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Why Prague
Old Town
is special
Prague Old Town is one of the world's most architecturally beautiful urban sites.
The Prague
Old Town
main square
 It is the heart of Prague Old Town, which is the heart of Prague, the capital of
the Czech Republic.
 The square is lined
with period piece Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings (see photo).
The famous outdoor Astronomical Clock
displays, besides the time, the astrological positions of the moon and sun. It dates back to the 15th century. On the hour,
the two small window doors above the clock's zodiac face open to exhibit the parading statues of the
Twelve
Apostles. Tourists unfailingly assemble below, patiently waiting for the hourly show to begin.
Beyond the
square, but still in
Prague Old Town
Narrow, winding side streets
branch out from the square in a pattern laid out in medieval times. Most are lined with
old, short-storied buildings that take you back in time. Some buildings have
restaurants and shops.
One area is
named the Old Jewish Quarter. The foremost attraction of this former ghetto is
the cemetery. Its tightly packed old tombstones lean in all directions.
Slightly beyond
Prague Old Town
Prague is much more than its Old Town. The following two attractions are Hillman
Bronze Medal winners:
Charles Bridge abuts Prague Old Town.
Click to view its web page:
Prague Castle in a word is grand. Click to view its web page:
Other Prague
must sees
 Strahov
Monastery - Including
 its
striking 18th century library
National
Gallery - Art is
housed
several locations
Loreto
Church complex -
Ecclesiastical
treasures
National
Theatre - Opera
house
with ornate interior
National
Museum - Stunning
interior
courtyard
Powder
Gate - Imposing
freestanding
tower
St. Agnes
Convent - Two
Churches
plus an art museum
Wenceslas
Square - Lengthy,
crowded
commercial square
Prague tips
and insights
Prague
Old Town is compact. Explore it on foot.
Unlike
the cases with Warsaw and some other European cities, Prague's rich
architectural heritage escaped the widespread World War II devastation.
The
best photographic views of the city are from Prague Castle, the Strahov
Monastery terrace, and the Petrin Tower. The best in the morning is from the
skyscraping telecommunication tower.
Prague is known for its world-class cultural
events. including two distinguished international music festivals, one in the
spring, the other in the fall.
The
city has many museums. The National Gallery with its artistic masterpieces is
the most eminent. The National Museum is best known for its stunning indoor
marbled staircased courtyard.
Many
famous writers and artists lived in Prague. Literary giants include Kafka. In
the music field, the list embraces Mozart, Dvorak and Smetana.
Prague
is a filmmaker's dream because of the Baroque and Renaissance architectural
backdrops it provides. Many films have taken advantage of the city's picturesque
shooting locations, including the Academy Award winning film Amadeus.
Prague
is known for its small, delightful restaurants and cafes. The tables of some
spread outdoors.
The
city has many "working
man's" beer pubs oozing with character. The authentic ones are noisy,
packed and smoky. U Zlateho Tygra is the insider's
favorite. This pub is so popular for post work libations that it is almost
impossible to find a seat (the regulars stay for long stretches).
Prikope
and Parizska are the two most fashionable shopping streets.
The
Metro is usually a faster means than surface transportation in getting around
the city. It is admirably
modern, clean, inexpensive, and convenient.
However,
whether you are in a crowded subway car or bus, or at a crowded tourist
attraction, be wary of pickpockets.
Just
south of Prague Old Town lies Prague New Town. It's "new" in name only because
it gained its appellation 600 years ago.
 
View my other top 100
Wonders of the World
 
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