Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prague's Highlights
At the geographical heart of Europe, Prague's beautiful cityscape has been
carved and sustained by a variety of emperors, artists and religious communities,
from the Gothic exuberance of its castle and cathedral, to the dignity of the
medieval Jewish Cemetery, and the 19th-century opulence of the “new” town.
Under Communist rule, Prague was off the tourist map, but since 1989 the
city has seen a surge of visitors eager to take in this spectacular city.
Prague Castle
The hilltop fortress
of the P∫emyslids is
home to the head of
the Czech Republic.
Spend a day exploring
the castle's many
impressive palaces,
churches, galleries
and gardens
(see
pp8-11)
.
Královská zahrada
Royal Gardens
Hrad≤any
2
1
HRAD≥ANSKÉ
NÁM∑STÍ
5
Vojanovy sady
Vojan Park
MALOSTRANSKÉ
NÁM∑STÍ
4
Malá Strana
Little Quarter
Kampa
Kampa
Island
Pet∫ínské sady
Pet∫ín Park
0
St Vitus's
Cathedral
The glory of the castle
complex, St Vitus's took
more than 500 years to
build. Climb its southern
tower for wonderful views
of Prague, or visit its crypt
to see the tombs of
Bohemia's Holy Roman
Emperors
(see pp12-13)
.
VÍT
∑ZNÁ
most Legií
400
yards
0
metres
400
Charles Bridge
Linking the city across
the River Vltava, it can be
difficult to appreciate the
beautiful carved statues of
former citizens, due to the
incessant crowds and
trinket stalls. But it's worth
the effort
(see pp18-19)
.
Old Town Square
Prague's central square has been a market
since the Middle Ages, and was witness to the
rise and fall of numerous regimes and no shortage
of bloodshed. The city has few charms finer than
watching the moon rise between the towers of
the Church of Our Lady Before T†n
(see pp14-17)
.
6
