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City Guide - Prague - Key Attractions | ||
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Key Attractions Karl?v most (Charles Bridge) Prague's most famous and most photographed location was begun in 1357 as part of Charles IV's monumental building programme that included the Castle with, St Vitus Cathedral and the University. All were supervised by the Swabian architect, Peter Parler (although the bridge construction is now known to have been begun by Master Otto). The bridge replaced the earlier Judita (Judith) bridge, whose only surviving remnant is the plainer of the two towers on the Malá Strana gate. The bridge itself is rather drab and it is the later statues, Jesuit additions during the Counter-Reformation that line it that have made it so visually stunning. The first of these - the Crucifixion - was erected in 1657, followed soon after by the only bronze statue, that of St John of Nepomuk (who was martyred by being thrown from the bridge). Most of the other saints, carved from local sandstone by Maximilian Brokoff and Matthias Bernhard, were added between 1706 and 1714 (the latest was not added until 1928). Due to pollution, most have been replaced and the originals are housed in the Lapidarium in Letná Park. The fully pedestrianised bridge serves as a focal point for tourists. Artists and craftsmen's pitches line the bridge, and buskers of all descriptions from Dixieland jazz bands to puppeteers provide a constant source of entertainment - and often congestion. Many tourists wonder about the wooden constructions at the base of the pilings on the upriver side; these protect against ice floes and logjams during the spring melt off. Pra?ský Hrad (Prague Castle) From almost any part of Prague the Castle, perched on the ridge in Hrad?any, dominates the skyline. Entering under the Battling Titan statues, the sheer size of the complex - with three courtyards, fortifications and gardens, almost a small town in its own right, is most striking. Given the wealth of architecture, state apartments, churches, galleries and gardens, it is impossible to see everything in one day. Katedrála sv. Víta (St Vitus Cathedral), the country's largest church, takes up most of the third courtyard. Inspired by the Gothic cathedral at Narbonne, work commenced in 1344 but, reflecting the changing fortunes of the Czechs, was not completed until 1929. The finest of the 22 side chapels is that built to hold the relics of St Wenceslas; the gilded walls are inlaid with hundreds of semiprecious stones that frame the luminous fourteenth century paintings. The overly ornate Baroque tomb of St John of Nepomuk, was the work of the Jesuits intent on promoting this martyr as the Czech patron saint in opposition to Wenceslas. The Coronation Chamber displays the Bohemian crown jewels but is only infrequently open to the public The Crypt is the resting place of most of the Kings and Queens of Bohemia. Bazilika sv. Ji?í (St George's Basilica) is a marvel of Romanesque architecture. Founded in 970, it was rebuilt in the twelfth century and acquired its present Baroque facade in the sixteenth century. The chapel dedicated to Saint Ludmilla, the first Czech martyr is particularly fine. Klá?ter sv. Ji?í (St George Convent), the oldest monastery in the country was founded in 973 for Benedictine nuns. It now houses a remarkable collection of early Czech art from the Gothic to Baroque periods. In the Castle Gardens, the Belvedere is Prague's finest Renaissance building. Built in the 1530s as a summerhouse for Queen Anne, it now houses a changing programme of exhibitions. Zlatá uli?ka (Golden Lane), with its sixteenth century houses built into the fortifications, derives its name from being the residences of the court alchemists. Tel: (02) 2437 3368. Website: www.hrad.cz Transport: Tram 22 tp Pra?sky hrad. Opening hours: Daily May-Oct 0900-1700; Nov-May 0900-1600. Admission: K?12000; tickets valid for three days; cash only. Starom?stké Nám?stí (Old Town Square) The twelfth century Old Town Square is the focal point for tourist Prague. Stalls selling crafts line the perimeter and horse-drawn carriages await those wishing tour of the historic centre. In summer tables spill out from the restaurants, and in December the square hosts the city's largest Christmas Market. The centre is dominated by the monumental memorial to the fourteenth century religious reformer, Jan Hus; the Prague Meridian is also found here - kilometre zero, from which all distances in the city are measured. All of the palaces, churches and houses around the square are of major historical interest. The Gothic Starom?stská radnice (Old Town Hall) with its Astronomical Clock is a must for visitors. It strikes hourly (0900-2100) when the upper portion (early fifteenth century) reveals the Apostles at two windows. Just off the square to the east is the superb Gothic Chrám Matky Bo?í p?ed Týnem (Tyn Church); where the tomb of the astronomer, Tycho Brahe, can be found. Josefov (Jewish Quarter) Until the end of the nineteenth century, the area north of the Old Town Square constituted the Jewish Ghetto; much of the area was cleared to make way for Art Nouveau buildings but some of the flavour still remains. A combined ticket available from the box office allowing admission to the ?idovnická radnice (Jewish Town Hall), the Klausen and Pinkas Synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery (in use from the fifteenth century until 1787). A separate ticket is required for the fourteenth century Starovoná synagoga (Old-New Synagogue). Usta??ho hrbitova 3 Tel/Fax: (02) 231 8664 (Town Hall) Transport: Metro Starom?stká Opening hours: Apr-Oct, Mon-Fri and Sun 0930-1800; Nov-Mar, Mon-Fri and Sun 0930-1630. Admission: K?25000; Old-New Synagogue, separate ticket at K?160. Obecní d?m (Municipal House) The gem of Art Nouveau Prague has now been fully restored after decades of neglect. Designed by A. Bal?ánek and Osvald Polívka, all the major Czech artists made contributions during its construction (1905-11). However, even Karil Spillar's striking mosaic and the sculptural group by Ladislav ?aloun cannot prepare the visitor for the remarkable interiors. Most spectacular of the public areas, the Lord Mayor's room features murals by Alfons Mucha. The restaurant, café and the Amerikanský bar were also the work of Polívka. The centrepiece of the building is the Smetana Hall, home of the Prague Symphony Orchestra and one of the major venues for concerts during the Prague Spring festival. Guided tours are essential to see the rooms not open to the public. Nám?stí republicky 5. Tel: (02) 2200 21010. Fax: (02) 2200 2133. E-mail: info@obecni-dum.cz Website: www.obecni-dum.cz Transport: Metro mám?sti Republiky Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800 (exhibition hall); 0730-2300 (café). Václavské nám?stí (Wenceslas Square) Despite its name, Wenceslas Square is really a long boulevard. It was here, in 1989, that passive resistance culminating in the Velvet Revolution began. Today the square is a bustling thoroughfare presenting the best and worst of post-communism, from the fashionable and expensive stores to the organised crime-controlled taxis and prostitutes. Nothing remains of its earliest buildings, but examples of architectural styles from the last 150 years line its frontage. The lower portion is pedestrianised with many of Prague's largest stores (often of more interest architecturally than for their content). News kiosks at the bottom are the best place to purchase Czech and foreign language newspapers. Numerous arcades with winding passages lead off the square. Prague's arcades only developed in the 1920s, in almost all instances leading to or surrounding a cinema. Many are now being renovated to their original Art Deco splendour, chiefly to house trendy shops. The Lucerna (between Vodi?kova and ?t?pánská) is undoubtedly the finest, housing a jazz/rock concert hall, cinema, excellent café and numerous small shops. On the opposite side, the Grand Hotel Evropa, number 25, is a major landmark of the First Republic. The Evropa's time has not yet returned and service is reminiscent of the communist period. Its faded splendour is best enjoyed briefly over coffee or tea. The focal point of the upper end is J.V. Myslbek's monumental bronze equestrian statue of the Pomník sv. Václav (St Wenceslas Memorial); the four surrounding statues are of national patron saints, Ludmilla, Procopius, Agnes and Vojt?ch (Adalbert). At the top of the square stands the Národní muzeum (National Museum); founded in 1818 it is the country's oldest and largest collection. Although the collections, dedicated to palaeontology, geology, zoology and anthropology, are primarily of interest to specialists, the building itself warrants a visit; built in the neo-renaissance style, the facade and interior decorations form a striking celebration of the history of Czechoslovakia. Národní muzeum (National Museum) Václavské nám?stí 68, Prague 1. Tel: (02) 2449 7111. Website: www.nm.cz/english Opening hours: Daily May-Sept 1000-1800; Oct-Apr 0900-1700; closed first Tuesday of the month. Transport: Metro Muzeum Admission: K?7060; free first Monday of the month. |