Day trips - Prague and the Czech Republic - page 172

on the benches under trees by the fountain, and enjoy the view of
the Renaissance-era townhouses. Salva Guarda is a bit stuffy and
service is slow, but it's a decent sit-down option (daily 11:00-23:00,
under the arches at the bottom, or southeast, corner of the square).
tranSportation ConneCtionS
Between Terezín and Litoměřice: Buses from Prague to Terezín
continue three miles to Litoměřice; buses returning to Prague
stop first in Litoměřice, then Terezín. Easier yet, it's a five-minute
taxi trip between the camp and Litoměřice (about 150 Kč). The
museum's ticket office will be happy to call a cabbie for you (such
as Mr. Poláček, based in Terezín, tel. [phone]).
Returning to Prague: To reach Litoměřice's bus station,
walk east on the main street (Dlouhá) down from the square to an
intersection, cross it, and continue in the same direction along Na
Kocandě street (an easy 10-min walk). The train station is nearby
(though buses to Prague are preferable, as the train requires a
transfer).
Konopiště Castle
Konopiště (KOH-noh-peesh-tyeh), the huge, Neo-Gothic resi-
dence of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, is 30 miles south
of Prague.
Construction of the castle began in the 14th century, but
today's exterior and furnishings date from about 1900, when the
heir to the Habsburg throne,
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, ren-
ovated his new home. As one of
the first castles in Europe to have
an elevator, a WC, and running
water, Konopiště shows “modern”
living at the turn of the 20th cen-
tury. Touring the castle gives you
a good sense of who this powerful
Habsburg was, as well as a glimpse at one of the best medieval
arms collections in the world (and lots of hunting trophies).
While the stretch between the parking lot and the castle
entrance is overrun by tour groups, the gardens and the park are
surprisingly empty. In the summer, the f lowers and goldfish in
the rose garden are a big hit with visitors. The peaceful 30-minute
walk through the woods around the lake (wooden bridge at the far
end) offers gorgeous castle views.