Prague

At the geographical heart of Europe, Prague’s beautiful cityscape has been carved and sustained by a variety of emperors, artists and religious communities, from the Gothic exuberance of its castle and cathedral, to the dignity of the medieval Jewish Cemetery, and the 19th-century opulence of the “new” town. Under Communist rule, Prague was off the tourist map, but since 1989 the city has seen a surge of visitors eager to take in this spectacular city.

Top 10 Must-See Sights

1. Prague Castle
The hilltop fortress of the Premyslids is home to the head of the Czech Republic. Spend a day exploring the castle’s many impressive palaces, churches, galleries and gardens.

2. St Vitus’s Cathedral
The glory of the castle complex, St Vitus’s took more than 500 years to build. Climb its southern tower for wonderful views of Prague, or visit its crypt to see the tombs of Bohemia’s Holy Roman Emperors.

3. Old Town Square
Prague’s central square has been a market since the Middle Ages, and was witness to the rise and fall of numerous regimes and no shortage of bloodshed. The city has few charms finer than watching the moon rise between the towers of the Church of Our Lady Before Týn.

4. Charles Bridge
Linking the city across the River Vltava, it can be difficult to appreciate the beautiful carved statues of former citizens, due to the incessant crowds and trinket stalls. But it’s worth the effort.

5. The Loreto
Pilgrims have visited this Baroque shrine to the Virgin Mary since the 17th century. Visitors can see priceless ornaments in its treasury.

6. Old Jewish Cemetery
The jumble of tombstones in this tiny graveyard give some indication of the number of bodies buried here. Prague’s Jewish community lived and worshipped in the surrounding ghetto.

7. National Gallery
Surrounded by the decorative Art Nouveau buildings of Holešovice, the austere Veletržní Palace is a daring work of art in itself.

8. St Agnes’s Convent
Prague’s oldest Gothic building is now home to the National Gallery’s collection of medieval art and remains a monument to its founder, a Premyslid princess who gave up a life at court to pursue her faith.

9. Wenceslas Square
From its origins as a humble horse market, Wenceslas Square has grown into a modern business centre. Monuments on the square remind visitors of its role in the nation’s tumultuous history.

10. Petrín Hill
Perched above Malá Strana, the forested Petrín Hill is criss-crossed with footpaths, giving visitors some of the finest views in the city. The old Ukrainian church is wonderfully romantic.

Discover more to see and do in Prague at www.traveldk.com/prague.

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