When I told people I was moving to Germany, one thing stuck with me: “You have to visit Prague. It is the most beautiful city in the world.” So when I moved to Germany, visiting Prague was my first vacation out of the country.
We stayed one night and two days in a romantic hotel overlooking a cobblestone alleyway in the Old Town, yet close to the lively center of the city. After checking in, we began a walking tour to explore.
Unlike Germany where buildings were destroyed in World War II, Prague escaped war damage and its buildings and monuments are a sight to behold. The baroque architecture, with its details, statues on top of the buildings, and colors left us breathless as we took in the sight of a city that is one thousand years old. Walking along narrow, twisting pathways we passed dozens of puppet shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, art galleries, and glass shops.
We stopped to view the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Hall, one of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions.
We then crossed the Charles Bridge, built in 1357, now closed to traffic. Pedestrians stroll, enjoying music from local musicians and browsing the arts and crafts from local vendors. I couldn’t resist a glass ring, and bought my daughter her first pair of dangly earrings.
The Charles Bridge connects the Old Town to the Mala Strana, a section of Prague often called “Lesser Town,” and goes over the Vltava River. This gothic bridge is home to 30 statues and the bronze plaque of Jan of Nepomuk, a national saint who was drowned in the Vltava River on the order of King Wenceslaus. Legend says if you touch the plaque, it will bring you good luck and a return trip to Prague. No wonder there was a long line of people waiting to do just that! Once over the bridge, more sophisticated shops, along with art galleries, ceramics shops, and restaurants, lined the street.
As we continued to walk, the Prague Castle came into view, gracing the sky. The castle, built in the 9th Century, has evolved over the last been 11 centuries, reflecting not only its many rulers but also the many architectural styles. Currently, Václav Klaus, the President of the Czech Republic, calls this his home. Although reaching the castle requires a long walk, the hike was well worth the effort. Once on top, the views of the city were incredible.
Working up an appetite, we sought a restaurant and were fortunate to find one next door to a wine tasting event. We tasted some “cidre,” alcoholic pear and apple cider—very tasty! We enjoyed a simple dinner with pork and ham, and bacon wrapped green beans.
The next morning, we took walks around the Jewish Quarters. The Old Jewish Cemetery was haunting and sad, but so important to see. Tombstones were visible on top of the hill, bodies of Holocaust victims lay in piles beneath. Also, in the area is The Old-New Synagogue, the oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe, built in the 13th century. For visitors with more time, there are many Jewish museums you can visit in this area of Prague.
Prague is truly a beautiful, romantic city. When I posted on Facebook that I had been in Prague, one of my neighbors wrote: “That’s where I went on my honeymoon. Isn’t it so beautiful?” Yes, it IS beautiful and worthy of such praise.
