall and pond with
many varieties of flowers. This is possibly one of the most
idyllic spots in the city.
Prague Walks
Prague Walks is the practical way to see this historic city.
With tour guides as knowlegable as they are informative,
Prague Walks is a journey through history allowing visitors
to see the actual places that changed Czechoslavakia and
the world. Prague, survivor of two world wars, three revolutions,
and the fall of Communism, has been a light of hope and
freedom for the world. Visit the Jewish Quarter and walk
in the footsteps of Franz Kafka, artist of paranoia. Other
sights include Old Town Square, Lennon's Wall, Charles Bridge,
and the Czech Parliament. Prague Walks is a one-of-a-kind
experience that brings the city and its rich history to
life.
Rudolfinum
Named after Rudolf II and built in neo-classical style between
1876 and 1884, the "House of Artists" originally
housed an art gallery, museum and concert hall. In 1918
it became home to the Czechoslovak Parliament but was closed
when the Nazis invaded in 1938. Returned to the Czechs in
1946, it's now the base of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
and has been designated as a concert hall with excellent
acoustics. Top exhibits of photo and avant-garde art are
often held in the huge building which dominates Jan Palach
Square.
Vysehrad Castle
This fortress was established in the mid-10th century and
was the oldest seat of the Czech nobility. Charles IV built
a system of walls linking Vysehrad with Nove Mesto but over
the years, most of these were gradually destroyed. Upon
arriving at Vysehrad, visitors can stroll around the ramparts
enjoying excellent views of the Vltava River. Visit the
Gothic Church of St Peter and Paul, the Romanesque Rotunda,
the underground casemates, the small museum, and the Vysehrad
Cemetery, where both Smetana and Dvorak are buried.
Strahov Monastery
Famous for its libraries, Strahov houses a collection of
frescoes, especially on its ceilings. Closed after the Communists
took power, it reopened in 1989. Reconstructed during the
1990s, its Baroque appearance dates from the second half
of the 17th century. The monastery was founded in 1140 by
the Premonstratensian Order and escaped the dissolution
of monasteries in 1783 by Joseph I by virtue of having one
of the best libraries in the Czech lands. The monastery
lies in a quiet courtyard, which is worth the short, pleasant
walk.
St Nicholas Church
The most magnificent baroque building in Prague, its construction
was finished in 1756, and features a dominant cupola and
bell tower, as well as one of the largest paintings in Europe
depicting St Nicholas in various guises which you'll find
in the nave. On one of his visits to Prague, W. A. Mozart
played the organ at the church and there are now frequent
lunchtime and eventide recitals of his music.
Boat Rental
Next to the National Theatre on Slovanky Island, boats can
be rented for the Moldau River. A paddle boat or a row boat
can be rented for half an hour or more, so that you can
while away your time on the river with the swans and ducks.
As the river is dammed for navigational reasons, the current
around the island is not strong and is therefore easy to
navigate. The rental rates are reasonable. This is an easy
way to escape from 'power tourism' for a while.
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