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The capital of theCzechRepublic is
becoming one of the top destinations
for a city break in Europe–butwhat is
it that draws people back time and time
again to the ‘city of a hundred spires’?
Spire City
W o r d s :
S a r a h R e e s
F
or
those who long for
Europe of the past rather
than the flashymodernism
of the future, Prague is a
perfect place to point your
suitcase. Founded in the
Middle Ages and one of
the best preserved cities in the whole
continent, there is so much beauty and
history, so much to see, that maps can
be thrown aside for the joy of wandering
in curiosity, discovering the gems for
yourself.
Moving forward
Prague, however, isn’t a city with a firm
foothold in the 21st century, having caught
up quickly after being isolated during
the Cold War and is an amazing place
for contemporary art, theatre, music
and food. That said, the Old Town is an
all-consuming slice of the past that pulls
tourists in and charms their socks off,
begging to be captured on camera and
demanding the admiration of all. The
centre of the Old Town is an UNESCO
World Heritage site delight of baroque
buildings, Gothic churches and amedieval
Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410 and
the oldest of its kind in the world still
working.
One of the highlights of this area is
the Charles Bridge, a 520m cobblestone
pedestrian bridge that was commissioned
by King Charles IV in 1357. It is one
of the city’s most iconic spots and is
usually bustling with vendors and artists,
as well as tourists. Expect to fight for
space to admire the river Vltava unless
you can arrive early. For more history
and spectacle, tourists head to the vast
and impressive Prague Castle, which was
founded in the 9th century. As one of the
largest castle complexes in the world, the
Castle covers an area of 45 hectares that
includes gardens, offices, historical palaces
and a church. Learn about a more recent
and hugely influential period of Prague’s
history at the Museum of Communism,
although be prepared for some grim
stories: more than 200,000 Czechs were ar-
rested and 327 shot dead trying to flee the
country during the rule of communism.
This museum shares stories from those
who lived through it, and has a moving
Memorial to the Victims of Communism.
Rich meat
To burst into the current century after
delving into Prague’s past, the art gal-
leries are the direction to walk, with
many superb contemporary art spaces to
delight those looking to be engaged and
challenged. The most forward-thinking of
the galleries is the DOX Centre for Contem-
porary Art, established in 2008 in the artsy
neighbourhood of Holešovice. It is home
to unconventional and thought-provoking
local pieces, shows and discussions. After
Prague attracts
around six
million tourists
each year