| Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is an | | | | every hour and, as with some other European Capitals |
| extraordinarily beautiful city. Standing on the banks of | | | | it is quite a spectacle, bring a camera. |
| the river Vltava (the locals generally use the German | | | | The Old Town Square: built before the 12th century |
| name for it the Moldau), few wars or natural disaster | | | | this is the oldest and most historic square in Prague it is |
| ever reach here and the architectural heritage has | | | | made up of many interesting buildings including many |
| been beautifully preserved. It is also know as the | | | | from the baroque period. Many of the buildings are |
| "hundred Spired City" due to the many churches that | | | | brightly colored and there are many pavement cafes |
| adorn the city streets. | | | | where you can relax and watch the world go by. |
| Much of the street plan, in as much as there is one is | | | | The National Technical Museum: Although |
| medieval and will come as a surprise (Hopefully a | | | | unimaginatively (though accurately) titled this is a |
| pleasant one) to anyone used to living in a grid pattern | | | | fascinating collection of all things technical with |
| North American city. | | | | everything from a railway carriage belonging to the |
| The city still boasts many beautiful buildings dating from | | | | Archduke Ferdinand, (whose assassination sparked |
| the baroque period; a sight lost to much of Europe that | | | | the outbreak of the first world war) to a working |
| suffered so much in the devastation of two world | | | | reconstruction, you feel the need, of a working coal |
| wars. The canter of the city is a pleasure to walk | | | | mine. |
| around with much of it dating from the 14th century | | | | Vhsyrad Castle: At over a thousand years old and a |
| when Charles IV started the university and built the | | | | former home of the Czech nobility this castle has an |
| "New Town" area of the city. | | | | impressive pedigree. Take a stroll on top of the |
| Prague only established itself as the capital in 1918 with | | | | ramparts for a great view of the city and river. There |
| the creation of Czechoslovakia and remained under | | | | is a wonderful gothic church a museum and a |
| Soviet control until 1989 when the "Velvet Revolution" | | | | cemetery where the composer Dvorac the Author of |
| gently broke the grip of the failing Soviet Union. | | | | the "New World Symphony" is buried. |
| Nowadays the city is a thriving Cafes, clubs and shops | | | | Petrin Park: One of ther hidden gems of Prague There |
| where the newly wealthy and the inspirational window | | | | is a rose garden, maze and a gate to a well cultivated |
| shopper can keep themselves amused for hours on | | | | garden but the real sight is from the tip of the hill. Take |
| end with, with the boulevards containing everything | | | | the short cable car ride to the top and there is the |
| from traditional Czech souvenirs to the latest hi tech | | | | Petrin tower, basically a smaller copy of the Eiffel |
| modern electrical gadgetry. | | | | Tower it is an outstanding viewpoint and well worth |
| Unmissable Prague: | | | | the effort. |
| Charles Bridge: built in the 14th century, it was believed | | | | Food and drink in Prague are both hearty (as you |
| at the time that odd numbers were lucky the builders | | | | would expect in Eastern Europe) and affordable, you |
| started work at 5:31 on the day 9/7/1352, very odd but | | | | must try the goulash, and the beer is some of the |
| maybe effective as the bridge is still standing today! | | | | finest on the continent, it is also the original home of |
| St.NIcholas Church: When building work finished in 1756 | | | | Budweiser and they still make their own, some would |
| Prague had one of the finest Baroque churches in | | | | say superior version. The hotels are more expensive |
| Europe and it still retains that position today. There is a | | | | than they used to be but are still affordable, look |
| huge painting of St. Nicholas in the nave and a | | | | around for the best bargains, and the transport, mainly |
| wonderful bell tower. Mozart gave a recital here and | | | | buses and trams is very good. Although English is not |
| there are still frequent classical concerts throughout the | | | | as common as in many parts of Europe a lot of the |
| week | | | | locals speak a few words and it is always worth |
| Prague Castle: Now the home of the president, it was | | | | asking directions, as they are polite and friendly. A visit |
| previously the seat of the Czech royal family, it is | | | | to Prague will not disappoint but don't go in winter |
| surrounded by palaces and features an army | | | | unless you have a good coat. |
| museum. The changing of the guard takes place | | | | |