When people think of going to Europe, the first cities that come to mind are Paris and Rome. Yes, these are amazing cities! I have spent a lot of time in each and love them both, but when people ask me what my favorite European city is, I have to say, “Hands down, Prague!”
As a person who loves photography, there is no other city that actually makes me giddy when I walk around. Everywhere you walk and everywhere you look, there is a picture for the taking!
Two weekends ago, I was in Prague, and lucky enough to have two days there. My first day was spent walking around the Jewish Quarter and the Old Town square. I am always amazed at the beautiful architecture. As I marveled the impeccable condition of the historic buildings, I learned something that I have never heard before. Prague was the only Central European city that was not completely destroyed in WWII. Hitler loved Prague’s rich architectural heritage and wanted it in all its original beauty. It was only bombed once by mistake when in 1945, when a squadron of US bombers mistook Prague for Dresden in poor flying conditions and bombed the city.
As many times as I have ever been there, there is always one thing I never…ever…miss…the Astronomical Clock, which is located in the Old Town square. Every hour, huge crowds gather to watch the clock perform its show of a lively cast of characters…death, avarice and vanity. The clock face shows the Earth (Prague) in the center with the Sun, Moon, and the stars rotating around it. It’s one of the most magical timepieces I have ever seen!
Finally, in addition to all of the other things you can do in Prague, the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Strahov Monastery, the National Museum and the Prague National Theater, the Lennon Wall…you MUST cross the Charles Bridge. The historic bridge crosses the Vltava River and is protected by three bridge towers. The bridge tower on the Old Town side is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. While strolling across the bridge you can admire the 30 baroque-style statues and statuaries. The originals were erected around 1700, but have since been replaced by replicas.
Finish off a day off seeing the sights with a drink at the Terasa U Prince, the rooftop bar above the U Prince hotel, directly across from the Astronomical Clock. Relaxing with a drink and appetizers, you can enjoy views of the Astronomical Clock, the Old Town Square and Old Town Hall. It’s a superb way to wrap up a day in this enchanting city.
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