Travelers often
overlook Prague, and they’re missing a beautiful city with a fascinating
history. This post will highlight just a few of the sights, food, and shopping
Prague has to offer.
The Sights
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| Courtesy of pragueexperience.com |
The Dancing House is one of the most unusual buildings
you’ll ever see. This 1990s building is made of glass, but its curvy lines make
it look like it’s about to collapse on the building next to it.
In the past, the Prague Castle housed offices of Kings of
Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Today, it
serves as the seat of the Head of State of the Czech Republic, and contains
several art and history museums. Don’t miss the fascinating ceremonial changing
of the guards every hour. A flag ceremony takes place at 12 noon.
Prague’s Old Town Square is a popular meeting place and a
showplace of various architectural styles expressed in churches from Tyn
Cathedral to St. Nicholas Church. At the center of the square sits a statue of
Jan Hus, the religious reformer of the 1400s.
Novy Svet, or New
World, is a section of Prague founded in the mid-14th Century.
Famous residents such as Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler occupied these
charming, simple houses. Novy Svet boasts the smallest house in Prague: the
interior is said to have barely enough room for a somersault.
The Theological Library at Strahov Monastery was completed
in 1679, and features stucco decoration and paintings from the 1720s on its
curved ceiling. The library’s thousands of books include ancient manuscripts
such as the Strahov Gospel Book, dating to the 10th Century.
The Arts
Built in the late
1800s, the National Theatre features opera, ballet, and drama and carries a
rich artistic tradition. The Theatre preserves the Czech language and culture
in its performances, and serves as a national landmark. The Theatre also
presents performances in Italian, German, and French.
Mozart Mecca was the
first opera house in Prague and a favorite of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The Estates Theatre
is one of the most breathtaking buildings in Prague. Mozart fans flock to the
theatre, as the Mozart opera Don Giovanni debuted there, with Mozart playing
piano and conducting the orchestra.
Street artists and performers
abound on the 600-year-old Charles Bridge, which connects the Old Town with the
Lesser Quarter. The bridge is for pedestrians only, and 30 statues of saints
line the walkways.
The Food
The restaurant Svata Klara is in a wine cave next to the
castle Troja. Full of antique furniture, Persian carpets, and baroque statues,
walking into Svata Klara is just like stepping into the distant past. The food ranges from cold hors
d’oeuvres such as fresh oysters and Beluga caviar to main courses such as deer
chops and old Bohemian goose. Wines from around the world complement the meal.
Located right next to Charles Bridge, Kampa Park Restaurant
offers spectacular river views and fresh international cuisine including wild
game and grilled octopus. The menu features a variety of vegetables, seafood,
and luscious desserts.
The Shopping
Shoppers in Prague often follow a centuries-old tradition
and purchase a hand carved king or clown marionette at one of the shops. Czech
artisans often create replicas of historic glassware or craft unusual crystal
or handpainted artworks such as Easter eggs. For the children, wooden toys include
puzzles, mobiles, and pull toys.
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