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Prague - a Golden City
Prague is one of the
best-preserved old cities in Europe. This city is largely a virgin
because it was virtually untouched in both the world wars. If you are a
first time visitor, then Prague can be revelation to you. Its touch of
tradition will definitely make anyone benumbed and overwhelmed with joy.
Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Europe.
This city is an architectural treasure thorax – its wealth
ranging from gothic cathedrals and baroque churches to claim its
richness ostentatiously art houses and cubist enclaves.
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Historic
Truth :
A large part of Prague's architectural
beauty can be traced back to the rule of King Charles Fourth
(1326-1378). When he took the throne, being the king of Bohemia, he
choose Prague as his capital and in the duration of some years, turned
it into one of Europe's most beautiful and developed cities. He
established Charles University in 1348, which now stands as being
Central Europe’s oldest university.
Favorite Destinations :
Old Town square: It is
close to a place called Vetrnik. It is here where spring festival
is celebrated in the beginning of the month of May. This place is always
congested with tourists because of its carnival-like atmosphere all
around the year. |
One can see Buskers and
other street entertainers; they bring extra charm of this place during
the summer. The main street leading from the old town square to the
Powder Gate, this street is surrounded by picturesque buildings of
various architectural styles.
Old Town Orloj:
This place is famous for the
astronomical Clock and attracts tourists to come & watch `The Walk of
the Apostles’, a clockwork hourly displaying of 12 apostles.
Café
Montmartre:
If you visit Prague, do remember to attend
and enjoy this bar. It was one of the favorite places of Franz Kafka.
Charles
Bridge: Your next destination
should be the Charles Bridge, which is more than 650 years old. This is
a 'pedestrian’s only' bridge, widely admired as one of the most
outstanding civil gothic style buildings in whole world. You can take a
look at enchanting Prague from either sides and you will also capture a
series of statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, that
decorate both sides of the bridge.
Lesser Town:
If you reach here, crossing the
bridge, walking past the picturesque red-roofed houses will certainly
give freshness and heavenly charm to you.
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Bank of River
Vltava: Vltava divides Prague
into two parts and is stretched over about 18 bridges.
Prague Castle:
One must visit Prague castle (Prazsky
hrad) to revisit the history. Tram No. 22 will take you to this huge
castle complex with its gardens, summer houses, moats, cathedrals and
art galleries.
St Vitas Cathedral:
Your next destination will be St Vitas
Cathedral, situated in the third courtyard of the castle complex. It is
an excellent example of Gothic architecture and protects the Czech crown
jewels. Extremely beautiful murals and majestic stained glass windows
decorate its interior façade. The outstanding place in the cathedral is
the Chapel St Wenceslas, where relics of the saint are kept with care. |
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Shopping and
Marketing:
Prague is not famous for shopping. Yet
one can find various types of souvenir shops selling everything
according to demands.
Food and Beverages:
The vivid and peculiar curving
street Celetna is full of small cafes and restaurants which draw
attention. Czech loves their beer; you may be speechless on hearing
that they drink more beer per capita than anyone in the world. You
should visit a pub you can get a taste of the best known Czech beer-
Pilsner Urquell. |
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Access:
Prague airport is where you will land after an international flight from
any part of the world. Moving around Prague is easy and comfortable. If
you have the 15 days transport pass, it is valid for travelling by bus,
metro or tram within Prague. The tram-rides will take you to every
corner of this golden city. Travelling through Prague will make you
fully satisfied. The enchanting time you will spend here will remain
with you for many years. |
Contributed By: Partha mondal,
a freelance writer. I write short stories, essays, poems, articles
whenever I have time. Writing is my passion.
coolindian07@indiatimes.com
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