Neighbourhoods at a Glance - Prague and Czech Republic - page 240

From Republic Square head towards the Powder Gate and set off along Ce-
letná, which is lined with interesting buildings including the House of the
Black Madonna , a fine example of cubist architecture, and home to the Mu-
seum of Czech Cubism.
Turn right into the passage at Celetná 17, which leads past the Celetna
Theatre , and then go straight ahead along Malá Štupartská for a look at the
baroque sculptures of the Church of St James . The cobbled passage near
Big Ben Bookshop leads to the Týn Courtyard , a lovely square with a
Renaissance loggia. Exit at the far end and go along the alley to the right of the
Church of Our Lady Before Týn.
You emerge into the Old Town Square , dominated by the brooding statue
of Jan Hus and the Gothic tower of the Old Town Hall. If you've timed it right, join
the crowd to watch a performance by the Astro-nomical Clock. Continue past the
clock to reach Little Square (Malé náměstí); ahead is the VJ Rott Building,
decorated with murals by Mikuláš Aleš (now home to the Hard Rock Café). Bear
right and then left into Linhartská.
This leads to the quieter Mariánské náměstí (Virgin Mary Square) and New
City Hall (Nova radnice), seat of Prague's city council. The facade is framed by
brooding art-nouveau statues by Ladislav Šaloun (the same chap who created
the Jan Hus statue in the Old Town Square).
Facing New City Hall is the main gate of the Klementinum . Go through the
gate and turn left; on the right is the Chapel of Mirrors, where classical concerts
are held daily. Continue through the triple arch, then turn right to pass through
quiet courtyards (look up to the right to see a sculpture of a child with a paper
plane perched on a ledge).
At the far end of the Klementinum you emerge into the bustling crowds of
Křížovnické náměstí. End your walk by climbing up the Old Town Bridge
Tower for a view over Charles Bridge.