Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Prague Spring (Pražské jaro) music festival always opens on 12 May, the an-
niversary of Smetana's death, with a procession from Vyšehrad to the Municipal
House followed by a gala performance of Smetana's symphonic cycle
Má vlast
(My
Homeland) in Smetana Hall.
DON'T MISS...
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Art-nouveau mosaics
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Smetana Hall
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Lord Mayor's Hall
PRACTICALITIES
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Obecní dům
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222 002 101
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náměstí Republiky 5
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guided tours adult/child 290/240Kč
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public areas 7.30am-11pm, inform-ation centre 10am-8pm
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Náměstí Republiky
Lord Mayor's Hall
Several impressive official apartments follow Smetana Hall, but the highlight of the
tour is the octagonal Lord Mayor's Hall (Primatorský sál), whose windows overlook
the main entrance. Every aspect of its decoration was designed by Alfons Mucha, who
also painted the superbly moody murals that adorn the walls and ceiling. Above you is
an allegory of Slavic Concord, with intertwined figures representing the various
Slavic peoples watched over by the Czech eagle. Figures from Czech history and
mythology, representing the civic virtues, occupy the spaces between the eight arches,
including Jan Hus as Spravedlnost (justice), Jan Žižka as Bojovnost (military
prowess) and the Chodové (medieval Bohemian border guards) as beady-eyed
Ostražitost (vigilance).
