Alojamiento en apartamentos, hoteles y pensiones en Praga

CHARLES BRIDGE

Karlùv most joins Staré Mìsto (Old Town) and the Malá Strana (Little Quarter) and is one of the world's most beautiful bridges. The bridge was built in 1357, but the figures of saints were added during the 17th century. They symbolise the confidence of the Catholic Austrian's triumph over the Protestant Hussites. The bridge is thronged all day with tourists, while at night it offers wonderful views of the illuminated castle and Old Town. Go at dawn to be alone and witness the saints emerging from the mist.

WENCESLAS SQUARE

Václavské námìstí­ is actually a boulevard running down from the National Museum and the equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas to Mùstek, formerly the site of of a city gate and drawbridge. This is where crowds traditionally come to demonstrate against their incomperent rulers, and this was where, in 1989, thousands gathered to shake their keys in celebration of the death of the Communist Party. Rows of shops, hotels (note the Art Nouveau glory of Hotel Europa) and nightclubs flank the pavements, and by night it can get a bit sleasy. Thankfully, there are plans to rid the square of cars, bury the highway in front of the museum in a tunnel and have tram N°11 make a come-back.

MUNICIPAL HOUSE  / Obecní Dùm

The magnificent Obecní Dùm building holds two restaurants, a super café, an American bar, a gallery, shop and classical music venue. Built between 1905 and 1910 in the architecturally stunning Art Nouveau style, the Municipal House has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. It was here that the Czechoslovakian state was signed into being on October 28, 1918. It was also here in 1989 that communist bureaucrats and revolution leaders of the Civic Forum discussed the velvet transfer of power and the state's transformation to democracy.

NATIONAL THEATRE / Národní divadlo

This lavish neo-Renaissance building on the bank of the Vltava, with its golden crown of chariot-driving women, is Prague's National Theatre. The building was completed in 1881 and was almost immediately destroyed by fire. It reopened in 1883. See Events for the current programme.

OLD TOWN SQUARE / Staromìstské námìstí

The indisputable heart of Prague. This vast open space is flanked by a pleasing blend of carefully restored architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-styles. The square is notable for its constant hum of activity, day and night, and a long history as centre stage for so many of the city's defining moments, from the execution of preacher J. ®elivský in 1422, to the attacks on Soviet tanks with Molotov cocktails in 1968. Towering above the square, half-hidden behind a row of houses, is the fairy-turreted Týn Church. The centrepiece of the square is a memorial to Jan Hus. It was draped in swastikas by the Nazis and in black cloth to mourn the passing of the Prague Spring.

TOWN HALL 7 ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK / Staromestská radnice

The 14th century Town Hall complex features a tower with an astronomical clock, added in the 15th century. Every hour on the hour Jesus and his disciples lead a pageant that includes the allegorical figures of Death, the Turk, the Miser, the Fool and the Rooster. It sounds more impressive than it actually is, but it's still worth a look. The climb or lift up the tower is rewarded by the stunning views. Admission 50/40/10Kè.

VY©EHRAD

The rocky cliff-top boasts Prague's second castle. In the hearts and minds of many Czechs,  Vy¹ehrad symbolises the birth of the Czech nation and is shrouded in legend and myth. This is apparently the spot where Princess Libu¹e stood and predicted the rise of a great city. Literally translated as 'high castle', it was probably founded in the middle of the 10th century. In 972 Prince Boleslav II built the royal mint here, and in 1085 Vratislav II selected it as his residence. Over the following centuries successive kings remodelled the palace and fortress, but moved their permanent home across the river. Within the fortress confines is the national cemetery (Vy¹ehradský høbitov), which from the 1870s became the final resting place of many of the most famous Czech writers and composers, including Jan Neruda, Bedøich Smetana and Antonín Dvoøák.

more information on http://www.inyourpocket.com/

JEWISH MUSEUM

Prague's Jewish community was one of the oldest in Europe, and rich in history, legend and tragedy. Here, the story goes, Rabbi Loew created the Golem nearly half a millennium ago.

The community was confined to a ghetto until 1781 when Josef II issued the Edict of Tolerance. This edict permitted the free exercise of religion and the secularisation of education, science and art. The Jewish town is called Josefov to this day in honour of Josef II.

The exhibitions of the Jewish Museum in Prague are located in six historic sites:

The Maisel Synagogue, The Pinkas Synagogue, The Spanish Synagogue, The Old Jewish Cemetery, The Klausen Synagogue, The Ceremonial Hall

Opening hours> November - March 9 am - 4.30 pm, April - October 9 am- 6 pm

The museum is open every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Entrance fees:  The Jewish Museum in Prague
Admission charges
Adults - 300 CZK
Under 15s, students and senior citizens - CZK 200.-
Under 6s - free
Tickets valid for  the Robert Guttmann Gallery