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Key Attractions Karluv most (Charles Bridge) The construction of 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, 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, the only surviving remnant of which 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 flank 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 after being thrown from the bridge). Most of the other statues of the 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. 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. The fully pedestrianised bridge serves as a focal point for tourists. Artists and craftsmen’s pitches line the bridge, while buskers of all descriptions – from Dixieland jazz bands to puppeteers – provide a constant source of entertainment and often congestion. Work on making the bridge fully weather resistant will begin in 2003. The first stages of this will concentrate on research and some work under the bridge arches. Staré Mesto (Old Town) Transport: Metro Staromestske; tram 17, 18, 51 or 54. Prazský Hrad (Prague Castle) From almost any part of Prague, the Castle, perched on the ridge in Hradcany, 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 for one to see everything in a single 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, however, 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 14th-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. Jirí (St George’s Basilica) is a marvel of Romanesque architecture. Founded in 970, it was rebuilt in the 12th century and acquired its present Baroque facade in the 16th century. The chapel dedicated to Saint Ludmilla, the first Czech martyr, is particularly fine. Kláster sv. Jirí (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 ulicka (Golden Lane), with its 16th-century houses built into the fortifications, derives its name from being the residences of the court alchemists. Hradcanské námestí, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 2437 3368. E-mail: fedos@hrad.cz (tickets and guides) Website: www.hrad.cz Transport: Tram 22 or X-A to Prazsky hrad; metro to Hradcany (from Spring 2003). Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (May-Oct); daily 0900-1600 (Nov-May). Admission: Kc220 (castle); free (grounds). Staromestké námestí (Old Town Square) The 12th-century Old Town Square is the focal point for tourists. Stalls selling crafts line the perimeter and horse-drawn carriages await those wishing to take a tour of the historic centre. In summer, tables spill out from the restaurants, while in December, the square hosts the city’s largest Christmas Market. The centre is dominated by the monumental memorial to the 14th-century religious reformer, Jan Hus. The Prague Meridian is also found here, designating 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 Staromestská radnice (Old Town Hall) with its Astronomical Clock is a must for visitors. It strikes hourly (0900-2100), when the upper portion – dating to the early 15th century – reveals the Apostles at two windows. Just off the square, to the east, is the superb Gothic Chrám Matky Bozí pred Týnem (Tyn Church), where the tomb of the astronomer, Tycho Brahe, is found. Staré Mesto (Old Town) Transport: Metro Staromestske; tram 17 or 18. Josefov (Jewish Quarter) Until the end of the 19th 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 single ticket, available from the Jewish Museum, allows admission to the Zidovnická radnice (Jewish Town Hall), the Klausen, Maisel, Pinkas Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery (in use from the 15th century until 1787) and Ceremonial Hall. A separate ticket is required for the 13th-century Starovoná synagoga (Old-New Synagogue), the oldest synagogue in Europe. As of 22 October 2002, the Pinkus Synagogue is closed to the public. Staré Mesto Transport: Metro Staromestká. Jewish Museum U Stare skoly 1, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 2481 9456. Fax: (02) 2481 9458. E-mail: office@jewishmuseum.cz Website: www.jewishmuseum.cz Opening hours: Mon-Fri and Sun 0930-1800 (Apr-Oct); Mon-Fri and Sun 0930-1630 (Nov-Mar). Admission: Kc250 (Jewish Museum sites); Kc200 (Old-New Synagogue). Obecní dum (Municipal House) The gem of Art Nouveau in Prague, Obecní dum, has been fully restored, after decades of neglect. Designed by A Balsánek 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 Saloun 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 for visitors to see the rooms that are not open to the public. Námestí Republicky 5, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 2200 2101. Fax: (02) 2200 2100. E-mail: info@obecni-dum.cz Website: www.obecni-dum.cz Transport: Metro Republiky námesti; tram 5, 14 or 24. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800 (exhibition hall); daily 0730-2300 (café). Admission: Free; Kc150 (guided tours); approximately Kc60-100 (separate exhibitions). Václavské námestí (Wenceslas Square) Despite its name, Wenceslas Square is really a long boulevard. It was here, in 1989, the passive resistance culminating in the Velvet Revolution began. Today, the square is a bustling thoroughfare presenting the best and worst of post-communist Prague – from the fashionable and expensive stores to the prositutes and taxis controlled by organised crime rings. Nothing remains of the square’s earliest buildings, however, examples of architectural styles from the last 150 years line its frontage. The lower portion is pedestrianised and contains many of Prague’s largest stores – often of more interest architecturally than for their contents. News kiosks at the bottom end are the best place for one to purchase Czech and foreign language newspapers. Numerous arcades with winding passages (developed in the 1920s), in almost all instances, lead to or surround a cinema. Many are now being renovated to their original Art Deco splendour, chiefly to house trendy shops. The Lucerna (between Vodickova and Stepánská) is undoubtedly the finest if these arcades, housing a jazz/rock concert hall, cinema, excellent café and numerous small shops. Situated on the opposite side of Wenceslas Square, the Grand Hotel Evropa, number 25 (website: www.motylek.com/evropa), 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 of the square 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 Vojtech (Adalbert). At the top of the square stands the Národní muzeum (National Museum). Founded in 1818, this houses the country’s oldest and largest collection of antiquities. 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. Nové Mesto (New Town) Transport: Metro Mustek (bottom) or Muzeum (top) Národní muzeum (National Museum) Václavské námestí 68, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 449 7111. Fax: (02) 224 6047. Website: www.nm.cz/english Transport: Metro Muzeum. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800 (May-Sept); daily 0900-1700 (Oct-Apr); closed first Tues of the month. Admission: Kc80; concessions available; free first Monday of the month. |
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