One of the most enchanting cities in Europe, Prague is the ideal destination for a few days away on a short city break. One of the only old European capitals that survived the destruction of 20th century Europe, a visit to Prague is truly like stepping back in time.
Almost undamaged by World War II, Prague’s medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of her majestic castle, old bridges, gold-tipped towers, cobbled lanes, walled courtyards and cathedrals, all mirrored on the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for more than ten centuries.
Founded in the late 9th century, the city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor in the 14th century, who ordered a new town be built – many of the city’s most important attractions date back to that age.
The best thing about Prague is that pretty much everything is accessible on foot. My trip begins with a stroll to the Hunger Wall, a medieval defence wall in Prague, built on Petřín Hill between 1360 and 1362 by order of Charles IV.
It’s said that the ruler built the wall to help the poor in Prague during the time of terrible famine. Poor people working on this structure received food for themselves and their families. Old records prove that Czech lands really suffered from great famine in the 1360s, but building the wall was probably a strategic act.
Dominating Prague from the height of Petřín Hill, the Lookout Tower is not to be missed. There are 299 stairs to climb, which takes about half an hour, to reach the top of the 63.5 metre high tower. Used as an observation tower since 1891, it offers one of the best panoramic views over Prague and its surroundings.
My next stop is Prague Castle, my No.1 must-see attraction – a history of more than 1,100 years speaks for itself. The largest castle complex in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the castle dates back to the 9th century and is now the symbol and living legend of Prague.
Renaissance style was brought to the Prague Castle in late 16th century when it was turned into a centre for art and science, as well as a gallery for exquisite collections. In the 18th century the Castle buildings were rebuilt in Baroque style, their current appearance.
It’s well worth dedicating a day to exploring the grounds both inside and out, as most of the castle is accessible to visitors despite being home to the day-to-day functioning of the Czech official residence.
Bearing the sign of each architectural and historical era that it has lived through, this landmark surrounds St. Vitus Cathedral – the biggest and the most significant church in the Czech Republic. For more than 600 years, the towers of the Cathedral have overlooked the roofs of Prague Castle.
The Cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. The western section is characterised by two tall towers and the Rose Window. The designer of this window, Frantisek Kysela, was inspired by the old gothic windows in famous cathedrals in Paris.
While in Prague, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll across the Charles Bridge. The construction of the bridge as seen today also dates back to the reign of Charles IV. Legend has it that egg yolks were used to strengthen the mortar used to bind the stone blocks. Although it cannot be verified, modern laboratory tests have indeed found inorganic and organic ingredients in the mortar.
The bridge is 516 metres long and nearly 10 metres wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is decorated with 30 statues and statuaries, most of them Baroque style, erected between 1683 and 1714, representing various saints worshipped at that time.
The alley of statues forms a unique connection of artistic harmony with the underlying Gothic bridge. In 1965, all of the statues were systematically replaced by replicas and the originals are now exhibited in the Lapidary of the National Museum.
The Old Town Square is where mystic traditions and the history of the Czech nation unfold their beauty, with the Astronomical Clock striking the exact hour.
Arguably the city’s most identifiable icon, the Clock built into the South façade of the Old Town Hall of the Square, continues to draw crowds waiting to see the hourly chiming of this amazing mechanical structure that dates to 1410. It was built by clockmaker Mikulas of Kadane and Jan Sindel, a mathematics and astrology professor at Charles University. Its intricate and colourful design depicts the movement of the sun, moon and stars, as well as a monthly calendar.
The tiny streets of the square are packed with every kind of souvenir shop imaginable and it’s hard not the get carried away. Bring comfortable walking shoes because Prague’s most fascinating attraction is its beguiling, charismatic streetscape, with cobblestones everywhere.
In our newt issue we’ll continue our tour of Prague, exploring the Jewish Quarter and taking a glimpse at the life of Prague-born Jewish writer Franz Kafka. We'll also take a one-hour train trip to the small Bohemian town Kukna Hora and visit the Bone Church, decorated with the bones of up to 40,000 people. Don’t miss it.
