The capital of the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, for some reason it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO 20 years ago. So if you plan to travel around the old continent, make sure to include Prague in your itinerary, a place full of history, culture and romanticism, cradle of great authors like Milan Kundera and Franz Kafka.
Charles Bridge
Start your tour by crossing one of the most emblematic places in Prague. Its construction began in 1357 and was completed in 1402. It has 30 statues of saints and is 515 meters long and 10 meters wide. The statue of John of Nepomuk, patron saint of Bohemia, is the most famous, since it was built at the place where the saint was thrown into the Vltava river in the XIV century. It is believed that by rubbing the image, you can make a wish and it will be granted.
Of course, get ready for the tide of tourists that you will find.
Old Town
Walking to the majestic Old Town Square, there are several points of interest such as the City Hall building, where you can climb its tower for a panoramic view. On the wall of the Tower, there is the famous Astronomical Clock, where 12 wooden figures representing the apostles, look out every hour from two upper windows, while next to the clock, four other sculptures move together, representing vanity, greed, death and lust.
On the same square, visit the St. Nicholas Church and the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
The Powder Tower
This Gothic style tower, at the entrance to the Old Town, is one of the most famous in the city. It was built in the XV century and was one of the gates of the wall that surrounded the city. Although it was destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt and centuries later used to store gunpowder.
Enjoy a Czech beer
Czech beer is world famous, so why not take advantage of your time between sightseeing, to taste its delicious beers. In Prague, you will find everything, there is no shortage of traditional restaurants and bars, with centuries of history; or more local ones located in typical neighborhoods, which you discover when getting lost in the streets further away from the old town; as well as others with a more modern touch. There is something for everyone.
The Estates Theatre
Finish your night by watching a great spectacle at the theater where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart premiered two of his operas.
Prague Castle
According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the largest castle in the world (although Malbork Castle in Poland is actually the largest). It was founded in 870 and is one of the main tourist spots in the city. It also houses the St. Vitus Cathedral, where the kings of Bohemia were crowned and where the tomb of Saint Wenceslas, patron of the Czechs, is located, as well as the St. George’s Basilica.
In the castle area, it is also recommended to stroll through the Golden Lane, a street with several picturesque houses from the XVI century. During the course of the centuries, the houses were inhabited by guardians of the castle, alchemists of Emperor Rudolph II, goldsmiths, among others. Franz Kafka lived in house number 22 for a short period of time.
Loreto Sanctuary
A sanctuary where you can visit the House of the Virgin Mary (this is actually the replica of the house where the Annunciation allegedly occurred), the Church of the Nativity and the Treasury.
Old Jewish Cemetery
Located in the Josefov neighborhood, it is a mandatory stop, absolutely imposing; more than 100,000 people were buried here and there are more than 12,000 tombstones.
Synagogues
There are six synagogues to visit: Pinkas Synagogue, which has on its walls the names of the Czechoslovak Jews who were killed by the Nazis; Old-New Synagogue, the oldest in Europe that continues in operation; Spanish Synagogue, which is similar to the Alhambra in Granada; Maisel Synagogue and Klausen Synagogue.
Wenceslas Square
Located in the New Town, the boulevard with shops and restaurants is compared by many to the Champs Elysees in Paris.
If you want me to design and organize your trip to the Czech Republic 100% customized through our travel agency Tripdreaming, please contact me at silvia.lucero@tripdreaming.com, to plan this dream trip.
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