Prague was spared the amount of war damage suffered by much of Europe. It offers a wonderful array of superb Gothic and Baroque architecture, elegant Art Nouveau and chiselled Cubist façades. Music is an important part of the city's charm. It hosts the annual Prague spring festival of classical music and opera, innumerable jazz and rock venues and has some excellent dance clubs.
Its layered history is in evidence wherever you go. Prague has been the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg Empire, the first Czechoslovak Republic, the Nazi Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, the Communist Republic of Czechoslovakia and now the modern Czech Republic. Be prepared for a little of each.
This is a city which calls out to be explored. As my cousin once said "it's a city within a city" medieval lanes and many hidden passages in the Old Town (Staré Mĕsto). There are beautiful, wooded parks. The Vltava River is perfect for gentle cruising. The river is straddled by a series of bridges and lined by cafés and restaurants.
Charles Bridge, which is lined with 30 statues of saints, was begun by Charles IV to replace an earlier bridge which had been washed away by floods. Many people lining up to touch the stautue for luck and have their photo taken while making that wish.
The marvellous old bridge stood firm against devastating floods in 2002. After WWII it became pedestrian-only and while it can become choked in the warmer months, it's worth crossing to see the hawkers and buskers and to enjoy the views.
Prague Castle is the city's most popular sight. Covering an area larger than seven football fields, the world's largest ancient castle was founded as a fortified settlement in the 9th century. A Romanesque palace was erected during the 12th century, then the 14th saw some Gothic additions. The Spanish Hall came in the 16th century and after WWI, the architect J Plecnik formed the interior and gardens. Its mixture of styles is the result of each new ruler making additions in his own taste. It has had four major reconstructions and despite many wars and fires, remains a splendid must-see for tourists. Remember to always start at the top and make your way down the many steps...
St Vitus Cathedral is Prague's most recognised landmark, with the added attractions of a monastery, several towers, palaces and Golden Lane where I would advise you duck for entry as we heard a few people bumping their heads on the way in and out.
You will probably need a day to explore the buildings and will see the window from where, in 1618, two Protestant nobles who were rebelling against the emperor were thrown to their deaths.
Today, Prague Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic and serves as the historical and political centre of both city and state. Buildings not occupied by the Government are filled with galleries and shops. The toy collection in the former Counts Chambers is the second largest of its kind in the world.
Staromestské námestí (Old Town Square) is Prague's most spectacular square and the city's traditional heart. Most of the brightly-coloured houses look solidly eighteenth-century, but their Baroque façades hide older buildings. It was the city's main marketplace from the 11th century, known simply as Velké námestí (Great Square). All roads in Bohemia led to it and merchants from all over Europe gathered there. When the five towns that made up Prague were united in 1784, the Old Town Square's town hall was made the seat of the new city council and for the next 200 years this square (along with Wenceslas Square) witnessed the country's most violent demonstrations and battles. In summer, cafés spread out their tables, in winter there's a Christmas market and all year round tourists pour in to admire the 700-year-old town hall clock chime which we missed by only a few minutes, to sit on the steps of the Hus Monument and to drink in this historic showpiece.
Apparently Czech Republic has become a hot destination for foreign film production. Prague is adaptable enough to be a modern or period location.
Traditional pubs and eateries have been hit by a torrent of gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars and trendy cafés, but those seeking traditional pork, cabbage and dumplings won't be disappointed. Most meals are designed to be accompanied by fine Czech beer, something they have been making since the 9th century and of which they are justifiably proud, so unfortunate i'm not a beer drinker :-(
Café Imperial, in Prague's historic centre, is a wondrous art nouveau café, built in 1914 and is a must for any itinerary.
Meteor Plaza is a perfectly located property for visitors to Prague. The heritage-listed hotel is close to the Old Town Square and offers charming, old-world style. Its baroque façade dates to 1307, forming an entrance to a place of modern rooms and amenities. The hotel restaurant is located in an original 14th-century cellar. They offer a complimentary buffet breakfast and have a fitness centre and spa.
