Long Weekend in Prague ~ Day Two

This is the second part of my “Long Weekend in Prague” – if you have missed Day One, you can find it here. Today we are heading to the Lesser Town of Prague, called Malá Strana which is only 10 minutes of walk from the Old Town Square and 5 min. from Charles Bridge.

 

 

Lesser Town ~ Malá Strana, Menší Město Pražské

 

The Lesser, or Little, Town is one of the most historic regions in Prague as it history begins somewhere back in the early years of the 8th century as a market district. During the middle ages, Malá Strana was one of the main German centres in Prague, and later in the 16^th century became an Italian centre as well. Till 16th century the predominating architecture was in Baroque style, but after the cruel fire in the year of 1541, the district was almost completely damaged and many of the buildings were rebuilt in Renaissance style.

 

Most of the main attractions in Prague can be seen here: the Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad), St. Nicholas Church, Petřín’s lookout tower, Baroque Lesser Town Square, numerous ancient burgher houses, many museums (the museum of Kafka as well), some of the best Czech pubs and restaurants, amazing viewpoints as well as perfect walking tours. Most of the Hotels in Malá Strana are actually historic buildings – retro outside, modern inside.

 

 

 

Petřín ~ Petřín Lookout Tower

 

Wait, I have seen this before, somewhere in Paris?! Yes, the Petřín lookout tower was definitely inspired by the most famous French Eiffel tower, as some members of a Czech Tourist Club had a trip to Paris in the year on 1889. They got so impressed by the Eiffel Tower, that they decided to build an own one in Prague.  There was any more suitable place for a lookout tower in Prague like Petřín hill with its 327m. Petrin actually is also a very huge park, where you could walk for hours or have a beer in one of the little pubs.

 

 

Prague Castle ~ Pražský Hrad

 

The most popular and visited attraction in Prague, but also in the Czech Republic – the Prague Castle. Pražský Hrad is the largest coherent ancient castle (length ca. 570m, width ca. 128m = 70.000 m² = seven football fields!) according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Pražský Hrad is like clipped from a fairytale castle, proudly soaring above the city of Prague. Here you can find an incredible selection of historic buildings, galleries, museums and magically gardens – and believe me, a whole week cannot be enough to see everything! You can get more info about getting tickets online and not waiting in a queue here.

 

 

 

 

Swan Paradise

 

The loveliest place of all! I haven’t seen so many swans at one place outside the zoo… I haven’t thought either that they are so huge actually! The place is Cihelná Street near the restaurant Hergetova Cihelna. Don’t forget to take something tasty (bread or pretzels) to feed them!

 

St. Vitus Cathedral  ~ Katedrála Sv. Víta

 

St. Vitus Cathedral is probably the most beautiful and significant building inside the castle, which is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral and a gorgeous example of Gothic architecture in Europe. This cathedral is the largest and by far the most important and most visited temple in the whole Czech Republic.  Many Kings were crowned, got married and were laid to rest here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Lane ~ Zlatá ulička

The proverb is gold! “Zlatá ulička” or the Golden Lane is the most famous street in Pražský Hrad.  The Golden Lane is a small and beautiful historical street, which encompasses 11 tiny houses of former alchemists and goldsmiths, who worked and lived there at the end of the 16th century. At that time the ruling King in Prague, Rudolf II, was obsessed with the idea of finding the philosopher stone or the elixir of youth, and of course – to transfer metals into gold (which was the hottest topic for that century).

Have you already been to Prague?! I’ll be really thankful if you share your experience and tips with us!

Enjoy the day!