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