Prague is filled with fairy-tale vistas. Cobblestone streets, towering spires, gothic churches and beautiful skylines make this city a visitor's paradise. But when the sun sets and the sky grows dark, Prague's demeanor magically changes with spellbinding drama. Here's a sneak peak of what I'm talking about:
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As with most European cities, Prague is centered around a square. As early as 1091, a market existed at this site. Today, the square is filled with outdoor cafes . . .
surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses . . .
home to the 18th-century St. Nicholas Church . . .
Photo courtesy of City Pictures
and the magnificent 14th-century Tyn Church . . .
as well as Old Town Hall with its famous astronomical clock. The square is a hub of activities. During the World Cup, large screens have lined the square while thousands of viewers pack inside to watch the game. Large stages are erected for summer concerts. And often, this is the starting and ending place for festival activities like the one occuring during my last visit:
Nonetheless, one of my favorite things to do is grab a chair under the trees behind Old Town Hall and people watch. The scene seems to change with every chime of the clock!
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There I was, walking along a considerably more modern and commercial street when, BAM! I was staring straight at this gorgeous medieval tower. The Powder Tower's origins date back to the 11th century when the original gate was one of the 13 entrances to Prague's Old Town.
It was an important gate as it was used as the beginning and ending point for royal processions. It has changed names a few times over the years. Originally, the tower was known as the Mountain Tower. Later in the 17th century, the name changed to the Powder Tower when it was used to store gunpowder.
Today, the tower houses an exhibition. But the real surprise comes when you climb the 186 steps inside to reach the viewing platform for amazing views of the city like this one:
Planning a trip to Prague? Click here to find out how I can help make your experience a unique postcard in your travel scrapbook!
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Photo courtesy of Prague Experience
Without a tourist map or guidebook, you would never know this long pedestrian-friendly street is actually the world-famous Wenceslas Square. It is the commercial and cultural hub of Prague. The street is lined with beautiful buildings and houses. Sandwiched in between runs beautiful gardens and green space. It's equally hard to believe that in the Middle Ages, this area was primarily a horse market and venue for public celebrations.
The square began to gain notoriety when in 1969, a student named Jan Palach set himself on fire in the square in protest of the Soviet Union's invasion of Czechoslovakia. A memorial bronze cross lies outside the National Museum embedded at the spot where he fell.
Nevertheless, it was the event that took place in 1989 that Wenceslas Square is most remembered for. It was here that more than 500,000 students and citizens gathered to protest the policies of the former Communist regime. The government surrendered after only a week of demonstrations. Amazement fell on everyone watching the events unfold when not a single shot was fired or a single person died. The first democratic government in 40 years was led into office. The non-violent transfer of power became known as the "Velvet Revolution."
At one end of the square sits Prague's National Museum, housing over 14 million works of art, music, books and other works.
A stroll down this long boulevard is a great way to pay homage to those who courageously changed the history of Prague.
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The first time I visited Charles Bridge, I felt certain I was walking into a medieval fairy tale. Of course, I failed to pack my ball gown and glass slippers. I had stepped into this fairy tale wearing jeans and walking shoes! Thankfully, I wasn't alone. The bridge is a popular site in Prague; and everyone who crosses it seems to be equally as captivated!
Besides being beautiful and magical to look at, there are other reasons that make this bridge seem like it popped out of the pages of a fairy tale book. It was built by a king (of course!) -- King Charles IV. It is really old, built in 1357. It is flanked with towers (seriously, what fairy tale doesn't involve at least one tower?). And, as you walk across the bridge toward Old Town, there is a beautiful palace in the background.
Not convinced that this is a fairy tale bridge? Then take a look at it at night:
It screams "fairy tale," doesn't it?
The bridge is not only a means of getting from one side of the river to the other. In the 17th-century, it became a symbol of Catholicization rebirth after much religious conflict with the Protestants. Statues of saints were added, each with a story or legend of their own. For example, the eighth one on the right as you're walking toward Old Town is St. John of Nepomuk. According to legend, he was wrapped in chains and thrown to his death from this bridge. Touching the statue is suppose to bring good luck and the promise of a return trip to Prague. From the looks of the worn spots on the statue's base, people galore have put those fairy-tale wishes to the test. I admit, I did, too!
For the best views of the Charles Bridge, head to the bridge just north of it; and of course, a visit at night is a must! Climb the tower at the entrance of Old Town for spectacular views of the city.
Planning a trip to Prague? Click here to find out how I can help make your experience a unique postcard in your travel scrapbook!
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