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Prague is a truly is a magical prosperous and bustling city and one I would certainly recommend visiting. The photos above represent just a small fraction of the awe-inspiring experiences you will have there. This once hidden gem is no longer a secret so hurry and experience Prague while many attractions are free and the lodging in and around the city come at a very reasonable price. And the icing on top :: it is a beautiful city! I just know you will really enjoy your time in Prague.

The post Magical Prague :: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Prague is the capital + largest city in the Czech Republic, the 14th largest city in the European Union + the historical capital of Bohemia. It is located East of Germany, south of Poland, North of Austria, NW of Slovakia in central Bohemia, the largest region in the Czech Republic.

Slovak + Polish are the main minority languages spoken in the Czech Republic.

Tap water in Prague is perfectly safe to drink. OK maybe not from this fountain… HA!

Prague is well-known for its beautiful architecture…

…but also for its food :: potato soup, traditional roast pork with dumplings [shown below] + sauerkraut, fruit dumplings…

…apple strudel + Trdelník [shown below].

The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (CZK). 1 US Dollar = 22.563 CZK

TYPICAL PRICES:
Classic meal at restaurant :: meat, sauce, dumplings 140CZK :: 6.16USD

Large sausage, bun + mustard at Wenceslas Square   40CZK :: 1.76USD
Pint of draft beer   35CZK :: 1.54USD
750ml decent bottle of wine 160CZK :: 7.04USD

Known as the Golden City she received this nickname during the reign of the Czech King + Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV when the towers of Prague Castle were covered in gold. Another theory is that Prague was called ‘Golden’ during the reign of Rudolf II who employed alchemists to turn ordinary metals into gold.

Now that I’ve given you some history on Prague let me cover some of the uniqueness of this city which can really only be explained in pictures. But since I only had two days in Prague I was able to capture just a few of the many, many things that make Prague truly special.

#10 :: 135797531 Museum

July 9, 2007 was the 650th anniversary of Charles Bridge. The foundation stone was laid at 5:31am on July 9, 1357 with the help of King Charles IV. He consulted his astrologers + the date + time were chosen so that the odd numbers that ascend + descend on the scale of 1 – 9 would form the palindrome 135797531.

#9 :: Locks on gate of Charles Bridge

As the trend that begun in Paris after the best selling novel “I Want You” that was subsequently made into a movie in 2007 it has become popular for lovers to mimic the seemingly innocent gesture by placing locks on the beautiful gates in Paris + around the world, even on the Charles Bridge here in Prague.

What people don’t realize is that the Charles Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site + placing these locks are technically a form of vandalism.

The Charles Bridge Artists Association [CBAA] is working hard to remove these locks to prevent more damage. In one year, they fill five boxes of locks, each weighing in at around 110 lbs. When you realize how damaging it can be it changes your perspective. And although it seems romantic + lovely, I don’t recommend propagating this gesture.

#8 :: Man Hanging Out in Prague

First created in 1996, “Man Hanging Out” is the vision of Czech sculptor David Černý, whose work can be found all across Prague. It is simply a sculptural statement about intellectualism in the 20th century + Černý’s uncertainty about it. And it is certainly unique.

The piece was quite popular after its unveiling + actually toured the world in places from London to Grand Rapids. The piece has since returned + has been hanging out in Prague causing passersby to look up in wonder.

#7 :: John Lennon Pub

If you’re a Beatles fan holidaying in Prague you’re sure to come across this unique pub close to the John Lennon Wall. No prizes for guessing what kind of music is played while you choose a cocktail [or rum from the 20 brands on the menu]. Its walls were painted in bright colors + there is even a Yellow Submarine wall.

Before leaving don’t forget to take some pictures in the traditional red phone box. The ambience is quaint + relaxed :: be sure to go out + enjoy their popular outdoor garden.

 #6 :: John Lennon Wall

In the 1960’s it became known as the “Crying Wall” + was associated with protest text/lyrics + art although the authorities regularly painted over it. On December 8, 1980 everything changed with the murder of John Lennon. The Crying Wall became a place for the outpouring of grief + protest against his death. Almost overnight with the painting of his face + the old gravestone it became this unique John Lennon Wall.

#5 :: Beneficial Brick

On our journey of Prague we passed a little stand called Beneficial Brick which is a unique international street art fundraising project for people with special needs started in Czech Republic in 1999. Buying a brick or donating supports people with special needs live a full filled life! Connecting street art with help to people with special needs they are also the biggest world open-public street market with more than 40,000 painters every year. I love this concept! And I love how it shows what the Czech people value in life.

#4 :: Commemoration of 1621

In a rebellion against the Habsburg monarchy + the threat of being forced to convert to Catholicism or leave their homeland, forty-seven nobles including 27 Czech Protestant leaders of the Bohemian Revolt by the Austrian Catholic House of Habsburg were put on trial. More than half of them were sentenced to death. On June 21, 1621 the executions began at 5am + concluded at 9am. Twenty-four of the nobles would be beheaded that day + the other three would be hanged.

Just seeing this commemoration in the street really hit me in the heart to hear from my tour guide about the events of that time. Not only were men not allowed to think differently from the current religious administration but they were put to death for defying them.

Many such incidents took place in those days. I am so grateful that we live in a time when we can choose our religion + way of life. And I am thankful for those who have paved the way. I couldn’t walk across those numbers on the street this day. I felt that I would be trampling on what it stood for. So even though our group walked across it I just couldn’t. It certainly made an impact on me.

#3 :: Prastanek Prague

I thought this “tree cafe” definitely qualified as a unique place in Prague :: the 20-foot 350-year-old oak “Prastanek” by František Skála :: open from 4am to midnight from Monday to Sunday you can enjoy the Prastanek spirits for 35 crowns, a medium Křižík for 39 crowns + small for 27 crowns.

#2 :: National Marionette Theater

Marionettes first came to Bohemia in the late 1600s, brought in by performers from across Europe, notably France, Italy + the Netherlands but by the 1700s the Czechs had established their own companies. Marionettes have since become synonymous with the Czech Republic, a unique + very popular souvenir.

Don’t confuse puppets with these intricate works of art because you will immediately be corrected by the artists. And they take their art very seriously.

#1 :: Prague Boat Tour

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon just putzing around in a boat in Prague on the Vltava River, the longest river in the Czech Republic, taking in a different perspective from the water just as we did in Bruges + Amsterdam + Bangkok.

We were given a little refreshment at the start + began to leisurely sail down the Vltava River this day. Our tour guide was so informative, highlighting all the important features along the river.

Then he showed us this, a stark reminder of the torrid ravages this river is capable of. In 2002 the Vltava River rose to a record level flooding the entire town; the worst in their history. It took them 2 years to rebuild. Crazy to think that this happened less than 20 years ago… But it is a testament to the resiliency of the people.

Sailing past bridges + historic buildings + restaurants on this beautiful day was absolutely perfect. And although we learned that this town had to endure the ravages of this river, I am grateful to have been able to take this tour + learn more about this magnificent city.

A more unique perspective of Prague + the Charles Bridge from the Vltava river just isn’t to be had.

Visiting this part of Eastern Europe really helped put everything Prague together for me in my mind. One of the reasons I am so intrigued in history is the stories I find out about in my travels. Gaining an understanding of what happened in the past brings me a little closer to understanding people throughout the world. How + where they live + what they have gone through makes them who they are. And I am so excited to learn about them everywhere I go.

If I can help you understand more about the world through my blogging then I am most happy + fulfilled. Let me know what you got out of my post about Prague, won’t you? And feel free to tell me about your experience there.

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The post 10 Unique Things to See and Do in Prague appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

It dawned on me that I actually have a friend in Prague! So I called to make sure she was in town, booked our lodging + on our way we went.

Although I always encourage being open enough to change up your plans if you need/want to, the only negative thing about changing destinations is that you have no itinerary. And for those who know me that is not an easy thing for me. Once we arrived at our Airbnb [OMG another amazing one :: I’ll tell you more about that in a later post] we got freshened up + set afoot to catch the train to see the town. Hmmm…. that didn’t really work out. After 10-12 stops we found…. NOTHING.

Tip: Never head out in a town you know nothing about without first finding out what direction you need to go. HA!

After a good night’s sleep we set out to try again. This time + with map in hand it wasn’t but a few stops before we were in the center of town + well on our way to discover :: 10 Absolutely Incredible Sites in Prague!

#10 Best Site in Prague :: Old Town Hall’s Underground

Although we had not gone far in the city we quickly found out that not all of Prague’s treasures are visible from the streets. Prague has an amazing secret gem :: you can’t see it unless you go underground. The oldest history of Prague located well below your feet there lies an entire city buried for hundreds of years + you can find it near the Old Town Hall.

In the 13th century the city level was much lower than where it is today. When Prague’s New Town was developed all the dirt they excavated from the area was brought into Old Town to artificially increase the level of the street to prevent it from flooding. Therefore the city’s old ground floors became basements + over the years they have been closed off + hidden beneath the city we see now. Only a handful of places have been preserved which feature buildings from as early as the 12th Century.

You can buy tickets to take a tour to see it in its entirety here.

#9 Best Site in Prague :: The Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock [or The Prague Orloj] which was first installed in 1410 is the world’s oldest of its kind. Every hour on the hour this world-famous clock chimes + along with them comes a procession of 12 Apostles through the two doors at the very top.

I found it so authentic to hear people speaking Czech all around me as I was experiencing this phenomenon. It was truly a unique experience.

The Astronomical Dial is probably the oldest of all the clock components + is one of the main reasons why The Prague Orloj is so unique. The three sets of this dial can count three different times. The first is the Italian time or what would be Old Czech time. Central European Time is measured by the sun pointer + this is the hour, from 1 to 24, which the clock chimes. The third is likely the most interesting of all sets measuring Babylonian Time where the hour’s length is determined by which season of the year it is. This device is the only clock on the entire planet known to be capable of tracking Babylonian Time.

Around 1865 one of the clock’s newest features, the Calendar Dial, was added underneath with various sculptures around it.

On October 9, 2010 The Orloj’s 600th anniversary was celebrated with a light show on the face of the clock tower. It would have been amazing to have been there for that! This is truly one of the sites in Prague worth seeing.

#8 Best Site in Prague :: Jindřišská [Henry’s] Tower

Jindřišská tower [or Jindřišská věž] is a late Gothic tower part of the Church of St. Henry [aka Henry’s Tower] + the highest freestanding bell tower in Prague [216 feet]. Originally built in 1472 it went through extensive reconstruction in 2002 which transformed Jindrisska into a wonderful multi-level attraction + now has ten floors. At the top you can enjoy a panoramic view of Prague’s city centre.

You don’t have to climb it because there is an elevator inside where you will also find a museum, restaurant, bar, whiskeria + a small music hall. I would have never guessed that so much would fit inside this building!

#7 Best Sites in Prague :: Powder Tower

The Powder Tower or Powder Gate was used to store gunpowder in the 17th century, hence the name Powder Tower. It is one of the original 13 city gates + brought into the town one of the main roads coming from Eastern Bohemia. This was also the place where the coronation processions of Bohemian kings would enter the town. This gate thus marks the start of the Coronation or Royal Path to Prague Castle.

The Powder Tower is 234 feet high, the observation gallery is 144 feet above ground + the spiral staircase is made of 186 stone steps. Separating the Old Town from the New Town it was designed as an attractive entrance to the city rather than a defensive tower. A covered passageway connects the Powder Tower with the Municipal House, quite the contrast between the two styles of architecture but so emblematic of the sites in Prague.

 #6 Best Sites in Prague :: Church of Our Lady Before Tyn

Church of Our Lady Before Tyn has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church’s towers are 262 feet high + topped by four small spires. The cathedral serves as an extensive gallery from the Gothic, Renaissance + Early Baroque eras. The organ is the oldest in any of the sites in Prague, dating from 1673.

Legend has it that the Tyn Church towers gave Walt Disney the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle. True or not the church is an awe-inspiring sight.

#5 Best Sites in Prague :: Municipal House

One of the most beautiful government buildings I’ve seen in the world. Construction started in 1905 + was completed in 1912. A turn of the century building boasting some of the most beautiful art nouveau architecture of all the sites in Prague stands on the site of the former Royal Court Palace, the King’s residence between 1383 and 1485. There is an incredible mosaic by Karel Spiller over the entrance called Homage to Prague.

Much of the Municipal House is closed to the public unless you sign up to take a guided tour.

You can see about taking a tour here.

# Best Sites in Prague :: Church of St. Nicholas

The monumental Church of St Nicholas, the most famous Baroque church in Prague, was built from 1732 to 1737 + one of the most valuable Baroque buildings north of the Alps. The interior is dominated by a stunning crystal crown chandelier + the lighting effects are unlike any other cathedral I’ve seen. The diameter of the dome is an impressive 65 feet; the height inside the church to the top of the lantern is almost 187 feet, making it the tallest interior in any of the sites in Prague.

Today the building is used as a concert hall. The Church of St. Nicholas is a superb example of High Baroque architecture, a building that astonishes visitors with its size + monumental interior + the most prominent + distinctive landmark in the Lesser Town.

#3 Best Sites in Prague :: Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town + Lesser Town. Not only is this medieval building one of the most famous bridges in the world but it is also inseparably linked to the most glamorous era of Prague + it just might be the most beautiful bridge in Europe. Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge still standing over the Vltava river in Prague and the second oldest bridge in the Czech Republic. 

One of the most interesting statues on Charles Bridge is definitely the Statue of St. John of Nepomuk. According to legend John of Nepomuk was tortured to death after he refused to give away the confessional secret of the queen. Many people believe that it brings luck if you touch the statue…

Merchants line either side of this pedestrian-only bridge making available the products of their talents, everything from jewelry to artwork to music. Souvenir shopping never had so much ambiance as here at the Charles Bridge. For sure one of my favorite sites in Prague.

Tip: make sure you go shopping while it is still light out because merchants close down their stands as soon as the sun begins to set.

#2 Best Sites in Prague :: Cathedral of St. Vitus at Prague Castle

Located on the grounds of the Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest + most important temple in Prague. Apart from religious services, coronations of Czech kings + queens also took place here.

The cathedral is a place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops. Its bronze door is decorated with reliefs with scenes from the history of St. Vitus. Situated in the chancel of the Cathedral in front of the high altar is the Royal Mausoleum below which there is the royal crypt.

The door in the south-western corner of the chapel leads to the Crown Chamber in which the Bohemian Coronation Jewels are kept.

#1 Best Sites in Prague :: Prague Castle

Prague Castle is an ancient symbol of the Czech State, the most significant Czech monument + one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic + what an incredible castle it is. According to the Guinness Book of World Records Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world with an area of almost 112,000 sq ft. 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces + buildings of various architectural styles from the remains of Romanesque-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications of the 14th century.

The Royal Garden at Prague Castle

There are seven gardens surrounding the Prague Castle including but the Royal Garden is the most valuable founded in 1534 is located on the site of old medieval vineyards.

One of its greatest treasures is the Singing Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in Renaissance Europe.

Prague Castle + the Royal Garden are seriously the top must-see sites in Prague. I for one am so happy I had the opportunity to visit this captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. I’ve lost count of how many World Heritages sites I’ve seen so far. One day I’ll go back + count them all…

Prague is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. In my next post I will be covering other amazing things to do + see here. Oh + I’ll have to include some of the food as well! You didn’t think I’d forget that did you? HA!

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What did you like best about the sites in Prague so far? Have you been here? Let me know if you have any other suggestions to see in Prague!

The post 10 Absolutely Incredible Sites in Prague appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.