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Prague Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Prague
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Prague Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Prague - The Czech Republic's capital and international
showpiece, Prague is one of the most popular destinations in
Eastern Europe. Its attraction lies in the physical beauty of the
city with 600 years of architecture amazingly untouched by war. The
centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it
demands to be explored on foot, an entire outdoor museum of history
and a haphazard mixture of splendid architecture.
In the 14th century Prague enjoyed a reputation of being
one of the most important cities in Europe, but after the Second
World War it disappeared completely behind the Iron Curtain. Since
the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the end of Communism, Prague has
thrown off the years of repression with alacrity and is returning
to its earlier grandeur, enticing tourists with its fairytale
quality and romantic atmosphere. The historical
centre of the city is compact and its attractions are all within
easy reach. The core comprises the Castle District (Hradčany) west
of the River Vltava, and the Old and New town (Staré Mesto and Nové
Mesto) to the east, joined by the famous Charles Bridge. The Castle
District situated on the hill overlooking the city incorporates the
main attractions, including the Castle itself and the Cathedral.
The Old Town is a maze of alleyways, cobbled streets and passages
winding their way towards the beautiful Old Town Square,
Staromestské Námestí. Josefov Ghetto, the old Jewish
Quarter, is enclosed within the old town. The New Town, in
contrast, is modern and has been laid out in wide boulevards, most
famously Wenceslas Square, the fashionable shopping boulevard
leading up to the foot of the grand National Gallery.
The city's cultural scene also features high on the list
of things to do in Prague, with classical music concerts, opera and
ballet, as well as the many art galleries around the city. It is
constantly adding small new museums to its summertime list, often
strange but curiously interesting. This beautiful city, a 'symphony
in stone', built along the river and on the surrounding hills, has
never ceased to capture the hearts and imagination of visitors,
painters, photographers and poets.
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Prague
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. The Castle District (Hradèany)
old.hrad.cz/index_uk.html |
What is it? The Castle District stretches across the top
of the hill overlooking the city and incorporates the best churches
and museums in Prague set around three courtyards, immaculate
gardens, fortifications and state apartments. The dominant feature
is St Vitus Cathedral occupying most of the third courtyard. The
Castle was founded in the 9th century and is still the official
residence of the president. The Old Royal Palace was home to the
Kings of Bohemia from the 11th to the 17th centuries. The Royal
Apartments and Vladislav Hall, where Bohemian knights once jousted,
kings were throned and presidents are sworn into office, can be
visited, as well as the little chapel next door. Next to the red
façade of the Romanesque Basilica of St George, lies the
Benedictine Convent, housing the National Gallery's remarkable
collection of old Bohemian art. Behind the gallery is the
picturesque cobbled alley known as Golden Lane, a row of
16th-century tradesmen's cottages, brightly coloured and built into
the fortifications. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard on
the hour every hour, with the fanfare and flag ceremony included at
noon.
Hours of Operation: Interiors daily 9am to 5pm (4pm in winter). Castle
grounds daily 5am to midnight (April to October) and 6am to 11pm
(November to March). Gardens daily from 10am to 6pm, but are closed
along with the tower of St Vitus Cathedral, in
winter
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2. St Vitus Cathedral
Castle District (Hradèany)
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What is it? Situated within the Castle Complex, the
spires of St Vitus Cathedral, an elegant but domineering French
Gothic structure, soar above the ramparts. It is the county's
largest church containing numerous side chapels, frescoes,
tombstones and beautiful stained glass windows and it literally
sparkles with all the finery inside. The most ornate chapel
contains the tomb of St Wenceslas, the 'Good King Wenceslas' of the
Christmas carol, which has become something of a pilgrimage site.
The Coronation Chamber houses the Bohemian Crown Jewels and the
Crypt is where most of the Kings and Queens of Bohemia have their
final place of rest. The southern entrance to the cathedral, the
Golden Gate, is decorated with a richly gilded coloured mosaic
representing the Last Judgement, dated from 1370, and it is one of
the artistic treasures found in the Castle District. It is possible
to climb the 287 steps of the tower for magnificent views over the
city.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 5pm (April to October), 9am to 4pm
(November to March)
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3. Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)
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What is it? The pedestrian Charles Bridge serves as the
focal point for tourists and is the most photographed feature of
the city. Construction began in 1357 replacing the earlier Judith
Bridge of which the only remaining part is one of the towers at the
Malá Strana gate that can be climbed for a view of the city. Up
until 1841 this was the only bridge in the city. Throngs of people
pick their way through the happy congestion caused by buskers,
artists and musicians lining the bridge, positioned between the
saintly sandstone statues that make this the most picturesque and
lively of attractions.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Prague
holidays - Top Events
1. Prague Spring International Music Festival
From 2007-05-12
To 2007-06-03
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What is it? Prague Spring has become one of the most
prestigious classical music festivals in Europe, presenting
exceptional artists, orchestras and chamber music ensembles of
international acclaim. Every year the festival is traditionally
opened and closed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra. The festival
also remembers important anniversaries in the music world by
including works by the composers concerned.
Where is it? Various |
2. Prague Autumn Festival
From 2007-09-12
To 2007-10-01
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What is it? This international festival of classical
music ends the European summer music festival season and has gained
renown for its programme of celebrated
musicians.
Where is it? Prague State Opera Municipal House Rudolfinum |
3. Christmas Markets
From 2006-11-25
To 2007-01-01
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What is it? Christmas in Prague is a delightful season
made special by the traditional Christmas markets that sparkle with
lights and colourful decorations, that resound with Christmas music
and smell of hot mulled wine, sausages and gingerbread. Brightly
decorated wooden huts sell Czech handicrafts such as puppets,
candles, wooden toys and jewellery, alongside traditional food and
drinks. In Old Town Square, local and international choirs and
musical ensembles sing Christmas songs, and a wooden stable
recreates the Bethlehem manger scene with live animals. Other
festive attractions include an open-air ice rink and the enormous
Christmas tree ablaze with colourful
lights.
Where is it? Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square |
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