Top 10 Prague: Highlights
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.