Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
graphics, and architectural drafts
by Czech Cubists. This building
is an example of what has long
been considered the greatest
virtue of Prague's architects: the
ability to adapt their grandiose
plans to the existing cityscape
(museum entry-100 Kč, Tue-Sun
10:00-18:00, closed Mon, corner
of Celetná and Ovocný Trh at
Ovocný Trh 19, tel. 224-301-
003). If you're not interested in touring the museum itself, consider
a drink in the similarly decorated upstairs Grand Café Orient (see
page 135).
Estates Theatre (Stavovské Divadlo) —Built by a nobleman
in the 1770s, this Classicist building—gently opening its greenish
walls onto Ovocný Trh—was the prime opera venue in Prague
at a time when an Austrian prodigy was changing the course of
music. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart premiered Don Giovanni in
this building, and personally directed many of his works here.
Prague's theatergoers would whistle arias from Mozart's works on
the streets the morning after they premiered. Today, part of the
National Theatre group, the Estates Theatre, continues to produce
The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and occasionally The Magic
Flute. For a more intimate encounter with Mozart, go to Villa
Bertramka (see sidebar on page 146).
On Melantrichova Street
Skinny, tourist-clogged Melantrichova street leads directly from
the Old Town Square's Astronomical Clock to the bottom of
Wenceslas Square. But even along this most crowded of streets, a
genuine bit of Prague remains...
s Havelská Market —his open-air market, offering crafts and
produce, was set up in the 13th century for the German trading
community. Though heavy on sou-
venirs these days, the market still
keeps hungry locals and vagabonds
fed cheaply. It's ideal for a healthy
snack; merchants are happy to sell
a single vegetable or piece of fruit;
and you'll find a washing fountain
and plenty of inviting benches mid-
way down the street. The market is
also a fun place to browse for crafts.
It's a homegrown, homemade kind
of place; you'll ll often be dealing with
Search WWH ::




Custom Search