Visiting the old town it’s easy, and a nice stroll. Everything is located around and near main square, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Jan Hus monuments occupies the centre, but around it there are many wonders, with evidence to the Astronomic Clock, the churches of St Nicholas and of Our Lady before Tyn, and old Town Hall Tower.

Address: Staromestske namesti

Directions: Heart of Old Town

Website: Main square

One century before Martin Luther, Jan Hus, the dean of Charles University in Prague started challenging the church, condemning the practices that originated protestant reform. He was convicted and burned as heretic, leading to a popular revolution – the Hussite war.

​Jan Hus became a national hero, and in the beginning of last century a monument was erected in the centre of the main square in Prague.

​Facing the church of Our Lady Before Tyn, that became the centre of the Hussite movement, this monument, though discreet in forms and proportions, becomes preeminent in the wide square.

Directions: Old-Town Square

Prague is one of the easiest cities to visit – the historical area is not big, the monuments come to your eyes in a regular cadence, and the general look of the old quarters is very appealing. Once a settlement surrounded by a moat, nothing remains from those medieval times. The actual place comes from the 12th century, when the square was a marketplace.

​The expansion of town in the 14th century eliminated the moat and protecting walls, but the historical buildings in Romanesque, baroque or Gothic styles added for centuries, enhanced its beauty, making it a mandatory visit in town. Furthermore, the public transport in central area is very efficient.

Beautiful church

Located in main square, this wonderful white building is the most impressive of all. After centuries of religious disputes and wars that introduced several changes in its Baroque original style and decoration, the Czech Hussite movement took control of the church that since then is used both as a church and as a concert hall.

Address: Malostransky kostel Sv. Mikulase.

Directions: Lesser town, near Lesser-town Square.

This wonderful square, dominated by the Baroque church of St. Francis, is located by Vltava, close to Charles bridge.

​Opened in the 19Th century, the original Baroque style was preserved in most buildings, including the gallery of the Knights of the cross, and was embellished with a statue of St. Wenceslas and a monument honoring Charles IV.

A clever solution has been found to solve the space limitations of the national theatre: absolute preservation of the beautiful old building, and the construction at its side of a new one, totally different.

As a matter of fact, the ensemble does work. The dominating glass in the modern building turn it discrete, with reflections enhancing the beauty of its neighbour.

A perfect combination of classical and new structures. A pity, we didn’t enter it.

Address: Narodni divadlo,

Prague lives around Vltava river, both banks showing beautiful buildings embracing the river. Not large enough to allow a great traffic it runs for more than 30 Km inside Prague, where we may see many of its 18 bridges

Address: (Moldau)

Impossible to miss

Don’t worry about location, accesses or anything else concerning this bridge. “All the roads lead to Rome” except here: all the streets and people seem to converge to this wonderful bridge, where statues mix with living artists. Built in the end of the 14th century, it was, until 1841 the only way to cross the Vltava river. Protected by towers at both ends, it is decorated with many statues.

Carlos Bridge is a wide and permanent art gallery. I’ve been there in winter, and even the negative temperatures didn’t dismiss the painters exposing their works. Several techniques several styles several prices. I didn’t buy, but a friend of mine brought a reasonable collection.

City into city

I only have been there once, at dusk, in a dark day, rushing down to dinner in town. Not enough time to appreciate it or to make good pictures, but time enough for a strong decision: “This is a place where I must come back”.

Address: Prazsky hrad
Website: Castle

Dominating the Castle

The so called castle of Prague is a very interesting quarter, with historic buildings and squares, where this cathedral assumes the most relevant position. Showing several styles, denouncing the many adding and recuperation, in its more than 600 years, this cathedral deserves much more time than the quick look that I could have. That’s one of the many reasons that make me wish to return to this lovely city.
Address: Katedrala sv. Vita, Vaclava a Vojtecha
Directions: Prague Castle

Website: St. Vitus

Half way between the castle and the old city, close to the north exit of Charles bridge, this wonderful baroque quarter is a hub in transport around town.

Waiting for the tram is not so boring as in many other places.

Near Wenceslas square and Narodni museum, this small street market is a nice stop, with several products available. Being with women…

Address: Vaclavske namesti

Directions: Metro line C station Narodni muzeum or line A station Mustek.

A large avenue

Wenceslas square is more an avenue than a square. Lined with shops and hotels, it is the centre of nightlife (if you’re male be prepared to meet “quick friends” in the square). Behind king Wenceslas statue, stands the monumental National Museum.

Address: Vaclavske namesti

Directions: Metro line C station Narodni muzeum or line A station Mustek.

Rudolfinum, the home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra was built in the late 19th century and is known for its neo-renaissance architecture and stunning concert hall, which seats over 1,000 people and features a large organ. It has hosted many famous musicians and orchestras over the years and is considered one of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe.

The Prague Municipal House is a significant Art Nouveau building situated on Republic Square (náměstí Republiky) adjacent to the Powder Tower.

Built between 1905 and 1911, the building features an impressive façade with intricate decorations, sculptures, and ornate details, which make it one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague.

The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Prague Orloj, is a famous astronomical clock tower located in the Old Town Square of Prague, Czech Republic.

It was first installed in 1410, making it one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world.

The clock tower is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, with intricate details and symbols that represent various allegorical themes, including the twelve apostles, the four seasons, and the zodiac signs.

The clock tower is divided into three main parts: the astronomical dial, the hourly show, and the calendar dial.

For more than 30 years that I am a lover of Czech dances. I searched everything to find a live performance in Prague, and discovered it in a wine dinner at Holiday Inn hotel.

Excellent, with an extra bonus: In our way out, the snow released the child hidden in most of us.

Address: Tancici dum, Rasinovo nabrezi, Praha 2

A couple of years later Tito went there in summer, and had free folk dances in main square. Well, that’s it, I must return in summer…