Tourist Attractions & Monuments Czech Republic

The theatre on one side and the Slavia café on the other end Narodni Street at the Vltava River and the Legion Bridge. The first, a huge neo-Renaissance vessel, is a manifesto of Czech nationalism at the end of the 20th century (built from 1863 to 1881). Josef Zítek, a professor at the technical college and architect, is in charge of the project. Built thanks to a popular subscription, it had a dramatic start as it was partially destroyed by fire only nine days after the inauguration. Fortunately, we were able to rebuild it on the same subscription! Like that of the Municipal House, the interior decoration of the national theatre was designed by all the great names of the time: Tulka, Aleš and Hynažs, decorator of the stage curtain. Thanks to its modernity and quality equipment, the theatre remained intact for nearly a hundred years, until 1977. It then closed its doors until 1983 for renovation work on the building and its immediate surroundings, including the Legion Bridge (most Légií), which extends Národní, built to facilitate access to the National Theatre. The centenary was celebrated on 18 November 1983 with a performance of Libuše de Smetana. Opened in 1884, the large Slavia café just opposite has become since the opening of the theatre the great meeting place for Prague's intellectuals, and has preserved a sublime Art Deco interior architecture and large bay windows overlooking the Vltava and the castle.

National Avenue extends the Old Town-New Town boundary all the way to the National Theatre and the Vltava River. This artery begins with a surprising rondo-cubist building, the Adria Palace, built in the 1920s by Janák and Zasche, while further along is the glass cube of the Nová Scéna, whose median strip is a delight for skateboarders. The Magic Lantern show takes place inside its curious walls of opaque glass paving stones.

Their ships sail the Vltava all day long, for a tourist purpose, of course, like our Parisian fly boats. On either side of the Charles Bridge, you will be approached by many reelers presenting the various possible routes: the shortest ones just pass under the bridge and below the castle, the longest ones go as far as Vyšehrad. Lunches or dinners, a little like in Paris, are very expensive.

From the castle's third courtyard, a staircase leads through the south wing to the gardens 13 meters below, on the site of the ramparts. Plečnik, who was entrusted with the redevelopment of the former ^16th-century gardens in the 1920s-1930s, cleverly took advantage of this long stretch of land, which joins the upper entrance to the castle via the Paradise Garden. Above all, he took full advantage of the site's orientation to offer lovely views of the city's various districts, which emerge regularly from the greenery as you stroll along. The green spaces as a whole (five gardens, the terrace of the Salle de Manège, the Cerf ditch) cover 30 hectares, tended by thirty gardeners. When Václav Havel came to power, the castle gardens began producing around 500 flowers a day to meet the needs of the presidential residence - a saving of 2 million crowns. Václav Havel also ordered 500 m² of vegetables to be grown, which were used for the president's cooking, as he liked to eat healthy produce. It's a quiet and extremely pleasant place to be after crowding the alleys of the castle complex. From the brick bastion, you can enjoy a sumptuous view over the city, without feeling overwhelmed by the height of the ramparts. From the Na Valech garden, you can descend (in summer only) to Malá Strana via the palace gardens.

Under the name of Palace Gardens (Palácové zahrady pod Pražským hradem) are grouped the different palace gardens of Malá Strana, whose terraces gradually rise towards the castle. We visit them together, passing from one to the other, each one offering a different atmosphere. We appreciate their colours, their different styles and all these isolated benches offering a panoramic view where it is nice to daydream and contemplate the city. It is advisable to visit them while descending from the garden of the castle ramparts. At every step, you can enjoy the view of the city and the river. Unforgettable.

Ledeburská zahrada (Ledebour gardens). This garden, created in the 18th century in Baroque style, is named after Adolf de Ledebour, who owned the neighbouring palace in 1852. It is distinguished by its statues and fountains.

Malá Pálffyovská zahrada (small Palffy gardens). It is the simplest of gardens: few decorative elements, but a lot of greenery. A pleasant contrast.

Velká Pálffyovská zahrada (large Palffy gardens). They were created in 1681, but their present appearance dates back to the middle of the 18th century.

Kolowratská zahrada (Kolowrat gardens). It was created at the end of the 19th century on the site of a destroyed house. Fruit trees and hedges are in the majority.

Malá Fürstenberská zahrada (small Fürstenberg gardens). This garden has been built on the site of former vineyards. The government of the First Republic (1918-1938) sat in the palace and the Senate occupies it today.

Špilberk Hill, which rises to the west of the city centre, dominates the city without overwhelming it. Many visitors start by climbing the hill to get a bird's eye view of Brno before exploring the city. Although the slopes of Špilberk are now forested, they were once left bare to facilitate the defence of the fortress built on top. The first Gothic castle (enveloping type) dates from the 13th century. In the 15th century, the Luxembourg family ruled over the whole of Moravia from here. But there are few traces of this fortified residence. It was completely remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the centuries, the site was attacked, without success, by the Hussites, the huge Swedish army (in 1645) and the Prussians. In 1805, Napoleon took possession of it without fighting, a few days before the Battle of Austerlitz. In 1809, Špilberk was taken again and its outer defence system dismantled. The fortress was later used as a prison and it is to this sad function that Špilberk still owes its reputation today. It was first used as a detention centre by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It became the most famous prison of the empire and a symbol of the struggle of the various nations of the empire for independence. One of the most illustrious guests was the Italian poet Silvio Pellico, who wrote his collection of pamphlets De mes prisons.

St. Thomas Abbey is built in an area where Brno's oldest foundations have been found. The present Gothic church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was built in 1323 as the main building of a Cistercian monastery. The museum pays tribute to the work of the monk-researcher Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884), who conducted his experiments on peas here, making him (only after his death) the founding father of the theory of heredity and the most important precursor of genetics. The complex also includes an experimental garden and a cultural center. In 2022, to mark the bicentenary of the researcher's birth, a comprehensive exhibition on his work was inaugurated in the abbey, presenting it in a playful and interactive way. Facsimiles, photographs, enlarged microscope views and hands-on workshops provide an insight into the workings of dominant and recessive genes and, above all, how they are passed on from one generation to the next, something Mendel discovered in his own time.

The architecture of this abbey is unique in Moravia, and its grey bricks are unusual to say the least. Inside, don't miss the Baroque altar (1762), the giant late-Gothic chandelier and the gold-plated tabernacle. The basilica is also home to the country's oldest (^13th century) wood painting, depicting a highly venerated black Madonna (Černá Madona).

Adjacent to the museum dedicated to Mendel, you can also visit the abbey's brand-new museum, which opened in early 2022. It offers a complete tour of the Augustinian abbey, including the Baroque library with its 4,000 books (a further 23,000 are hidden in secret passages!), followed by the abbey treasury and its magnificent liturgical artefacts. The tour continues with a complete collection of well-preserved tunics and religious vestments from various periods. One room will of course be dedicated to Mendel, but will leave aside his discoveries, well detailed in the museum dedicated to him, to focus instead on the research of his time and his life in the abbey, with numerous personal objects in support. Among the beautiful pieces on display is a Rubens, which belongs to the Augustinian order and was previously exhibited in Prague. A fascinating exhibition.

Opened since 1956, it now houses 300 species of animals worldwide and participates in a series of endangered species protection programs.

The John Lennon wall has gone through various phases since the first tributes to the singer, in the form of frescoes and graffiti, in 1980. In the last years of the communist period, it became a space of protest expression. Repainted in 1989, the graffiti started again very quickly, but without any real link with the ex-Beatles, nor with the protest of a dictatorial regime. Renovated in 2021, a small museum with free access now allows you to see these messages from the past in photos.

East of Velké náměstí Square, this modern art gallery is one of the most prestigious in the country. It is housed in a Secession building and houses a superb permanent collection of 20th century Czech art, the finest outside of Prague. The following artists are represented: Zrzavý, Kubišta, Toyen, Lhoták, Medek... This beautiful building, designed by Osvald Polívka, also hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. The statues at the entrance are by Ladislav Šaloun.

Head down to Berounka, the river that flows at the foot of the castle to take a dip with the locals. After all, the castle is located in the heart of the Český Kras nature reserve known for its caves, paths and swimming spots. You can also reach the artificial Amerika lakes (Malá Amerika, Velká Amerika) by following the yellow marked path at the entrance of the castle. Even in summer, these former sand quarries are empty. Enchanting landscape.

Seeming to float on the Vltava River, this museum has been housed in former mills since September 2003. The works on display are those collected by the Mladek couple. These Czechs had settled in the 1960s in the United States, where they bought works by artists from Central Europe, persecuted by the communist regime. Contemporary works of art are on display that are truly worth a visit. We also come for the views of the river.

One of Prague's finest rococo buildings, located on Old Town Square. The palace was designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer and built by Anselmo Lurago. Reconstruction work is underway until 2024, and the National Gallery's collections have been moved to other buildings. Enter, however, on the first floor, where you'll find the Franz Kafka bookshop, on the almost identical site where his father ran his store.

These beautiful Renaissance gardens, laid out in 1534 by Ferdinand ^I in place of vineyards, were among the finest in the world at the time. Exotic fruits were grown here, and a sumptuous garden was maintained for prestigious royal receptions. The shady paths, well-manicured flowerbeds, impeccable lawns, birds, peace and quiet and passing squirrels are a delight. Today, they are the perfect exit from Prague Castle, providing a magical backdrop for your visit to Mala Strana. If you find them too busy for your taste during the day, don't hesitate to come back in the evening, when the alleys are empty of tourists.

Alongside the deer moat, the Mičovna pavilion is a fine example of Renaissance architecture by the German architect Bonifác Wohlmut (1569). Note the superb sgraffito decoration on the façade. It is used for exhibitions.

The modernorangery contrasts with the other buildings: it was designed by Czech architect Eva Jiřična, who used her favorite materials, metal and glass, as in most of her creations in Prague.

In the background, Queen Anne's Belvedere, in the purest Italian Renaissance style, is considered the most successful building of its kind north of the Alps. It was built by Ferdinand ^I of Habsburg for his wife Anne. He tried to keep its construction a secret. However, she lingered (from 1537 to 1563) and the queen never saw it completed. The bas-reliefs decorating the façade include Ferdinand offering figs to his wife. The esplanade offers a superb view over Prague. The building is only open to the public when it is used for temporary exhibitions.

Don't forget to crouch under the singing bronze fountain (zpívající fontaná). It faces the Belvedere, and if the area around it isn't too crowded with visitors, you can actually hear it "sing": as the drops fall, they vibrate the alloy, and the waves resonate all along the fountain like musical notes. The fountain was designed in 1568 by Terzion and Tomáš. In 1950, it was placed here, in the middle of a French Renaissance garden square. On Saturdays, you'll have the opportunity to see many newly-wed couples having their photo taken in these beautiful gardens.

The junction point between Nove Mesto and the popular districts of Vinohrady and Žižkov, Place de la Paix is dominated by the Sainte-Ludmilla brick church, easily recognizable by its two high towers. Relatively recent, it was built in a neo-Gothic style by J. Mocker. Its long renovation in the early 2010 has made it possible to make a large part of the square pedestrian-friendly and much more peaceful and friendly.

The space now reserved for merchants is just a small reminder of the great medieval market that covered the area now occupied by Ovocný Trh and Rytířská. This remains Prague's most photogenic market. You'll find greengrocers, craftsmen, florists and, above all, souvenir sellers of all kinds. This beautiful space is enclosed by the Church of St. Gall (kostel Svatého Havla), the largest of the Old Town's four parishes and home to the Hussite movement.

In the centre of this pretty triangular square, a pretty classic style fountain decorated with wine-growing motifs: cups and bunches of grapes in a cascade. No link with its function, since it hosted a coal market, as its name suggests. This small square is marked by the sign of music: Mozart stayed in the house Aux trois oies d'or, at number 1. At night, it is lit by replicas of the original 1867 streetlights.

This synagogue is the oldest in Europe. Built in 1270, in Gothic style, it has a simple and bare volume, with two brick gables that hide a very steep roof. Its entrance, excavated, corresponds to the old street level. Its strange name is due to history. It was originally called New, but another one by that name was born right next door, hence the change to the Old-New Synagogue. It survived all the disasters of the Jewish city, fires, floods, and the sanitation of the district at the end of the 19th century. We go down a few narrow steps into a first room with 17th century crates that were used to keep the money collected by the tax authorities. The synagogue is composed of two naves separated by two pillars. In the middle, the pulpit raised with a wrought iron gate in flamboyant 15th century Gothic. Notice the strange small narrow windows in the walls, which separate the main hall (17th and 18th centuries) from the women's galleries. Not being allowed to attend the ceremonies alongside the men, they followed the cult through these tiny slits. Banner, symbol of the independence of the Jewish community at the beginning of the 14th century, is one of the objects that attract attention. She wears a star of David with a hat in the middle, an accessory whose wearing was made mandatory for the inhabitants of the district in the 14th century.

This imposing neo-Renaissance building sits north of J. Palacha Square, at the entrance to the Mánesův Most Bridge. It was built in 1884 to provide the city with a large concert hall. It was named after Rudolf, the crown prince of Austria. In its short history, it was a concert and exhibition hall, the Czechoslovakian Parliament, the seat of the German occupiers, and later the seat of the Philharmonic and the Conservatory. During the Second World War, the Nazis decided to remove the statue of the Jewish musician Mendelssohn. But not knowing which of the sculptures represented him, they removed the one with the most prominent nose... bad luck: it was the statue of Richard Wagner! After independence, the building suffered from a serious lack of maintenance and underwent a complete restoration. Today the Rudolfinum houses excellent temporary exhibitions organized by the National Gallery or the Museum of Decorative Arts. It is also the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and offers some of the best classical music concerts to be heard in Prague. Whether or not you are a classical music fan, don't hesitate to come and spend an evening at the Rudolfinum: you will rub shoulders with the Czechs, who are well-informed music lovers if ever there was one, and enjoy the extraordinary acoustics in a human-sized hall (1,100 seats in all) where the musicians are right in front of you. Please note that proper attire is required on concert nights.

This museum dedicated to Alfons Mucha, a famous Czech Art Nouveau painter, houses a collection of nearly 80 pieces: paintings, charcoals, pastels, lithographs and personal objects. Alfons Mucha has become world famous thanks to his posters made for Sarah Bernhardt, in Paris, or his advertising posters for Lefèvre-Utile biscuits. We will also see here a video recounting his life and work. The shop is of course waiting for you at the exit...

DOX has already established itself as one of Prague's leading art venues. In a former factory, converted into a majestic, luminous 6,000^m2 exhibition space, twenty to thirty exhibitions are held each year, featuring the great names of the international scene and the major artists of Central Europe. The museum also boasts a boutique with an eclectic yet rigorous selection. Finally, on the top floor, a large terrace with a pleasant café, overlooked by monumental sculptures, offers a breathtaking view of the Prague of tomorrow.

The Count Šternberg Palace (Šternberský palác), accessible via an alley slightly set back from the castle square, is a magnificent Baroque building (1698-1720), with facades overlooking the courtyard, decorated with stucco. The building, built by an Italian architect, houses one of the six exhibitions in the rich collection of the National Gallery of Prague dedicated to art from the 16th to the 18th century. It gathers a very large collection of paintings by the great European masters in which the Italian and Flemish schools are particularly well represented.

Ground floor. It is entirely devoted to Austrian and German art, the collection exhibits works by Lucas Cranach, Hans Holbein, Hans Grien, Hans Grien, and Albrecht Dürer, whose famous Virgin of the Feast of the Rosary acquired in 1606 by Emperor Rudolf II. Linger in this part of the collection, which is very representative of schools that are not well known or present in French museums.

^1st floor. Passing through rooms dedicated to ancient art, it is mainly lovers of Italian painting who will love this part of the exhibition. Art on the other side of the Alps is represented by Bartolomeo Veneto, Agnolo Bronzino and his famous portrait of Eleanor of Toledo, as well as Lorenzo Monaco. The exhibition focuses mainly on the early Italian period from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

^2nd floor. You can find here the greats of French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish art between the 17th and 18th centuries: Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Hals on one side, Jusepe de Ribera and Goya on the other. One of the most remarkable pieces: the very expressive Face of Christ by El Greco. The German and Italian Renaissance are particularly well represented there with paintings acquired, very often, by the rulers themselves during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and admirably preserved. Don't miss to admire the room where some Rubens are exhibited, including the Martyrdom of Saint-Thomas and Saint-Augustin.

While browsing through this immense page of culture, also take the time to detail the beautiful decorations, Hungarian stitch floors and mouldings on the walls and ceilings of the various rooms of the palace, which alone would already be worth a visit. This building is one of the most representative of Bohemian Baroque, and one of the most impressive achievements.

The Carolinum is located on Ovocny Trh (Fruit Market Square), which runs from the end of Celetná Street, at the level of the Black Madonna's House, to this prestigious institution. The Carolinum was and still is the seat of Charles University, the oldest still functioning university in Central Europe. Founded by Charles IV on April 7, 1348, it was his son, Wenceslas IV, who, in 1383, was finally able to acquire one of the city's palaces, which he renamed after his father, to build the university. It had four faculties: theology, law, medicine and art. At first, the university was reserved for men, and the first girl was admitted only in 1897. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of the university and some of the lecture halls are still filled with students, although the magnificent halls are used more for honorary ceremonies. The building was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 18th century, but the vaulted ceiling of the corridor, which can be seen through the windows from the outside, and the remains of the chapel on the corner, bear witness to the original Gothic architecture. Graduations are held regularly in the ceremonial hall; if you see a lot of well-dressed people coming in, don't hesitate to follow them: you'll witness an event during which old costumes, speeches, and seriousness fill the old Gothic hall. It doesn't last long and you'll have unforgettable memories. The cloister occasionally hosts exhibitions.

It is here (Klausová synagoga) that Rabbi Löw, the famous father of the Golem, allegorical and protective figure of the Jewish quarter, which he is said to have shaped with his hands from the land of the banks of the Vltava before having to make it disappear because of the damage he caused, gave his teaching. In Baroque style, it houses the National Jewish Museum, which provides access to ancient Hebrew manuscripts. You can also consult documents from the ghetto before the major works of 1896. Its name comes from the word klausy, which meant the place that served as a school. The synagogue was built in Baroque style in 1680, on the site of three small synagogues, one of which housed Rabbi Löw's famous school. Today, inside, there is the collection Les traditions et les coutumes juives. The different stages of life (birth, circumcision, bar mitzvah, marriage, death...), Jewish holidays, their meaning and course are clearly explained through manuscripts and objects used on occasion, presented in display cases. A very beautiful insight into Jewish religious culture. You will see a large number of candlesticks, silverware, textiles and decorative objects. Across the street, in the narrow rooms and staircases of the Ceremony Hall (Obřadní Sněm), there will be an exhibition on death and its customs, illness and medicine. It describes medicine in the ghetto and Jewish cemeteries in Bohemia and Moravia.

A pilgrimage is required in this place, which hosts the Embassy of France in Buquoy palace, No. 2. A beautiful facade and harmonious proportions distinguish this building from the baroque era its imposing portal. The rear garden extends to the Šertovka. Notice, on your left, the wall of John Lennon. Unfortunately, it was painted after 1989 and we can no longer laugh at sgraffites hostile to the communist regime that covered it. They were the best jokes, and everyone went from his little pamphlet. Despite its rehabilitation, this wall is still the subject of artistic frescoes.

This is the city's former mint, built at the end of the ^13th century during the glorious mining era, under the aegis of Wenceslas. Transformed into a royal palace in the early ^15th century, it now houses the town hall and a small numismatic museum. In the town hall section, you should visit the beautiful wedding hall, as well as the Gothic chapel, refurbished at the end of the ^19th century with original statues from the Middle Ages.

In addition to valuable tourist information, there are some Internet stations. But also an accommodation reservation window. On the main square Palackého náměstí: The tourist office can book guided tours, but the main office of the Guide Service (Průvodcovská Služba) is located in the Italian court. It offers visits in French, day and night for a period of 2:30 a. m. to 4 a. m.

You won't want to miss their kiosks all over the Old Town. General or themed guided tours of Prague (minibus, boat, walking and combined) by day or night, in 26 languages (!). Packages from 400 to 1,500 Kč, depending on the mode of transport you choose for the quick tour of Prague (combined walking and bus, or all by bus). Also excursions to Terezin (1,400 Kč), Karlovy Vary (1,850 Kč), Kutná Hora (1,300 Kč), Karlštejn (1,200 Kč), Český Krumlov (2,000 Kč). Details on the website.

A beautiful Baroque façade hides a Romanesque basilica (Bazilika svatého Jiříqui) considered to be the best preserved in Bohemia. It houses under its massive vaults the crypt of the kings of the Přemyslides dynasty and the remains of Saint Ludmila of Bohemia. The convent next to the basilica was founded in 973 and has since undergone many alterations. It was closed in 1782 under the reign of Joseph II to be transformed into barracks. The last reconstructions date from 1962 to 1974, when the convent was restored and adapted to accommodate rare paintings. Today, the building is the exhibition space of the Czech Art collection from Rudolf II to the end of the Baroque period. The works are exhibited in the rooms, some of which retain Romanesque and Gothic elements, others were marked by the Renaissance, and there is no shortage of Baroque either. Among the paintings from the time of Rudolf II, we can name the paintings of Hans von Aachen, Bartoloměj Spranger or Adrian de Vries. As far as the Baroque period is concerned, there are remarkable works by Karel Škréta, Ferdinand Maximilian Brokof or Petr Jan Brandl. The exposure is quite large: allow at least one hour. If you look at the interior architecture of the building itself, you will notice that it shines with its great austerity, contrasting with the other monuments in Prague which generally respond to the credo of the Rococo or Baroque, much more provided with ostentatious decorations.

On the hill of Petřín, near the famous eponymous tower, is the Mirror Maze. In the maze, for a few moments, you will be fat, skinny, big monster or very small. Ideal for the little ones, a little less impressive for the adults! Inside, a slide show depicts the battle of the Prague students against the Swedes on the Charles Bridge in 1648, more interesting for students of modern history.

This small museum (Muzeum hlavního města Prahy) is especially valuable for the model of the city of Prague, executed between 1826 and 1837 by Langweil, which provides historical insight into the construction of the city from the 9th century onwards. But this superb neo-Renaissance residence also tells the story of the daily life of the inhabitants of Prague. Through models, objects, clothing, reconstructed house interiors, signs, sculpted doors... Exciting.

He was born in the east of Stromovka Park in 1891 during the Jubilee exhibition. This immense exhibition for the time included 150 pavilions. This great complex was rehabilitated in 1991. Today, it is an exhibition park, a renowned carnival party that deserves a detour, an exceptional lapidarium, a magic fountain and an aquarium.

You can visit the superb brewery where Staropramen is produced and of course taste a few pints. The interactive visit allows you to follow the entire production process in extraordinary dimensions. The scenography has been recently redesigned, enriched and modernized. In addition to the old installations of the brewery, the visit now includes a large part documented by giant screens. The tour ends at the bar, with a tasting.

Probably one of the best addresses in Prague for all kinds of comprehensive, personalized tourist services. Mary's offers a wide range of apartments for rent, according to the geographical area or budget of your choice. The agency also offers guided tours of Prague to suit all tastes, with a reputation for originality, as well as cultural programs (historic sites, theaters, operas...). Mary's also organizes your excursions (throughout the country and even in Hungary). Car rental.

Traditional travel agency (aircraft, towers), but also accommodation in Prague, car rental, excursions, ticket tickets.

This beautiful baroque palace, dating from the late 18th century, belonged to Charles of Liechtenstein, notorious for persecuting the opponents of the Habsburgs. The building houses the European Centre for Music Culture, including a music conservatory and a library. You will admire the sublime scenery if you have the chance to attend one of the concerts given there. The Liechtenstein family owned a second palace in Prague, which is located on the island of Kampa.

The first Baroque church in Prague (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné) was built by German Lutherans between 1611 and 1613. By 1624, it had become the property of the Carmelites. Today's appearance dates back to 1640, and today the church is well known thanks to the Pražské Jezulátko ("Little Jesus of Prague"). This 46 cm high statuette is made of wax and set with dozens of precious stones. The particularity of this "Jesus" is to have an abundant wardrobe: no less than 46 outfits, changed regularly about ten times a year according to the major religious holidays. It also has two crowns. The clothes he is not wearing are on display in the small adjacent museum. The statue was given to the Carmelites by Polyxena of Lobkowicz. You will find it on an altar to the right of the main nave. It arouses a mad devotion and is the cause of many pilgrimages. The church altars also deserve the attention of visitors, as many of the paintings depicting the saints were painted around 1700 by Petr Johannes Brandl, a rococo painter better known in the West since the fall of the wall, most of his works having been on the other side of the Iron Curtain. When you leave the church, all you have to do is cross the street to enter the shop that sells Bambino di Praga as a souvenir, in different materials, sizes and clothes. Other souvenirs are also on sale directly in the church.

A pilgrimage is required to this square which welcomes the French Embassy in the Buquoy Palace, at number 2. A beautiful facade and harmonious proportions distinguish this building, which retains its imposing portal from the Baroque period. The garden at the back extends to Šertovka. Notice, on your left, the wall called "John Lennon's" wall. Unfortunately, it was repainted after 1989 and it is no longer possible to laugh at the sgraffiti hostile to the communist regime that covered it.

A small square with a special charm, quite romantic at night. The place appears many times in Forman's film Amadeus. Its name (Maltezske Namesti) comes from the Knights of Malta, who have long lived here. The Order had a fortified enclave there from the early 12th century to the early 19th century. Turba Palace, at No. 6, houses the Japanese Embassy behind its rococo style. The baroque Nostitz Palace, at No. 1, is home to the Ministry of Culture.

It is a primitive Baroque style building, built from 1689 to 1691 according to the plans of the French architect Jean-Baptiste Mathey. Above the portal you will notice the coat of arms of the Dukes of Tuscany to whom the palace belonged. The five statues in the attic representing the gods of antiquity are the work of Brokof. The adjoining house, at No. 8, was the residence of W. -A. Mozart during the shooting of Milos Forman's film, Amadeus, in 1984

Accessible from U Lužického Street Semináře, this garden, also hidden behind a high wall, contains a floral treasure. To visit in spring, for the magnolias in bloom. It is attached to the Carmelite convent on Josefská Street, another early Baroque building (1657-1672). It is a somewhat forgotten and quiet place, where you can rest away from the tourist circuits. It is almost exclusively frequented by Czechs from the area.

One of the few cubist buildings in the city, built in 1911 and 1912 according to the architect's project Gočár, to house a department store. Its name (Dům U Černé Matky Boží) comes from the Black Madonna who kept the original Baroque house. She can be seen at the corner of the building. The house houses the Cubism Museum. There are Czech and international works, usually from the 20th century. Very designer furniture and objects are permanently on display.

This church (kostela sv. Jakuba Většího) was damaged in 1689, then refurbished between 1690 and 1739. It is a good example of the superposition of styles: a baroque covering on a Gothic building. Inside, there are masterpieces, including the mausoleum of Vratislav of Mitrovice, which Fischer von Erlach and Brokof created in 1714. This tomb is the most beautiful funeral monument of Czech Baroque. The painting The Martyrdom of Saint Jacob, is the work of V.-V. Reiner (1739).

Many notable facades follow on the southern flank. At No. 16, the house Storch, which is named after its owner, a famous map publisher, presents paintings signed by Mikolas Ales. The Renaissance style of the house U kamenneho beranka (Au petit lamb of stone) at No 18 and the wall decorations of the house U kamenneho stolu (A stone Table) at No 20 will also be explored. Two houses later, at No. 24, the house U zlatého jednorozce (A La licorne) has a baroque façade and a Gothic portal. Composer Bedrich Smetana founded his musical school in 1848. At No. 27, admire the baroque facade, decorated from a Virgin to the child. At the angle of the house U zlatého andela (at the angle of gold), note the statue of Saint-Florian, at the angle of the facade.

Hidden for many years behind a neo-Baroque façade from the 19th century, this jewel of Prague's Gothic architecture, which actually dates from the 13th century, was discovered during construction work. It is now open to the public under the direction of the Prague City Gallery. The magnificent fragments of architecture and sculptures are a reminder of the city's medieval glory. Exhibitions are held here, as well as a bookshop and a charming little café.

This square is the seat of the new Prague City Hall, built in the early 20th century. The great sculptors of the Secession participated in its decoration. It is a must-see when visiting Prague, but you will hardly notice it: it is much less grandiose than the Old Town Square and much less charming than the small square. There are no nice cafes here, but parking spaces and more austere colors. Nevertheless, the buildings that border it are worth a look, especially the magnificent entrance of the Clam-Gallas palace.

Located at the entrance to the Charles Bridge on the Staré side Město, this typical Baroque church (Kostel sv. Františka Serafinského) was built in 1689. On this site was previously a Gothic sanctuary built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Note the statues of the saints added in 1720 and its superb dome, especially visible from the bridge, or, inside, the painted ceiling representing the Last Judgment. Concerts are sometimes given there.

This group of colourful buildings, which stand very tightly along a jetty at the entrance to the Charles Bridge, was originally a succession of mills on the Vltava River. Today, it is an elegant, pleasant place, where the terraces follow one another, offering beautiful views of the river. More surprisingly, it is home to one of the largest discotheques in Central Europe. But also the Smetana Museum.

The museum was established in 1928 and opened to the public eight years later. It is located in the former water tower that supplied the Old City. Here you can get to know the life and work of Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884), one of the most famous Czech composers. The exhibition is divided into several parts, retracing his life, the environment in which he grew up, the period of his musical studies and his works. You will see, presented in an original way, his manuscripts and scores, his correspondence, paintings and personal objects. A statue of Smetana, inaugurated in 1984, is posted in front of the entrance. The composer's gaze is directed towards the Vltava, the river that inspired him for his major work of the same name, part of the cycle called Má Vlast (My Homeland). You will certainly be seduced by this small panorama of the Charles Bridge and the castle, which can be enjoyed peacefully at the café terrace opposite the entrance to the museum, while humming the almost Czech hum that this piece has become.