Tourist Attractions & Monuments Czech Republic

This important place of pilgrimage was built between 1626 and 1750. The main facade (baroque in inspiration) is the work of the Dientzenhofer family, is of great harmony. The horizontal and vertical lines that compose it are a perfect balance game. Its tower houses a set of twenty-seven bells that play a very soft melody every hour for several minutes.

Inside, the sanctuary, also called "Santa Casa", is according to legend one of the houses of Nazareth that the angels deposited all over the world. There are more than fifty "Santa Casa" in Bohemia, but the most famous is the Santa Casa de Loreto in Italy. The Prague one was built by G.-B. Orsi at the beginning of the 17th century. Its stuccoes were of course made by Italian craftsmen: we will see the remains of the old frescoes, a statue of the Madonna in cedar wood and a silver altar.

Go directly to the first floor of the cloister: it is here that the "Prague Sun", a dazzling golden monstrance with more than 6,000 flaming diamonds, is kept in the Treasury room. All these jewels are a gift from Countess Ludmilla Eva von Kolowrat, who had wished to see her jewellery so assembled after her death. The work was designed by the Viennese architect Fischer von Erlach. Masses in Loreta are held on Saturdays at 7:30 am, Sundays at 6 pm, and at 8:30 am on holidays and at 6:30 pm on weekdays.

It's more of an avenue than a square. It must be recognized that with its 750 m length and 60 m width, it has the dimensions! It is a major commercial axis, a little too much so, since neon advertising tends to invade its facades. So, to fully appreciate it, you have to go up or down it by the middle promenade, between the traffic lanes, and, above all, look up to appreciate the superb buildings that border it. But it is the passages on the ground floor that are most surprising. With a great architectural coherence despite the diversity of styles, the square is dominated by the very imposing National Museum (Národní muzeum) which closes the perspective to the east. In the background too, the flow of cars on the "masterful". This absurd urban highway, built in the 1970s for "pragmatic urban control" purposes, causes a gap in the urban fabric that various development plans are now seeking to erase. Wenceslas Square remains full of recent and distant historical memories. Until 1983, trams operated on the square, which is now reserved for authorized vehicles.

Equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas. It is always at the foot of this statue, at the foot of the museum, that demonstrations, petitions or improvised public debates are organised. The equestrian statue of the saint, a bronze made in 1912 by the "national sculptor" Myslbeck, is a copy. The original work is located in Vyšehrad Park.

Memorial to Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc. Not far from the statue of St. Wenceslas, a memorial marks the site where student Jan Palach set himself on fire in 1969 to protest against the invasion by Warsaw Pact troops. A cross was also installed in 2000 to honour his memory. Below, on the balcony of the Melantrichova building, Havel spoke on a certain day in November 1989, and it was the Velvet Revolution.

The Lucerna Palace (Palác Lucerna) and its passage. Among the passages of the square, the Lucerna passage is the most spectacular. Dating from the early 20th century, this gallery designed by Václav Havel (grandfather of former President Václav Havel) is a fine example of Art Nouveau. It is here, under the dome, that you can admire David's curious creation Černý : Kůň Considered by some to be a parody of Wenceslas' statue, this is a knight sitting on the belly of his overthrown horse.

Art nouveau and Art deco. Some of the buildings that border the square are remarkable for their architecture. On the square, halfway up the hill, the facade of the former hotel of the Grand Hotel Europa will take you back to the Austro-Hungarian empire of the beginning of the century. A prestigious example of the Prague Secession, down to the smallest detail, from the arabesques of balconies to those of interior staircase railings, everything is refined. In the same style, the Koruna Palace, at the corner of Wenceslas Square and Na Příkopě, takes its name from the canteen that was installed there and where you could have lunch for 1 Kč, a long time ago. Look up at the monumental statues of Sucharda, leaning against the chimneys of the palace. Prague's narrowest, the facade of the Koruna, on the Na side Příkopě, is a marvel of lines and proportions that announces the Art Deco style.

Vladislav had this convent built for the Order of the Premonstratensians in 1140, damaged several times by war and fire, and then rebuilt, its current appearance dates back to the Baroque period (17th and 18th centuries). After the dissolution of the religious orders in 1952, the monastery was transformed into a museum of national literature that boasts a magnificent library. This confirms its role as a cultural centre, which it has been since the first years of its creation.

A certified French-speaking guide, Rezki offers two daily tours, one starting at 11 a.m. for the Old Town and Jewish Quarter (2 hours). The other begins at 2 p.m. (3 hours) and is devoted to visiting the castle and the districts of Hradčany and Malá Strana. The meeting point is to the right of St. Nicholas Church, on Old Town Square (Staré Město naměsti). It's easy to find your guide: he carries a blue umbrella. Rezki also organizes day and night cruises on the Vltava.

In a radiant Gothic style, the church, built between 1365 and 1470, was the place of worship of the Hussites until 1621 and remains the largest church on this bank of the Vltava River. It has no facade on the square, being surrounded by the arcades of merchant houses, but dominates the space of its two arrows, 70 m high, which stand out nicely on the Prague sky. Facing the church, you will notice that the left arrow is slightly lower and narrower than the right. These types of arrows are called "Adam and Eve". The construction of the church, a magnificent Gothic building, began in 1365 on the site of another Gothic church that had itself been built on the site of a Romanesque building. Its impressive arrows date from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The Golden Virgin on the façade today is actually an old golden chalice, symbol of the Hussites, melted in 1621 and reused (this is what we now call recycling!). Inside, after observing the impressive volumes of the main nave, a superb mixture of Gothic and Baroque (the Baroque vault dates from the 1689 fire) can be admired as well as magnificent witnesses of the period, the gothic canopy made of stone by Matěj Rejsek, pewter baptismal fountains, the oldest in existence today (1414), the 14th century stone pulpit, or the tomb of Tycho de Brahe, a famous Danish astronomer who came to Prague at the invitation of Emperor Rudolph II. Some works by the famous Czech painter Karel Škréta can also be seen on the altar panels. The church is completely integrated into the urban fabric, since its entrance is accessed through a private house. A legend tells us that in one of the neighbouring houses, and not just any house, since it was the one where Franz Kafka grew up, the service could be followed from a window facing directly into the nave. It owes its name of Tyn to the presence next to a former merchant's courtyard, once a major trading place in Prague, today a very beautiful courtyard, still located behind the church, welcoming shops, restaurants and bars.

As you exit, take the small alleyway of the Týn, which leads into the old town. You will be able to admire, on the tympanum, using as much as possible the little distance offered by the alley, very beautiful reliefs representing the passion of Christ.

Vyšehrad, which means "Castle of the Heights," was the first stronghold of the Bohemian kings in the 11th and 12th centuries, before it was supplanted by Hradčany. A legend says that this is where the history of Prague actually began. It says that the Czech kings chose this place to build their seat and that it was from here that Countess Libuše predicted the glory of the future city she saw spread out at her feet. There are many other legends connected with the history of Vyšehrad, such as that of Šemík, the horse that threw itself off the rock to save its master Horymír. Today, the place is a bit shunned by foreign visitors, because it is a bit out of the way, but this is also what makes it so charming: if you like to be quiet on a walk, take the opportunity (see our "walk" box in this same chapter). The ramparts, impressive by their thickness, seem to protect us here from the bustle of the city. Pragians come to stroll around on weekends to enjoy this peaceful haven just a few subway stops from the city center. On your own walk, don't hesitate to go up to the cliff for the beautiful view of Prague Castle on the other side of the river and watch the Vltava river flow along the docks saturated with cars during rush hour. The noise that often rises up to here seems unreal in this quiet, green place. With this abandon and mystery, Vyšehrad, with its almost rural character, is a romantic place for a walk, a stroll through Czech history and mythology.

The Devil's Column. At the edge of the path, on the way up to Vyšehrad Castle, you can see a column broken into three pieces. According to a legend, a priest of Vyšehrad had sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his services on earth. Shortly before his death, the priest regretted this agreement and sought a way to recant. A clause stipulated that the contract would be cancelled if the devil failed to fulfill one of the priest's wishes. He asked St. Peter for advice, and he suggested that the devil should bring a column from the church of Our Lady in Rome and place it in Vyšehrad during the service. The devil flew to Rome, brought the column back to Prague, but St. Peter, to help the priest, made the wind rise, and the column escaped the devil's hands three times. When the devil arrived after the mass and was furious at his loss, he threw the column at the cathedral. The column broke into three pieces, which can still be seen on the roadside in Vyšehrad.

The gates. The site is surrounded by high walls, the remains of its transformation into a fortress in the 17th century, and it is necessarily through a gate(brána) that you will approach it. If you arrive from the metro station, you will pass under the Tabór gate (Táborská brána). It is surrounded by a moat (today it is used as a tennis court). It dates from the 17th century. Continuing towards the St. Martin's Rotunda, you pass by the ruins of the Špička Gate and then under the Leopold Gate (Leopoldova brána), a Baroque building from 1670, partly designed by Carlo Lurago. If you come from the Vltava River quays via Vratislavova Street, you will pass under the Brick Gate (Cihelná brána). It was completed in 1842 by Chotek. The vaulted casemates at the entrance are worth a visit for their architecture, but also for the small exhibition about the history of the Vyšehrad fortifications.

St. Martin's Rotunda. Near the entrance, it is a Romanesque church built in the 11th century. It is the oldest monument in Vyšehrad. Sanctuary of the first Bohemian king Vratislav II, it has had various uses over the years: shelter for the poor and even a police station. A cannonball was embedded in the walls of the rotunda in 1757, when Prague was conquered by the Prussian armies.

Old and new deanery. Near the Old Deanery are the remains of the St. Lawrence Basilica, an 11th century church that stood next to the old royal complex. It was later remodeled in the Gothic style and destroyed during the Hussite wars of 1420, but its existence was not rediscovered until the 1920s. Excavations have also uncovered the remains of a building dating from the year 1000, under the basilica.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Kostel svatého Petra a Pavla). It was originally a church of the eleventh century, of which only a few foundations and the sarcophagus St. Longin remain, probably originally used to house members of the Přemyslid royal family. The present appearance of the church owes much to the neo-Gothic reconstruction carried out by Mocker in 1885.

National Pantheon (Slavin). The most famous cemetery in the Czech Republic dedicated by "the grateful fatherland" to "great men" (and women). See below for a detailed description.

Gothic cellar. Small exhibition on the history of Vyšehrad in the bowels of the old medieval castle.

After the visit. You will have to go back down to the Vltava river banks following the same path as on the way out. Afterwards, we recommend crossing the river by the railway bridge and heading to Petřín Hill to extend this green day.

It owes its name, "Theatre of the States", to the Bohemian States that subsidized its construction in 1783. It was largely financed by Joseph II and displays a very elegant neoclassical style. Prague's oldest theatre owes its fame to the fact that it hosted the world premiere of Don Giovanni under the baton of its creator W.-A. Mozart (who had already conducted The Marriage of Figaro here). Today, the building is perfectly rehabilitated and it is a real pleasure to attend a show in the neobaroque decorated hall. This theatre is also famous for having been the site of the first Czech-language performances during the period of the "National Revival", when the official language was German. Today, ballets and operas are performed there, mostly from Mozart's repertoire. The theatre is curiously located between two long squares: Ovocný Trh, the former fruit market, and Uhelný Trh, the former coal market. In the space between these two squares lay the old city of St. Gallen, a Romanesque town built at the foot of the Old Town walls around 1225. Also in front of the facade of this theatre, on Ovocný Trh Square, there is a small ice rink accessible to all in winter (only skates can be rented for a fee): one of the most beautiful attractions in Prague in winter for those who love romantic clichés!

This chapel dates from the same period as the cathedral. It was originally a cemetery chapel, built on two floors and including an ossuary. After the departure of the Jesuits to Kutná Hora, the chapel found other uses. Goods were stored there, and later it became a workshop for building organs. It took a long renovation to restore its lustre and make it one of the most beautiful examples of the late Gothic style in the Czech Republic.

The construction of this large Baroque garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) took place from 1623 to 1631. Protected from the city by a long wall, it is a haven of peace. Two rows of bronze statues, signed Adrien de Vries, form a hedge of honour up to the loggia (salla terrena), a beautiful architectural element decorated with paintings by B. Bianco. On the other hand, a piece of water of beautiful proportions no longer overlooks the merry-go-round, which has become an exhibition gallery and is accessible from the Malostranská station.

Prague is an exceptional city, and nothing beats a cruise on the Vltava River to discover its beauty. This company offers daily cruises from the center of the city, for periods of one or two hours. For those on a tight budget, the 1-hour option is very affordable and allows you to enjoy this splendid moment without breaking the bank. To treat yourself, you can opt for a two-hour cruise with dinner on board. Tickets are available online or directly on site: the Kamina boat is used as a boarding terminal.

This street has kept an almost unspoilt historical atmosphere, dominated by Baroque houses and palaces. It was named after the poet Jan Neruda, who spent his youth there and followed the royal road, which led the kings to the castle at the time of their coronation. It was once the main communication route to Prague Castle, and today the shops are well integrated, leaving the past behind. Most of the houses carry signs that indicated the profession or origin of their occupants at a time when the street lots were not yet numbered. Thus you will pass successively in front of the house Aux trois violons (U tří houslišek), at number 12, property of the famous violin maker T. Edlinger; A la coupe d'or (U zlaté číše), at number 16, whose sign refers to the former owner, the goldsmith B. Schumann. Baroque palaces are nowadays the headquarters of foreign embassies. Thus, the Morzin Palace, at No. 5, now the Romanian Embassy, is the work of Santini (1713-1714). Two spectacular Moors, sculpted by F.-M. Brokof, support a low balcony and two magnificent portals, allegories of day and night, adorn the façade. The Thun-Hohenstein Palace, at No. 20, now the Italian Embassy, was built on a project by Santini. Two stone carved eagles, made by M. B. Braun, frame the portal. Some houses have become hotels, so don't hesitate to come in to see the inside.

It was built by Marc Mordechai Maisel, primate of the Jewish community, between 1590 and 1592 after receiving the approval of Rudolph II. In 1689, a fire destroyed the area and the old synagogue was rebuilt. Its current appearance dates from between 1893 and 1905, in the neo-Gothic style. Then it was transformed by the Nazis into a warehouse for furniture from the spoliations of deportees' apartments. The exhibition The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia in the 20th and 18th centuries has been installed here (another part of the exhibition is in the Spanish synagogue). We get to know the Jewish population and the historical data on this territory, the legal and social situation of their ancestors. You can learn interesting things about Jewish wisdom and some of their representatives from the Renaissance period.

In the display cases there are many tin and silver objects classified by theme, you will see crowns that decorated the Torah scrolls or small artificial hands that helped to follow the text. Most of these objects were stored by the Nazis in order to open a kind of giant Jewish museum in Prague.

Maiselova Street presents a succession of buildings, mostly Secession, which punctuate the space in beautiful verticals. Particular attention should be paid to numbers 3, 5, 7, 9 and 21, the latter being the work of architects F. Weyr and R. Klenka (1911).

In the Troja district, the zoo is located in the middle of hills and dominates the city. Some species are part of conservation programmes in collaboration with WWF. The site is also ideal for a pleasant walk: hill and cliff between which you can walk, or take a small individual chairlift. We won't miss the adorable meerkats, far from being the biggest animals in the zoo, but probably among the most endearing.

This impressive synagogue does not go unnoticed with its neo-Moorish style and varied colors. The interior is just as striking and well worth a visit. This synagogue, sometimes referred to as Velká Synagoga (Great Synagogue), is Prague's newest and was built at the beginning of the ^20th century. Inside, note the organs, signed by the Czech Emanuel Štěpán, and the division of the space into two levels, one strictly reserved for women, the other for men.

This busy street, parallel to the old ramparts, leads to Wenceslas Square, passing in front of the central post office. At the other end is the Jindrisska Tower, built in the 15th century. It was successively watchtower and bell tower of the Saint-Henri church. Among the most notable buildings on the street, the one housing the central post office (whose main hall is superb). In the typical Prague Secession style, the Mucha Museum is also a few steps away.

The most famous cemetery in the Czech Republic dedicated by "the grateful homeland" to "great men" (and women). In addition to top athletes, soldiers and politicians, you will find the tombs of the composers Dvořak and Smetana and the tombstones of many men and women of letters: Božena Nemcová, Karel and Josef Čapek, Karel Hynek Mácha... Other artists such as Mikulaš Aleš and the actor Vlasta Burian, are also buried there.

Since the place Zelný Trh, by borrowing small rue Petrská (in the Southwest of the place), one reaches the hill of Petrov, on which the cathedral of Brno is drawn up. Surrounded by the complex of the palaces of the bishopric (Biskupský Palác), the church is surmounted by impressive romantic arrows, quickly become symbols of the town of Brno. Built on the campsite of the first castle of the city and a basilica of romanesque style (and perhaps even of a temple dedicated to Venus), this church, Gothic in the beginning, were set fire to by the Swedes in 1645. It was rebuilt in baroque style, then refitted in Gothic style in XIX^e century. Inside, one from the start is crushed (it is the goal besides) by the main altar, high with 12 m and is decorated, in particular, of the statues of saint Pierre and holy Paul, carved by the Viennese Josef Leimer in 1881. The very high stained-glass windows, behind the altar, absolutely superb, are extremely coloured and rich person of thousand details. This part of the building which surrounds the altar enjoys a major and hot light, contrasting with the rest of the building cream color. Perhaps this interior hides a secrecy: specialists are checking the assumption according to which the cathedral would still preserve the bones of saint Constantine, the pere of Christianity in Central Europe. One will be able to climb at the top of a tower to admire the city. Or to go down in the crypt from XII^e century.

The path goes up the valley of Skalní Potok to discover the most beautiful rock formations of the reserve. This is the most used path. A path climbs (don't look down too much...) to the ruins of Střmen Castle, a wooden fort destroyed by the Hussites in 1447. From there, the view is superb. From the town of Teplice, another path runs along the Kraví Hora (703 m) and Supí Skálý (771 m) mountains to visit other rock formations.

Shorter than the Diana funicular, it will take you to the most massive hotel in town, from where you can enjoy a great view of the valley. To tell the truth, it is especially interesting if you stay at the hotel. But the view is so beautiful from the hotel that we recommend you to take the funicular and have a tea or refreshment in the Belle Époque lounges during the sunset. A splendid view is guaranteed.

Ideal for discovering the most important parts of the city in just three hours, Pragueway takes you on a guided tour to discover the most beautiful sights. Forget about the bus, the car or the bike and experience a cultural moment of fun on a Segway or e-scooter. Experienced guides will tell you the history of the city and give you complete information about life in Prague. The tours cover a variety of topics. The tours are in English, but audio guides are available in a dozen languages.

What could be more fun than a Segway tour of Prague, accompanied by a private, multilingual guide? Ideally located in the city, Euro Segway offers several types of tours for individuals or groups, lasting from 1 to 3 hours (from €49 per person). You can see the tour routes on their website. Before each tour, you have a short lesson to learn how to handle the vehicle; they then provide you with a helmet, a bottle of water and even take photos. New, e-scooter tours are now available!

With small groups (usually a maximum of 8 or 12 people is respected), Prague Urban Adventures takes you to discover a few outlying districts (Vinohrady, Žikov) and offers you an introduction to Czech culinary culture and its delicious beers during three English language tours. Their "Czech Beer and Tapas" tour includes 5 beers and 4 traditional snacks in iconic breweries and taverns. An excellent way to discover the local culture in more depth with enthusiastic local guides!

This museum opened in Malá Strana in 2020 and presents the famous Czech plum liqueur, slivovitz. Although little known in France, it is nevertheless a product of very high quality, which the family of Rudolf Jelínek, with its ancestral know-how, has perpetuated to this day. The museum focuses on an immersive, educational and modern experience (5D show with virtual reality, tasting...) and the result is exceptional. It also offers a very enlightening presentation of the rural history of the Czech Republic in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The immense hill of Petřín, which rises towards Strahov and dominates the Vltava, is a pleasant wooded park where countless paths wind through apple and pear trees. There are few buildings here, and people come here above all to breathe clean air, away from cars and coal fumes, and enjoy the view. The park's panoramic view of the city and the castle is breathtaking by day and night, thanks to Prague's magical lighting.

The rear of the Town Hall forms the forecourt of the white St. Nicholas Church (Kostel Svatého Mikuláše), designed by the great Baroque architect K. I. Dientzenhofer and built between 1732 and 1737. A chandelier of astonishing dimensions hangs from the interior. In season, concerts are held at the church almost every day, at 10am and 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, one hour before the concert. To the left of the church, we recommend a stop in front of Franz Kafka's birthplace.

Built in the last century, where in 1262 Přemysl Otakar II was crowned, this park offers opportunities for walks and incomparable views of the city. The place used to host crowds during the traditional May^Day parades. However, on November 25, 1989, Pragians witnessed the Victory handshake between Václav Havel and Alexander Dubček. From the top of the hill, a giant statue of Stalin (30 m high) dominated the city for a while. Its construction in 1953 took 500 days and saw the suicide of its author Otakar Švec, just before the completion of his work. Embarrassed by this excessive and omnipresent personality cult, the government proceeded to destroy it in 1962. The stone colossus was blown up with dynamite and its remains used as fill in the construction sites of the time. Today it is replaced by an unexpected giant (mobile) metronome, which symbolizes the passing of time. Skaters are particularly fond of this area, as are the partygoers who gather here in the summer. Those who prefer to watch sports also know the place well, as the Sparta stadium is located nearby. But of course, you can also just walk along the paths to the Royal Gardens and Prague Castle, or take a break at the Hanavský Pavilion, a reminder of the 1891 exhibition. The neo-baroque style of the pavilion heralds the nearby Art Nouveau. The view from its terrace is exceptional.

That is where the main international lines go. The building is worth a glance: built by Josef Fanta between 1907 and 1909, it is typically Art Nouveau, and a pilgrimage is required in the old lost room. It is the second largest Secession Building in Prague after the Municipal House. The large central dome is still impressive, much more than the grand aisles of the modern train station, built under the historic railway station.

Essential to plan your stay: you will have everything in front of you here. A lot of information, brochures in all languages (practical information, guided tours, etc.), and above all a complete list of current events, particularly valuable in a city like Prague where cultural events are busy and changing. Tickets for concerts or other events can also be purchased there at sometimes advantageous rates. The offices are located in the old town hall, just next to the Astronomical Clock.

Prague Boats, the Prague equivalent of our fly boats, has a fleet of luxurious and modern boats that offer environmentally friendly cruises on the Vltava River. It is a unique opportunity to discover Prague's greatest monuments through their night lighting, while enjoying an excellent gourmet meal combining Czech authenticity with the refinement of modern cuisine, all in an elegant and refined atmosphere with the presence of a pianist on the boat. Perfect for a romantic dinner!

The crowning achievement of Prague's red hours: the Žižkov television and radio tower. At 216 meters high, its futuristic spire looks like something out of a Bilal comic strip. Its construction, between 1985 and 1992, provoked much controversy. Take the elevator for a 93-metre high, 360° panoramic view. You can even enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in the beautiful café-restaurant Oblaca, or at Miminoo, at the foot of the tower with its large terrace in the Mahler Gardens.

The building (Schwarzenberský palác) that faces Prague Castle is certainly the most beautiful Renaissance palace in Prague. It was built between 1545 and 1563 by Agostino Galli (known as Vlach). The entire facade is covered with Venetian-style sgraffito and diamond-tipped boss designs, the typical decorative element of this period, which is very nice to see from the side of Hradčanské Square and from Malá Strana's Nerudova Street where the perspective changes completely. The galleries of the Schwarzenberg Palace provide a prestigious setting for part of the wonderful art collection of the National Gallery. The other part is now on display in the Sternberg Palace. The exhibition, which will open in 2022, will showcase the works of both Czech and European Old Masters. The exhibition will feature magnificent paintings from various schools and periods from the pre-Renaissance to the Baroque. The national painter Karel Škréta (1610-1674), who is considered to have introduced Baroque painting to Prague, has his own room dedicated to him, with fifteen masterpieces to discover.

Like other buildings in the National Gallery, the visit is as much about the works on display as it is about the building itself. Be sure to look up regularly to admire the splendidly carved ceilings, and don't miss the stucco decorations, mirrors, floors and fireplaces that embellish each room.

It is a baroque garden, built along a hill, hence its steep stairs, terraces and balustrades. It was made according to F.-M. Kaňka's plans in 1720 and the statues that decorate its aisles come from the Braun workshop. Its beauty makes it a museum of baroque garden architecture. In the lower part is the sala terrana, a small summer pavilion decorated with frescoes. As we climb up, we are rewarded with a superb view of Malá Strana and the castle.

Next to the Municipal House and at the beginning of Celetná Street, this tall black Gothic tower marks one of the former entrances to the city walls, which had a total of thirteen gates. It is always the impression she gives, so great is the excitement at her feet throughout the day. Dominating Náměstí Republiky, it was on the road to Kutna Hora. If a first tower existed on this site in the 13th century, the construction of the powder magazine tower began in 1475, and it was not until the 17th century, before being massively bombed by the Prussians in 1757, that it was used for powder storage, hence its name. After a century of neglect, having been largely destroyed in the conflict, it finally underwent a renovation campaign in 1886, led by Josef Mocker, in a neo-Gothic style. A high roof and statues representing Czech kings and saints were added, creating harmony with the city's other bell towers, particularly those of Notre-Dame-devant-le-Týn, as the tower had definitively lost its military role. Today, you can climb to the top and contemplate the panoramic view of the city while lingering in front of a small historical exhibition highlighting the different towers of Prague through history, not only historical towers, like this one, but also more recent ones like Petrin's or Žižkov's huge television tower.

On this small triangular square (that's what its name means), you will notice the baroque facades or the beautiful Renaissance grid that surrounds the well. The latter is dominated by the Bohemian lion. At No. 3, Rott's neo-Renaissance style house, covered with sgraffitoes, was built by Mikolaš Aleš and still houses the city's largest (now "luxury") hardware store. Patterns decorating the façade evoke the goods on offer.

This prestigious avenue, which runs from Staroměstské Náměstí towards the Čechův Most bridge, owes its name to the Parisian model of Haussmann breakthroughs. This elegant succession of tall buildings harmoniously blends historical elements with Art Nouveau ornamentation. Of particular note is no. 19, a handsome Secession building by Bedřich Bendelmayer. No. 15 is a stunning neo-Gothic building by M. Blecha (1906). The Art Nouveau-style interior staircase is remarkable.

The location of the cathedral, outside the city, was dictated by the density of galleries and underground mines that weakened the basements. Look up at the amazing gargoyles and the thousand details of the buttresses.

The construction of this monumental church lasted one hundred and seventy years! Begun by Petr Parler (the architect of the Charles Bridge in Prague), it also featured the participation of Benedikt Rejt, author of the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle. He notably created the vault of the central nave of Sainte-Barbe Cathedral.

The total of five naves is now indicative of the megalomania of the initial project that was never carried out (the local nobility had planned to build the largest cathedral in Central Europe...). A singular and superb vault, therefore, undoubtedly the most spectacular in the region, or even in the country, whose pillars flourish in a multitude of stone petals. Inside the ribs you can detail the coats of arms of the city's great families and those of the trade guilds. Keep your eyes up and you will see the four statues showing the virtues added in the 18th century, as well as the organ from the same period. Several interesting frescoes dating from the late 15th century have been painted behind the altar, including the Crucifixion and the Queen of Sheba. At the back, the Art Nouveau stained glass windows offer a harmonious contrast to this medieval scenario.

The Church of the Sacred Heart (kostel Srdce Páně, 1933) is an incredible blend of classicism, Art Nouveau and functionalism. The church's aircraft carrier shape and huge clock surprised many at its inauguration, but the building was eventually adopted by the residents. The square (Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad), against the backdrop of Žižkov's futuristic tower, has become a friendly place to stroll. Animations take place there, in particular flea markets.

A little higher up than the Château, Place Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is a haven of peace and quiet. This important place of pilgrimage was built between 1626 and 1750 by the family of the famous Dientzenhofer. The design is reminiscent of Italian churches: the architect was in fact commissioned to draw inspiration from the sanctuary of Loreto, near Ancona, and he succeeded marvelously, which explains the church's name. Its tower houses a set of 27 bells that play a melody every hour for several minutes, gently giving rhythm to life in the neighborhood.

Inside, the sanctuary, also called " Santa casa ", is, according to legend, one of the houses of Nazareth that the angels deposited all over the world. There are more than fifty Santa Casas in Bohemia, and all are the object of major pilgrimages, although none has attained the aura of the Santa Casa in Loretto, Italy.

The interior is a masterpiece of decoration. Paintings, gilding, sculptures and relics form a busy but always harmonious whole. In the Treasure Room, don't miss the "Prague Sun", a dazzling gold monstrance with flaming rays, set with 6,222 diamonds. For enthusiasts, the treasury also houses an impressive collection of cult objects assembled over the last few centuries from various regions and countries of Europe. A priceless religious (and financial) treasure!

Strahov's theological library, designed by the architect G.-D. Orsi (1671-1679), contains more than 16,000 volumes under vaults decorated with frescoes and stuccoes that praise studies and books. The philosophical room, by I.-J. Palliardi, is much more classical (a century apart) and was designed with pre-existing furniture in mind. The famous ceiling fresco, which illustrates the history of mankind, is the last work of F. Maulbertsch.

On the hill of Český Krumlov, the imposing castle complex assembles volumes built around five inner courtyards and gardens that stretch out into the countryside. The second largest castle in the Czech Republic (the complex consists of nearly forty buildings) after Prague Castle, it shares with the latter impressive dimensions and a commanding location above the city and the Vltava River. The courtyards and other elements are connected by passages and footbridges that make the visit very entertaining. The city has always developed around the castle, according to the families who owned it. A small fortress founded in the middle of the 13th century by the Víkovici family, it was constantly enlarged to satisfy the ambitions and power of its rich owners. In 1302, the founding family died out. The period of the most important works began, carried out by the Rožmberk family, especially during the 16th century. It became the main residence of this family. Their emblem, a red rose, adorns many rooms of the castle. In the 18th century, the Eggenberk family (1622-1719) and the Schwarzenberg family (1719 onwards) carried out numerous Baroque renovations: construction of the Bellarie riding hall and belvedere, remodeling of the chapel, decoration of the carnival hall (prodigious trompe l'oeil of a masked ball with Pierrot, Harlequin and all the characters of the commedia dell'arte), construction of the new castle theater and the beautiful bridge (Pláštový most) formed by a three-story corridor supported by high piers.. In 1938, Krumlov was annexed to Austria by the Nazis, who expropriated the Schwarzenbergs. The Czech minority was expelled. In 1945, the city was liberated and the German population was in turn expelled. The Czechs from Krumlov and other parts of the country repopulated Krumlov.

Depending on how much time you have to devote to the visit, choose from one of the tours offered: one gives a complete overview of the original Renaissance and Baroque rooms, while another focuses more on the history of the Schwarzenberg family.

The first courtyard is characterized by a sloping ground. It was the center of local economic life under the Schwarzenbergs. It is surrounded by an old pharmacy (14th century, facades covered with sgraffiti), a hospital, stables from the 16th century, a gothic residence, an old farm, a dairy, a forge, a brewery. In short, a real small town in its own right. A stone bridge allows you to cross the moat. At the bottom of the moat, you will see bears. These animals are, by tradition and then by interest (big success with children), kept here in captivity since the 16th century! The moat is quite green, vast, but it is obvious that the animals are bored.

Past the plantigrades' pit, we reach the next courtyard, dominated by the 13th-century Gothic palace (Hrádek, transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century). The tower that defended it has been elevated with beautiful arcade galleries. The Renaissance tower dominates the whole city and has become its symbol. Its elegance, the richness of its ornaments contrast with the high walls (40 m high) austere. You can climb up this round tower of the castle.

Around two slightly dark courtyards, this part of the castle has been continuously developed between the 14th and 18th centuries. Several rooms of the buildings which compose it can be visited. The most beautiful is the Salle des Masques. It was used for large balls and receptions, as shown by the superb trompe l'oeil paintings (1748) whose colorful and smiling characters invite to the party. In other rooms, furniture from different periods, a collection of tapestries from Brussels, or an impressive 17th century gilded coach. Don't miss a walk through the cellars, which are arranged on several levels. The cellars are named after Wenceslas IV who was imprisoned there in 1394. Today, they are frequently used to display ceramics by local and international artists.

Zámecké Divadlo You will have to "undertake" the crossing of the ravine to reach this other jewel of the Krumlov castle. It is a beautiful rococo theater built in 1680 by the Eggenbergs. It is exceptional and precious for the history of this art, because it has been perfectly preserved. Thus, the room, the sets, the costumes, but also the wooden machinery are the same as in the beginning. It still gives very popular performances.

Not far away is the former riding school, the " gateway" to the castle gardens.The gardens were laid out by Johann Christian von Eggenberg (who built the Baroque theater) and are a pleasant extension of the visit, with pavilions such as the rococo Bellaria pleasure pavilion, the music pavilion, a fountain with waterfalls, a winter riding school, and a vinarná around a large fireplace. Natural areas and formal flowerbeds are combined. The garden also houses a revolving theater, the setting for the summer festival. This is a surprising place: here it is not the stage that turns, but the spectators' stands.

It's a masterpiece! A true baroque manifesto, rich and complex. The ensemble, tower and dome, located in the axis of the Charles Bridge, compose with the horizontal of the castle a perfect balance.

The church is located where, centuries before, there was a small Gothic sanctuary. It was built in the first half of the 18th century. To save space, it was necessary to raze almost a dozen bourgeois houses, destroy two streets, a parish and a school. King Leopold II laid his foundation stone in 1673. The plans are the work of Dientzenhofer and Lurago, who built the tower. The church brings together and marries ingeniously all the elements of a Baroque symphony: curves, counter curves, gildings, trompe-l'oeil, marbles... A great moment of jubilation. Its main façade, very dynamic, decorated with a statue of Saint Augustine by J. Kohl (1684), is particularly impressive. The interior is also a marvel of baroque composition. The decoration is the work of important artists.

Inside, a magnificent trompe l'oeil fresco covers the ceiling. Representing the life of Saint Nicholas, it covers an incredible area of almost 1,500 m² and is the work of Jan Lukáš Kracker, the Austrian painter. The dome of the tower was decorated by François Xavier Balko who painted a fresco in a style that already opens the way to the rococo. It was Ignác Platzer and his workshop who worked on the fifty or so statues (notably that of Saint Nicholas, gilded, on the main altar). The pink artificial marble covering the columns and walls adds to the rich appearance of the interior of this magnificent building. On the left, the altar dedicated to the Virgin is decorated with a Gothic statuette, a Black Virgin. The paintings are copies made from originals by P. -P. Rubens kept at the National Gallery in Prague. During the visit, don't miss climbing up to the bell tower to enjoy the superb view of the city: you never get tired of following the tramway ballet winding through the winding streets of Mala Strana, the flow of tourists on the Charles Bridge, the boat tours on the Vltava River and the tiled roofs in all directions! In the late afternoon around 5pm, you may have the chance to attend a concert. Particularly moving, Mozart's Requiem was performed in this church for the first time, fifteen days after the composer's death.

An ancient synagogue existed here as early as the ^11th century, between the old Jewish cemetery and the Horowitz house. The Pinkas synagogue was founded by Rabbi Pinkas in 1479 and enlarged by Aaron Meshulam Horowitz, a member of his family, in 1535. In the ^17th century, a gallery was added for women, quite different from the one seen in the Vieille-Nouvelle synagogue. This one is a balcony, much more spacious and open to the central nave. Successive floods were the main reason for frequent rebuilding. This synagogue is nicknamed "The Monument of 80,000 Victims", and commemorates all Czech and Moravian Jews who died during the Holocaust. The names of 77,297 people (men, women and children) are inscribed on all walls, along with their precise dates of birth and death, compiled from Nazi archives. The names were erased by damp during the Communist period, but the lists were found and the walls re-engraved after independence. On one wall, the names of the concentration camps are written, one below the other. But this is not the most moving testimony. The second floor is devoted to the drawings of the children of Terezín, created between 1942 and 1944. They were painted by the little ones and kept in a suitcase thanks to their teacher. The colors, subjects and dates weigh heavily on the hearts of everyone who has passed through this synagogue.

Troja Castle is a Baroque-style summer residence on the banks of the Vltava River in Prague's northwest suburbs. Built for the Counts Sternberg, the palace is surrounded by formal gardens featuring an orangery, a labyrinth, numerous fountains and statues. Architect Jean-Baptiste Mathey drew his inspiration from opulent Roman villas. The interior features magnificent salons, sculpted staircases and period paintings.

This group of statues is located at the bottom of Petřín hill, not far from the starting point of the funicular. A row of sculptures of naked and dark men decompose as one rises up the stairs, a symbol of communism that destroys everything to the very flesh of its citizens. The work of Olbram Zoubek (Pomník obětem komunismu), created in memory of the victims of the communist era, has been controversial since its creation and was even damaged in 2003.

The Clementinum is the largest architectural complex in Prague after the castle. Few of its sites are open to the public, but it can be crossed from one end to the other and reach the Charles Bridge. Founded in 1556 by the Jesuits who established their college there, it was built on the site of thirty houses, three churches, ten courtyards and several gardens.

The National Library of the Czech Republic (Národní knihovna České republiky). In 1800, Charles University recovered the whole and installed its library there. Today, the three million volumes constitute the National Library's collection. Some of them, such as the Codex Vysehrad (1085), are of inestimable value.

The astronomical tower (open from Monday to Friday, from noon to 7pm, and on weekends from 10am to 7pm). The ascent allows you to enjoy the panorama, discover 18th century astronomical instruments and explore part of the Baroque National Library.

The Church of St. Savior (Sv. Salvátora). Among the three churches in the complex, Saint-Sauveur is the one closest to the Charles Bridge. Its façade, decorated by Jan Jiří Bendl, one of the most prestigious Czech Baroque sculptors, welcomes visitors from Malá Strana.

The Mirror Chapel (Zrcadlova Kaple). Finally, during concerts, you can visit the Chapelle aux Miroirs, built in 1724 and decorated with many mirrors.

This baroque palace was built on the site of two Gothic houses. Its current appearance dates back to 1700, when the Kaiserstein family took possession of it. You can see his coat of arms above the first floor window. The palace prides itself on having housed two famous sopranos within its walls: Marie Petzold, Libuše's performer in Smetana's opera, and Ema Destinnová, Caruso's partner, whose bust adorns the façade.

The Jewish Museum includes the Ceremony Hall, the Upper Synagogue, the Klaus, Pinkas and Maisel Synagogues, as well as the old Jewish cemetery. So most of the sights of the area except for the Old-New Synagogue. In the synagogues, very beautiful collections of liturgical objects from all over Europe. The visit to the cemetery, as moving as it is, has lost in meditation now that the crowd is rushing along a canalized route.