Author by : Jacob Fiennes

As the geographical centre of Europe you’d be hard pressed to find a more jam-
packed and exciting city than Prague. Having been literally off-the-map under the
Communists until 1989, the city is now still waking up to its full potential.
In one of the worlds most beautiful cities can be seen a wide array of influences
from Gothic exuberance to 19th century opulence.

Heres a shortlist of things to see and do in beautiful Prague.

1. Prague Castle

The breathtaking fort on the hill, visible from most parts of the city as a result of its
scale and position, was built by the Premyslids and makes for a great days
exploration in and around the many churches, palaces, gardens and galleries.

2. Old Town Square

The central square of this fine city has been a market since before the middle ages,
and bore witness to many a bloodshed deposition of regime and royalty. The towers
of the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn are a beautiful sight to admire whilst sipping
coffee in the square below.

3. Charles Bridge

As the main pedestrian link between the castle and the old town, Charles Bridge is
heaving in summer but a worthwhile sight all the same. Offering splendid views of
the riverside facades of Prague and lined with beautiful carved statues of former
residents, its a great place to make a morning crossing or a midnight stroll.

4. St Vitus’s Cathedral

As the centerpiece of the castle complex, and over 500 years in the making, it
makes a great viewpoint at the top of the southern tower. The crypts are a must see
also, as the resting place of Bohemia’s Holy Roman Emperors.

5. Old Jewish Cemetery

The crowded mess of tombstones in this jewish-quarter epicenter give a rough idea
of the number of Jews buried here over the centuries. The ghetto sprang up all
around this cemetery and thus marked its significance on the Prague map.

6. St Agnes’s Convent

This is the home of the National Gallery’s collection of medieval art and remains a
monument to its founder, a princess who abandoned a life at court in the name of
her faith. It is Prague’s oldest Gothic building and a worthy item on the itinerary.

7. The Loreto

This shrine to the Virgin Mary, erected in the 7th Century, has drawn countless
visitors to gaze upon the priceless ornaments and take in the Baroque facade.

8. National Gallery

The mainstay of all things modern and contemporary as well as being home of the
Trade Fair Palace. This Gallery features over 14 glorious works by Picasso and is a
must for art-lovers.

9. Petrin Hill

The wooded hill above Mala Strana on the castle side of town is a maze of paths and
offers visitors the best views of the city. The ancient Ukranian church is an
architectural masterpiece.

10. Wenceslas Square

Whilst not the most affecting corner of prague, a wide boulevard not littered with
commercial enterprise, its significance in the Velvet Revolution and beyond is
apparent through various monuments lining this important square.

[tags]top,10,prague,highlights[/tags]

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