Few tourists realise that Staré Mesto is not only the old town of Prague but also its most central and vital ingredient. It's the city's central hub where its inhabitants live, work and sleep - and many of the capital's best markets, shops, restaurants and pubs can be found in this area. This is also where the heart of Prague beats - at Staromestské Square and the Charles Bridge - both sites said to be amongst the most splendid in the whole of central Europe!
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The astounding Czech capital, Prague is one of the most interesting, fascinating and beautiful cities to visit. The Obecní dům (Municipal House) is probably Prague's most captivating Art-Nouveau structure. The pavement café on the outside of the Obecní dům, where you can enjoy a beer and absorb the daily life in Prague, is just one of the places that manages to invoke the atmosphere of Prague's turn of the century cafe society.
Anton Dvorák is one of the most famous Czech composers of the 19th century and on top of my Prague visiting list was to hear one of his music recitals. A relatively easy subway journey from the centre of the city to Nové Mesto took my friend and I to 1820 Vila Amerika (the Dvorák museum). We unfortunately arrived after the recital had already started, but were nevertheless still able to sit outside in the beautiful gardens dotted with Baroque sculptures - and listen to music wafting through the upstairs windows of the country Vila Amerika.
Hradcany or Hrad, on the outskirts of the city, is where the Hrad castle was built on the site of one of the original hill settlements of the Slav tribes who migrated there in the seventh or eighth century AD. Also situated in the Hrad area is St Vitas Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Vitas (patron saint of epilepsy and the convulsive disorder known as St Vitus Dance).
This cathedral is an astounding testament to the golden age of Charles IV's reign. However, the cathedral also draws visitors to view the Bohemian crown jewels that are stored in its coronation chamber, as well as a gold crown, studded with some of the largest sapphires in the world, that belonged to Saint Wenceslas. He was in 925AD the prince of Bohemia (and also the 'good king' of the Christmas carol).
A gentle stroll from the Hrad Castle and the famous St Vitas Cathedral took us to Zlatá Ulicka (golden lane) - a quaint street of miniature 16th century cottages. The street takes its name from the goldsmiths who lived there. By the 19th century it had become a bohemian slum, attracting artists and craftsmen - one of its famous inhabitants being Franz Kafka.
Prague has a strong opera tradition, and the State Opera of Prague often showcases the operas of Czech composers such as Dvorák and Smetana. Classical concerts, however, are held all over the city throughout the year, but more frequently at the Smetana Hall at the Obecní dům. During our short Prague sojourn, we visited the Ta Fantastika theatre on Karlova Street, which showcased black light theatre, a visual and poetic performance of live animation. We attended a performance of "Aspects of Alice" inspired by Lewis Caroll's 'Alice through the looking glass', an interesting rendition of this well-known fairy tale.
Before setting off to Námestí Republiky (Republic Square) to take a boat tour on the Vtava River, also known as the Moldau, we stopped in at one of the many glass shops on Staromestské Square to watch a presentation by a glass blower. I watched in awe as my purchase of six exotic wine goblets were hand made - but nearly fainted when I was presented with the expensive bill!
Undoubtedly a stroll along the magnificent Charles Bridge is the highlight of a visit to this city. During the day the bridge buzzes, and is a hive of activity of pedestrians, street musicians, jewellery and painting stalls. However, at night its drama is spellbinding - with a view of St Vitas Cathedral lit up in a ghostly green, the Castle in yellow and the church of St Nicholas in pink - its quite an awesome sight! If you do nothing else in Prague, a walk across the Charles Bridge at night will be an unforgettable experience!
For information on Easy Pace, Berlin, Dresden and Prague coach tours, contact Insight Vacations on 011 280 8400.
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