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Prague,
Key Attractions The construction of Prague’s most famous and most photographed location was begun in 1357, as part of Charles IV’s monumental building programme that included the Castle, St Vitus Cathedral and the University. All were supervised by the Swabian architect, Peter Parler (although the bridge construction is now known to have been begun by Master Otto). The bridge replaced the earlier Judita (Judith) bridge, the only surviving remnant of which is the plainer of the two towers on the Malá Strana gate. The bridge itself is rather drab and it is the later statues (Jesuit additions during the Counter‐Reformation), which flank the bridge, that have made it so visually stunning. The first of these – the Crucifixion – was erected in 1657, followed soon after by the only bronze statue, that of St John of Nepomuk (who was martyred after being thrown from the bridge). Most of the other statues of the saints – carved from local sandstone, by Josef Brokof and Matthias Braun – were added between 1706 and 1714 (the latest was not added until 1928). Due to pollution, most have been replaced and the originals are housed in the Lapidarium in Letná Park. Many tourists wonder about the wooden constructions at the base of the pilings on the upriver side – these protect against ice floes and logjams during the spring melt‐off. The fully pedestrianised bridge serves as a focal point for tourists. There are stalls of various artists and craftspeople lining the bridge, while buskers of all descriptions (from Dixieland jazz bands to puppeteers) provide a constant source of entertainment and often congestion. Work on making the bridge fully weather resistant will begin in 2003. The first stages of this will concentrate on research and some work under the bridge arches. Staré Mìsto (Old Town) Transport: Metro Staromìstská; tram 17, 18, 51 or 54. Pražský Hrad (Prague Castle) From almost any part of Prague, the Castle, perched on the ridge in Hradèany, dominates the skyline. Entering under the Battling Titan statues, the sheer size of the complex – with three courtyards, fortifications and gardens, almost a small town in its own right – is most striking. Given the wealth of architecture, state apartments, churches, galleries and gardens, it is impossible for one to see everything in a single day. Katedrála sv. Víta (St Vitus Cathedral), the country’s largest church, takes up most of the third courtyard. Inspired by the Gothic cathedral at Narbonne, work commenced in 1344, however, reflecting the changing fortunes of the Czechs, was not completed until 1929. The finest of the 22 side chapels is that built to hold the relics of St Wenceslas – the gilded walls are inlaid with hundreds of semi‐precious stones that frame the luminous 14th‐century paintings. The overly ornate Baroque tomb of St John of Nepomuk, was the work of the Jesuits intent on promoting this martyr as the Czech patron saint in opposition to Wenceslas. The Coronation Chamber displays the Bohemian crown jewels but is only infrequently open to the public. The Crypt is the resting place of most of the Kings and Queens of Bohemia. Bazilika sv. Jiøí (St George’s Basilica) is a marvel of Romanesque architecture. Founded in 970, it was rebuilt in the 12th century and acquired its present Baroque façade in the 16th century. The chapel dedicated to Saint Ludmilla, the first Czech martyr, is particularly fine. Kláster sv. Jiøí (St George’s Convent), the oldest monastery in the country, was founded in 973, for Benedictine nuns. It now houses a remarkable collection of early Czech art, from the Gothic to Baroque periods. In the Castle Gardens, the Belvedere is Prague’s finest Renaissance building. Built in the 1530s, as a summerhouse for Queen Anne, it now houses a changing programme of exhibitions. Zlatá ulièka (Golden Lane), with its 16th‐century houses built into the fortifications, derives its name from being the residences of the court alchemists. Hradèanské námìstí, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 2437 3368. E‐mail: jaromir.potucek@hrad.cz (tickets and tours) or frantisek.kadlec@hrad.cz (information centre) Transport: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad; metro to Hradèanská. Opening hours: Daily 0900–1700 (Apr–Oct); daily 0900–1600 (Nov–May). Admission: Kè220 (castle); free (grounds). Staromìstské námìstí (Old Town Square) The 12th‐century Old Town Square is the focal point for tourists. Stalls selling crafts line the perimeter and horse‐drawn carriages await those wishing to take a tour of the historic centre. In summer, tables spill out from the restaurants, while in December, the square hosts the city’s largest Christmas Market. The centre is dominated by the monumental memorial to the 14th‐century religious reformer, Jan Hus. The Prague Meridian is also found here, designating kilometre zero, from which all distances in the city are measured. All of the palaces, churches and houses around the square are of major historical interest. The Gothic Staromìstská radnice (Old Town Hall) with its Astronomical Clock is a must for visitors. It strikes hourly (0900–2100), when the upper portion – dating to the early 15th century – reveals the Apostles at two windows. Just off the square, to the east, is the superb Gothic Chrám Matky boží pøed Týnem (Tyn Church), where the tomb of the astronomer, Tycho Brahe, is found. Staré Mesto (Old Town) Transport: Metro Staromìstská; tram 17 or 18. Josefov (Jewish Quarter) Until the end of the 19th century, the area north of the Old Town Square constituted the Jewish Ghetto – much of the area was cleared to make way for Art Nouveau buildings but some of the flavour still remains. A single ticket, available from the Jewish Museum, allows admission to the Židovnická radnice (Jewish Town Hall), the Klausen, the Maisel, the Pinkas Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery (in use from the 15th century until 1787) and the Ceremonial Hall. A separate ticket is required for the 13th‐century Starovoná synagoga (Old‐New Synagogue), the oldest synagogue in Europe Staré Mesto Transport: Metro Staromìstská. Jewish Museum U Staré &unknown;koly 1, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 2481 9456 or 2231 7191 (ticket reservations). Fax: (02) 2481 9458 or 2231 7181 (ticket reservations). E‐mail: reservacni.centrum@jewishmuseum.cz Opening hours: Mon–Fri and Sun 0900–1800 (Apr–Oct); Mon–Fri and Sun 0900–1630 (Nov–Mar). Admission: Kè490 (Jewish Museum sites); Kè200 (Old‐New Synagogue). Obecní dùm (Municipal House) The gem of Art Nouveau in Prague, Obecní dùm, has been fully restored, after decades of neglect. Designed by A Balsánek and Osvald Polívka, all the major Czech artists made contributions during its construction (1905–10). However, even Karel Spillar’s striking mosaic and the sculptural group by Ladislav Šaloun cannot prepare the visitor for the remarkable interiors. Most spectacular of the public areas, the Lord Mayor’s Room features murals by Alfons Mucha. The restaurant, café and the Amerikanský bar were also the work of Polívka. The centrepiece of the building is the Smetana Hall, home of the Prague Symphony Orchestra and one of the major venues for concerts during the Prague Spring Festival. Guided tours are essential for visitors to see the rooms that are not open to the public. Námìstí Republiky 5, Prague 1 Tel: (02) 2200 2101. Fax: (02) 2200 2100. E‐mail: info@obecni‐dum.cz Transport: Metro Námìstí Republiky; tram 5, 14 or 24. Opening hours: Daily 1000–1800 (exhibition hall); daily 0730–2300 (café). Admission: Free; Kè150 (guided tours); approximately Kè60–100 (separate exhibitions). Václavské námìstí (Wenceslas Square) Despite its name, Wenceslas Square is really a long boulevard. It was here, in 1989, the passive resistance culminating in the Velvet Revolution began. Today, the square is a bustling thoroughfare presenting the best and worst of post‐Communist Prague – from the fashionable and expensive stores to the prostitutes and taxis controlled by organised crime rings. Nothing remains of the square’s earliest buildings, however, examples of architectural styles from the last 150 years line its frontage. The lower portion is pedestrianised and contains many of Prague’s largest stores – often of more interest for their architecture than for their contents. News kiosks at the bottom end are the best place to purchase Czech and foreign‐language newspapers. Numerous arcades with winding passages (developed in the 1920s) leading to or surrounding a cinema (in almost all instances). Many are now being renovated to their original Art Deco splendour, chiefly to house trendy shops. The Lucerna (see Live music in Nightlife) is undoubtedly the finest of these arcades, housing a jazz/rock concert hall, cinema, excellent café and numerous small shops. Situated on the opposite side of Wenceslas Square, at number 25, the Grand Hotel Evropa, ( Transport: Metro Muzeum. Opening hours: Daily 1000–1800 (May–Sep); daily 0900–1700 (Oct–Apr); closed first Tues of the month. Admission: Kè80; concessions available; free first Mon of month. |