Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Praha
"I see a great city whose glory will touch the stars."
Welcome to Prague! One of the gems of Europe, start out by just wandering through the streets and absorbing the distinct vibes of this magical place; the city will dazzle your lens and senses with historical, architectural, and cultural surprises. Legend has it that Prague, or in Czech "Praha," owes its beginnings to the prophetess and duchess Libuše from around the 8th century; standing high above the river Vltava, she prophesied: "I see a great city whose glory will touch the stars." On that same site where the city prospers today (after much struggle throughout the centuries), she supposedly ordered a castle and a town called Praha to be built. More about these legends can be found in Peter Demetz's book "Prague in Black and Gold: Scenes from the Life of a European City."
According to my favorite foodie tours site for this area , Eating Prague Tours, the Jewish quarter of Prague is so well preserved because Hitler had reportedly planned to retire in Prague. Wanting to keep it as a museum to an extinguished race, the buildings and architecture of that era still stand as a testament, though rather of what was thankfully not accomplished. Swing by the heartbreaking Holocaust Museum here if you have time.
If you ever get the chance to head to Central Europe, make Prague a priority. The capital of the Czech Republic, bisected by the river Vitava, boasts a stunning castle and church on the hilltop as pictured here. In the summertime, I even spotted swans on this courtyard pond which simply added to the royal vibe of the whole place. There are multiple ticket options for viewing this area; three circuits and several individual pieces are possible but I personally prefer the midsize Circuit B which grants access to the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and the Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower (a former dungeon). The Golden Lane is a quaint tour through the styles of the 16th century and named after the goldsmiths that occupied it in the 17th century; you can peek into the scenes and sets based on their historical setting and even try your hand at shooting a crossbow! There is also a lot of the royal surroundings and architecture that you can capture on film without buying a ticket, for those who don't want to bother with the line or their wallets. However, the Old Royal Palace and the Basilica are definitely worth it.
Roaming the streets of Prague, you will notice a different vibe than in bustling western cities that have been freed from oppression for longer. The history of Prague is so much more recent than we give it credit for, and the country's struggle with communism was only recently relieved.
Opened in 2001 in the Savarin Palace, you can learn objectively about how this beautiful country faced the tough and totalitarian times of communist control. This Museum of Communism can be a bit intense simply due to the topic itself, so be aware of that before you go in. Highly recommended museum, but bring a tissue and some time to process.
A Striking Feature
Every hour, the Prague Astronomical Clock strikes but not in the usual way one might expect. An entire procession launches -including the 12 Apostles and Death himself- and is concluded by a golden rooster crowing. The infamous and impressive clock also showcases accurate information about the day of the year, the zodiac signs and the Medieval perception of the Universe with the Earth at its center.
While the buildings above ground showcase a brilliant display of centuries full of architectural development, the city is being expanded deep beneath the earth. New tunnels for cars and metro lines are being carved out to eliminate some of the heavy traffic and air pollution, though architect Michal Kohout tells Travel & Leisure writer Peter S. Green that the construction of these tunnels and other such projects are actually destroying the historical gems of the city.
Wander freely into this gorgeous part of Europe -at least since the Czech Republic became a member of the Schengen zone in 2008 which ensures free movement of people, goods and capital between member countries (ie you can travel between them without custom stops). If you take a tour around the city or simply explore the famous Charles Bridge full of artists and peddlers, you will be witness to some stunning views; one of my favorites is watching the sun set over the castle with the river Vltava flowing in the foreground. You can find a place to perch anywhere on the footbridges or simply dangle your feet over the edge of the water and have a drink with your friends.
