It would be an offence not to visit Prague while you are in Czech Republic. This astonishing mecca of Europe is one of the most stirring cities you will never forget. Prague is a complete romantic getaway. The entire city centre is a historic site; one of the great pleasures of visiting is to meander through the cobbled streets, admiring the varied architecture from Gothic to Baroque to Renaissance. There are numerous historical spots and sights not to be missed. A stroll on a stone Gothic Charles Bridge (dated 1357) presents views of The Prague Castle, which displays a history of more than 1100 years and a Vltava River that runs through the heart of Prague. This magnificent structure is one of the city’s finest attractions. Charles Bridge throngs with people during the day. Street artists sketch and musicians play; look out for the jazz band, who are particularly entertaining. There are now 75 statues on Charles Bridge, but most are copies, as floods and catastrophes over the centuries damaged the originals. Perhaps the most interesting, as well as the oldest, is that of John of Nepomuk (8th from the right as you cross towards Prague Castle). The entrance to Charles Bridge is marked at both ends by towers: the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Mala Strana Bridge Tower.
Another segment of the town The Golden Lane dating back to the 15th century is now full of little shops, which adds to the impression of the city. The small houses were originally constructed in the 16th century for King Rudolph II’s castle guards. At that time the lane was known as archery lane. It was later renamed ‘golden lane’ for the goldsmiths who moved into the houses in the 17th century. Legend wants one to believe alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived in another street at the castle. So it was actually the goldsmiths who gave the street its captivating name. Unfortunately the Golden Lane cannot be visited for free, you can either buy an entry ticket for the street or buy a combined ticket for the whole Prague Castle complex.
Mala Strana (Lesser Quarter) is the most vivid part of the city and a favorite background for movies and commercials. Started as a market place it has always been the centre of life in the Lesser Town. Today, there are official buildings and restaurants. Also known as Little Quarter (Mala Strana) was founded in 1257 and spreads on slopes under the Prague Castle. Mala Strana almost hasn’t changed during last centuries; only a few buildings were constructed after the end of the 18th century. Mala Strana can be proud of its impressive baroque palaces and old houses. Its centre is Malostranske Square with St. Nicholas Church. There is also a nice view of Prague from the upper parts of Mala Strana.
The captivating Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock started out as a market centre in the 11th century and it became the eye of major events in Prague, historical, political and cultural. The square and surrounding streets are pedestrian zones, and during summertime it is filled with outdoor cafés where the many tourists can relax while surrounded by many remarkable medieval buildings. Some of the most prominent buildings around the square are the Old Town Hall (famous for its astronomical clock), the Týn Church, the Kinsky Palace and the St. Nicholas Church. The Atronomical Clock The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the oldest European clocks of its kind. It has only been possible in recent times to prove convincingly that the Prague Astronomical Clock is considerably older and that it was made in the year 1410. The astronomical dial (astrolabe on the clock face) with its mechanism is working to this day. The Clock continually provides the full range of astronomical data. The dial shows three mutually independent movements: the mean revolutions of the Sun, the mean revolutions of the Moon and the apparent revolutions of the stars (the ecliptic, to be more precise).
The place that rarely rests would be indeed The Wenceslas Square that has a shape of a very long (750 m, total area 45000 square meters) rectangle, roughly in northwest to southeast direction. Originally a horse market laid out by Emperor Charles IV in 1348, Wenceslas Square was renamed in 1848 to honour one of Prague’s two patron saints and martyrs. On the top of the Wenceslas Square, there is a favourite meeting place for Prague citizens. It is under the Statue of St Wenceslas, Josef Myslbek’s muscular equestrian statue of this duke and Czech national patron. Several buildings on the Wenceslas Square that are worth of seeing. The most beautiful building on the Square is no doubt Grand Hotel Evropa built in 1906 in Art Noveau style (on the right side when walking from the top of the square). The facade of the hotel is a must see. On the bottom of the Wenceslas Square, there is the place called Mustek. Nice building of the Palace Koruna is located on the corner of the square and Na Příkopě Street with many up market shops of world brands.
The National Museum, which is on the very top of The Wenceslas Square. The largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic, houses several floors of permanent exhibits, hosts a varied program of temporary exhibitions, and on some evenings is the grand setting for classical music concerts. This museum appears out of place among the rows of hotels and shops that line the square, but it is such a dominating presence there is no question about its importance. Nonetheless all the “fuzz and buzz” Prague is a safe place to travel.
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