| Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is an | | | | place every hour and, as with some other European |
| extraordinarily beautiful city. Standing on the banks of | | | | Capitals it is quite a spectacle. Bring a camera. |
| the river Vltava (the locals generally use the German | | | | • The Old Town Square: Built before the 12th |
| name for it the Moldau). Few wars or natural disaster | | | | century this is the oldest and most historic square in |
| ever reach here and the architectural heritage has | | | | Prague. It is made up of many interesting buildings |
| been beautifully preserved. It is also know as the | | | | including many from the baroque period. Many of the |
| "Hundred Spired City" due to the many churches that | | | | buildings are brightly colored and there are many |
| adorn the city streets. | | | | pavement cafes, where you can relax and watch the |
| Much of the street plan, in as much as there is one, is | | | | world go by. |
| medieval. And will come as a surprise (hopefully a | | | | • The National Technical Museum: Although |
| pleasant one) to anyone used to living in a grid pattern | | | | unimaginatively (though accurately) titled, this is a |
| North American city. | | | | fascinating collection of all things technical. With |
| The city still boasts many beautiful buildings dating from | | | | everything, from a railway carriage belonging to the |
| the baroque period; a sight lost to much of Europe, that | | | | Archduke Ferdinand, (whose assassination sparked |
| suffered so much in the devastation of two world | | | | the outbreak of the first world war), to a working |
| wars. The canter of the city is a pleasure to walk | | | | reconstruction of a working coal mine. |
| around. Much of it is dating from the 14th century, | | | | • Vhsyrad Castle: Over a thousand years old |
| when Charles IV started the university and built the | | | | and a former home of the Czech nobility, this castle |
| "New Town" area of the city. | | | | has an impressive pedigree. Take a stroll on top of the |
| Prague only established itself as the capital in 1918 with | | | | ramparts for a great view of the city and river. There |
| the creation of Czechoslovakia. It remained under | | | | is a wonderful gothic church, a museum and a |
| Soviet control until 1989, when the "Velvet Revolution" | | | | cemetery, where the composer Dvorzac the Author |
| gently broke the grip of the failing Soviet Union. | | | | of the "New World Symphony" is buried. |
| Nowadays the city has thriving cafes, clubs and shops, | | | | • Petrin Park: One of the hidden gems of |
| where the newly wealthy and the inspirational window | | | | Prague There is a rose garden, a maze and a gate to |
| shopper can keep themselves amused for hours on | | | | a well cultivated garden, but the real sight is from the |
| end. The boulevards contain everything from traditional | | | | tip of the hill. Take the short cable car ride to the top |
| Czech souvenirs to the latest hi tech modern electrical | | | | and there is the Petrin tower, basically a smaller copy |
| gadgetry. | | | | of the Eiffel Tower. It is an outstanding viewpoint and |
| Must See Prague: | | | | well worth the effort. |
| • Charles Bridge: built in the 14th century, it | | | | Food and drink in Prague are both hearty (as you |
| was believed at the time, that odd numbers were | | | | would expect in Eastern Europe) and affordable. You |
| lucky. The builders started work at 5:31 on the day 9/7 | | | | must try the dumplings and the beer is some of the |
| 1352 very odd, but maybe effective, as the bridge is | | | | finest on the continent. It is also the original home of |
| still standing today! | | | | Budweiser and they still make their own, some would |
| • St.Nicholas Church: When building work | | | | say superior version. |
| finished in 1756 Prague had one of the finest Baroque | | | | The hotels are more expensive than they used to be, |
| churches in Europe and it still retains that position today. | | | | but are still affordable. Look around for the best |
| There is a huge painting of St. Nicholas in the nave and | | | | bargains. The transport, mainly buses and trams, is |
| a wonderful bell tower. Mozart gave a recital here and | | | | very good. Although English is not as common as in |
| there are still frequent classical concerts throughout the | | | | many parts of Europe, a lot of the locals speak a few |
| week | | | | words. It is always worth asking directions, as they are |
| • Prague Castle: Now the home of the | | | | polite and friendly people. A visit to Prague will not |
| president, it was previously the seat of the Czech | | | | disappoint but don't go in winter unless you have a |
| royal family. It is surrounded by palaces and features | | | | good coat. |
| an army museum. The changing of the guard takes | | | | |