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Browsing Prague
Armádní muzeum Žižkov
Military enthusiasts will enjoy the uniforms, artifacts and maps relating to the Czechoslovak armed forces during World Wars I and II. Exhibits tell stories of the Czech Legion, which broke away from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to fight on the side of the Allies in the Great War, only to find itself locked in a fierce conflict with the Bolsheviks in Russia as well as of the tiny bands of anti-Nazi Czech and Slovak partisans in World War II.
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Art Master Gallery
Located in the heart of Prague, this art gallery has a huge collection by leading artists from Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Ukraine and specializes in East European Art. Expect tons of water color, encaustic, charcoal, oil, mixed media and other paintings from names, such as Mikora, Kavshbaya and Gepp. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, events and auctions from time to time, which include the works of upcoming artists.
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AXA Arena
Whether you call it soccer or football, there really is nothing else like the atmosphere of a big match. AXA Arena is the home of AC Sparta Praha, one of the Czech league's top teams with a history among the oldest in Europe. Sports fans shouldn't miss a match if they happen to be traveling through in-season; on match day, you can get tickets at the stadium three hours before kick-off, if available. Serious fans may enjoy a tour, which is given on weekdays, though only in Czech--check the website for details.
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Bazilika sv. Jiří
This, the best example of Czech Romanesque architecture, has been rebuilt and restored several times since 1173. Actually the second building on this site, the original basilica, was constructed in 920 AD. The faded red exterior looks as if it has weathered many a storm over the centuries. Situated on the main tourist route on the Castle grounds, the basilica holds several concerts throughout the year in addition to the normal tourist traffic. The Convent of St George, originally a Benedictine abbey founded in 937 AD, is attached to the basilica. The convent was converted into a barracks in 1782 by Joseph II. The building now houses the Early Bohemian Art Exhibition of the National Gallery.
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Betlémská kaple
Jan Hus preached at this chapel - famous for being the cradle of the Bohemian Hussite reformation - from 1402 to 1412, before later being burned at the stake by the General Council of Constance for his teachings. The chapel was founded in 1391 and was the largest in Bohemia for centuries. In 1661, the chapel was converted into a Catholic church when it came into the hands of the Jesuits. However, the chapel was demolished in 1786 after the Hapsburgs expelled the Jesuits. Between 1950 and 1952, a copy of the original building was erected by Jaroslav Fragner using the original plans and preserving the remaining three walls from the original.
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Bilkova Vila
Frantisek Bilek was interested in the strongly symbolic element of Czech art. He poured out his spiritual yearnings and reflections in a series of wood and stone sculptures which are now displayed in the house that he built for himself. Bilek lived from 1872 to 1941, but eschewed modernism for a style favoring elongated, gnarled figures.
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Bludiště
The Mirror Maze is in Petrin Park, near the Petrin Observation Tower. It resembles a medieval castle and has a hall of mirrors inside, to the confusion and delight of children and parents alike. The building also houses a large, realistic painting of the Czechs and Swedes battling for control of Charles Bridge in the mid 1600s.
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Břevnovský klášter
Founded in 993 AD by Saint Adalbert, this weathered monastery--sitting in a quiet, forested area on the edge of town--is the oldest in Bohemia. Today, it is still inhabited by monks. Just below the monastery are remnants of the original church, which during Communist times was a holding ground for suspicious-looking foreigners detained by the Ministry of Interior. A good way off the beaten tourist trail, the monastery still offers guided tours on Sundays, although these can also be arranged ahead of time during the week.
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Centrum pro současné umění
This non-profit organization which is slowly being weened off George Soros' Open Society cultural program puts on a variety of exhibitions, workshops and lectures by local and international artists in its cozy, modest venue near the castle. Its multimedia laboratory hosts one of the city's few internet radio projects (Radio Jeleni) and provides support for a number of events in and around Prague. It is truly one of the best grassroots projects/venues for artists and musicians in the city. Its summer workshops are held in various venues outside Prague, such as the Cimelice Chateaux.
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Černínský palác
Located on the Loreta Square between Prague Castle and the Strahov Monastery, this massive structure is the third largest palace in Prague. Unfortunately, the inside of the regal palace is closed to the public, but exterior views of its 135 meter-long façade, decorated with 30 Palladian columns, make it still worth a visit. The palace is best known in recent memory for the March 1948 death of Jan Masaryk, son of the first Czech President and the last non-Communist in the first Communist cabinet, who toppled mysteriously from a window on the top floor as the Communists took power. Rumor has it that he was pushed from the window and murdered. The palace is still used to host important negotiations and conferences, including the dissolution of the Warsaw Treaty at the beginning of the 1990s.
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České muzeum hudby
Reconstituted from its old identity as a church, this beautiful 17th century Baroque building now houses the collection of the Czech Museum of Music, following its restoration by the National Museum. There are 400 musical instruments on display here, many of which are priceless, including the piano Mozart played during his first performance in Prague. There are recordings of many of these instruments so you can hear how they sound. The rotating exhibits are always worth seeing on top of the permanent collection--a perfect ensemble of music history.
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České muzeum výtvarných umění
The name of this museum could be misleading, as there's no permanent collection here. Instead, the museum mounts temporary shows of contemporary Czech artists and sometimes also foreign ones. The main shows tend to be on the first two floors. The older generation of living artists are most often represented here. The Romanesque cellar is used for sculpture or other works that show up well when spot lit in the dim vaulted space.
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Český Krumlov
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1992, Český Krumlov is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, featuring five castle courts surrounded by forty buildings and palaces, and a large castle park. The buildings, all constructed between the 14th and 19th centuries, are well-preserved and in their original layout, making the historic grounds look like something right out of a fairy tale. Several guided tours are available to visitors, taking them through different parts of the castle grounds. Enjoy a glimpse of the castle tower, and the adjoining Little Castle, or tour the interiors in the reopened Baroque Castle. A ceramics exhibition is open to the public in the four stories of Gothic and Renaissance Cellars in the IVth Courtyard.
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Císařská konírna
This is a temporary exhibition space which is used for a variety of different shows. The Decorative Arts Museum sometimes brings some of its prized possessions out of storage and puts them on display here. While you are here, there are also plenty of other interesting things to see at the castle.
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Clam-Gallasův palác
Set as it is on a narrow street, it's not easy for the eye to take in the full magnificence of this baroque palace built by Fischer von Erlach (of Viennese fame). It is also not easy to see the grand staircase, ceiling frescoes and parquet ballroom inside, because the building houses the city archives and rarely opens its doors to the public. You can however, see chamber concerts here on a regular basis, with music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Rossini, etc.
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Dětský ostrov
Dětský ostrov, on the Vltava River, is an island designed to let kids play like kids. After touring museums, castles, and galleries, the little ones can burn energy on Children's Island, as it is commonly called. Here, they can soar on the swings, dig deep in the sand pits, and climb like monkeys on the trees and jungle gyms. There are benches and grassy areas for adults to relax and watch, or take a break from also climbing trees. After a hard day of playing, you and your kids can grab a cold coke at the restaurant on the island.
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Divoká Šárka
A stunning gorge within minutes of city center, this area is a popular summer getaway among Czechs. Plenty of easily accessible untouched nature, perfect for a hike or a bike on trails or off. Grey-white limestone cliffs soon give way to a beautiful grassy knoll perfect for picnics, frisbee or simply lying back and looking at clouds. Also found within the valley is an open air swimming pool, frequented mostly by Czechs who are looking to beat the summer heat.
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Dům U Kamenného zvonu
The Stone Bell House is impossible to miss, as it's located right on the Old Town Square. It's remarkable Gothic architecture dates back to the 13th century and its' reconstruction dates back to about 1310. During the reconstruction phase, a chapel was put on the ground floor and a town palace house was constructed to show the typical architectural style of Prague. It's believed that the architect and the builder were close to the royal court because the building is an obvious tribute to the royal family. Now, it's an important exhibition space and is not to be missed when visiting Prague.
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Ekotechnické muzeum
This has to be one of the strangest museums in Prague. It is housed in an old sewage works, which was constructed at the end of the nineteenth century and designed by an Englishman named W.H. Lindsey. A walk along the sewers will form part of the tour, which should be arranged in advance by telephone.
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Expozice Příběh Pražského hradu
The Story of Prague Castle is not to be missed, if you're interested in learning unique facts and the true history of Bohemia. Here, you will learn about rulers, artists, scholars, servants, and others who lived behind the castle walls and have a personal story to tell. You can walk through historic Bohemia and see castle representations as they once were. From there, your tour continues through each era, up to the present day, while showcasing artifacts, models of castles, and interesting facts about Prague, royalty, and everyday life. This area of the castle is also where the Crown Jewels and the St Vitus treasury reside--several items in these collections are on display.
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Galerie Futura
The Galerie Futura is a converted three-story warehouse building that showcases some of the best contemporary art from Prague and from around the world. Your visit to the gallery is likely to include several types of art mediums; photography, live performances, paintings, sculptures, and much more. Owners of the gallery realized there was a void of contemporary art galleries in Prague--there were small privately owned galleries that offered only one medium, and there were large art institutions that catered to students. The Galerie Futura caters to all forms of creativity and strives to make it friendly to the public, so no one feels left out as a visitor or artist looking for space to show their work. To add to your experience, check their website to see if there will be artists talks or live events occurring during your visit.
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Galerie Hollar
Contemporary printmakers have almost exclusive rights to this small space by the river. It is run by the Union of Czech Graphic Artists and most exhibitions feature group members although the gallery sometimes organises interesting shows of historical prints and the like. Prints and reproductions are also available to buy.
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Galerie Jaroslava Fragnera
This gallery features a dozen annual shows of contemporary architecture illustrated with plans, models and computer graphics. Larger shows spill over into the Gothic cellars of the neighboring Bethlehem Chapel. A small selection of periodicals can also be found on sale.
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Galerie Josefa Sudka
In these two small, vaulted rooms below Prague Castle, Josef Sudek lived and worked towards the end of his life (1896-1976). The shows are occasionally of works by Sudek himself and more often of contemporary Czech work (including Sudek's contemporaries).
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Galerie Miro
This church, located on the grounds of Strahov Monastery, is one of the city's most unusual. It is a tall, slender combination of Renaissance, baroque and Gothic styles. It is used by a successful Slovak art dealer to house one of his three Prague galleries. Regular sales exhibitions feature accessible modern art of the corporate boardroom variety, as well as masters such as Dali, Braque and Picasso. Don't forget to bring your checkbook!
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Galerie Nová Síň
Drop by here to see the latest offerings from established Czech artists such as Frantisek Skala, Jr. The curator exploits his connections in the West to show work by people like Brian Eno (who did a collaboration with Jiri Prihoda), and the seminal deconstructivist sculptor/architect Gordon Matta-Clark.
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Galerie Rudolfinum
Almost anything would look amazing in the high-ceilinged galleries of this late nineteenth-century structure, the front part of which is a concert hall. Visiting Western artists such as Kiki Smith, Cindy Sherman and Bill Viola show their work here a couple of times a year. At other times, works by young Czech artists such as Martin Mainer and the classic painter and photographer Frantisek Drtikol may be displayed, as well as some Chinese video art.
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Galerie Václava Špály
This is one of the the most popular exhibition halls amongst local artists. It is spacious enough to give artists room to develop a theme. Recent attention-grabbing shows have included a group show of political art and another focusing on bodily functions! The shows change on a monthly basis. The basement is reserved for small-scale shows by lesser-known (although by no means obscure) artists.
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Hlavni nadrazi
Although the interior might be better known to locals for attracting not exactly the most upstanding members of society who loiter day and night, the huge structure is an architectural landmark in its own right. Having recently been refurbished, the station still features prominent art nouveau architecture, with naked figures and high roofs. Designed by Josef Fanta and opened in 1909, it is best approached from Wilsonova Street behind the National Museum so it can be enjoyed in all its glory. This is the main station in Prague with trains going to all the major Czech cities and the rest of Europe. Guests waiting for a train should wander up to the beautifully furnished café to kill time in more pleasant surroundings.
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Hrad Karlštejn
The Hrad Karlštejn castle, one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic, should not be missed on your historic tour of the Czech Republic. The castle, located just outside of Prague, was built in 1348 by a Czech King and Charles IV, the Roman Emperor of the time. This Gothic castle once stored and protected the Royal Treasures of Roman and Czech rulers. Today, you can view a selection of the crown jewels that were kept here after the treasure was moved. Hrad Karlštejn is also significant because of paintings that still adorn most of the castle walls, they are authentic to the 14th century. Make sure to take note of the portrait galleries, which are the largest portraits of Czech rulers in the country.
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Hvězda letohrádek
One of the strangest buildings in Prague, this pavilion was built in the shape of a six-pointed star set in a large park well out to the west of town. There are small permanent displays on the 16th-century structure itself and on the Battle of Bila Hora, which took place nearby in November 1620, at the outset of the Thirty Years' War. The upstairs hall is used for temporary exhibitions touching on Czech literature. The ground floor features amazingly sculpted stucco ceilings dating from the 1550s.
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Jindříšská věž
Start your vacation to Prague at Jindříšská věž, a tower in the middle of the city that offers panoramic views of the downtown area. After climbing to the tenth floor, you will be amazed by the sights that take you all the way to Prague Castle. Built in 1476, with Gothic influences, the tower has undergone several restorations and redesigns--it was destroyed by a fire in 1745 and rebuilt in the baroque style of the times, but has since returned to the Gothic style. It opened to the public in 2002, and is not as crowded as other attractions in the city, so don't be surprised if you have the views all to yourself. Be sure to visit during one of the bell ringings, which happen four times throughout the day. If you find the climb to the top is harder than you imagined, stop at the restaurant on the seventh floor, which offers food and beverages for all ages.
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Josefov
In a small area of the Old Town between Staromestske namesti and Charles Bridge, lies the historical Jewish Quarter with its old walled ghetto, cemetery (there are 12,000 tombstones), and various synagogues including the Old-New Synagogue dating from 1270 (the oldest in Europe still in use). Dating from at least the 13th century, with its many cobbled streets, courtyards and squares, the area provides an atmosphere, especially at night, which is unrivalled in Prague.
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Kampa
Separated from the left bank, just to the left of Charles Bridge by a narrow stream called Certovka (Devil's Brook), is Kampa, a little island on the Vltava River. Washerwomen would gather here to wash their laundry using the water from several flour mill wheels which still worked until the mid 1930's. One of the best places to spend a lazy summer day, this attracts a wide range of visitors from elderly, morning dog-walkers to dread-locked frisbee throwers to romantics relaxing on the spacious lawn. There are a number of bars and restaurants in this small area for a quiet reflective time.
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Karlovo namesti
Once New Town's cattle market, this space is now one of the city center's largest green spaces. It has become a large, tree-filled park complete with statues of Czech cultural icons, fountains as well as a playground, one of the few in the city center. Bordering the square are numerous shops and restaurants that make this a good place to enjoy an outdoor meal in the warmer months of the year. Not only are retail establishments rimming the square, but cultural buildings also surrounding the park. These include the New Town Hall, where Prague's first defenestration took place; the beautiful Baroque Church of St Ignatius; and the Faust House, for many years a bastion of alchemy.
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Karlovy Vary
Journey from Prague through the picturesque West Bohemian countryside to the world-famous spa town of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), situated in a beautiful forested valley known for its 12 thermal springs. Karlovy Vary (the German name is Carlsbad) is the largest and best known of the Czech spa towns. The founding of the town has been linked with the name of Emperor Charles IV since 1358 when he had a hunting lodge built here. The spa has a 600-year tradition and is visited for health and relaxation and to experience the culture; it has been visited over the years by rulers and many famous artists including Goethe, Chateaubriand, Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms and Dvorak. While in Karlovy Vary, visit the glass exhibition at the Moser factory. Then, as you stroll through the town or take a walk along the Teplá River (its name means "warm") and its majestic Neo-Renaissance colonnades, you will have a chance to sip the water from the mineral springs, purchase souvenirs, or taste the delicious local wafers and the traditional herbal Becherovka liqueur in the town. Karlovy Vary is also famous for local china and glass manufacturing. The products from these industries are on display at a special exhibitions and are sold at specialized shops.
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Karlův most
Take in a busker's tune or simply enjoy stunning views of the castle above and river below. Linking the Lesser Side with the Old Town, the pedestrian bridge's foundation stone was laid in 1357 on 9th July at 5:31am (note the sequence: 1357 9 7 531); it was believed that a sequence of odd numbers would secure successful construction. Between 1683 and 1928, 31 statues of saints were placed along the bridge. At statue 16, there is a plaque where you can place a hand and make a wish.
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Karolinum
The rector's seat of Charles University since the 14th century, this Gothic building contains a large hall (the Old Great Hall), used today for special ceremonies such as graduations, and the Oriel Chapel which was rebuilt in baroque style in 1718. It was further renovated in the 1930s and in the 1950s after being badly damaged by the Nazis at the end of World War II. Visitors should note that the vaulted labyrinth at street level contains an art gallery and is open daily.
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Katedrála sv. Vita
Rising up from the centre of the castle grounds, this Gothic cathedral dominates the Prague skyline and is one of the defining images of the city and its tourist centre. The cathedral hides a number of valuable monuments including the Royal Crypt wherein lies the remains of Czech Royalty, the St Wenceslas Chapel, and the Coronation Chamber. The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1344 on the initiative of Charles IV (1316-1378) on the site of an earlier 10th century rotunda dedicated to St Vitus. It was not until 1929 that the cathedral was actually completed. Entrance to the cathedral is free although there are discreetly placed collection boxes.
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Klášter sv. Anežky
Czech art in the Middle Ages achieved a level of genius which was not to be reached again for several successive centuries. Fourteenth-century Bohemian painters developed a style involving heavily-modelled, individualized faces combined with an expressive emotionality, whose popularity spread westwards during the reign of the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The greatest of these painters was Master Theodoric with his portraits of saints as well as the Masters of the Vyssi Brod and Trebon Altars. Major masterpieces were also created in sculpture.
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Klementinum
The Klementinum was founded in 1232, but it was not until the Jesuits began to build a Catholic seat of learning in the 16th and 17th centuries that the buildings began to take shape. In 1773, the buildings were handed over to the university authorities. Today, the complex houses the Chapel of Mirrors - built in 1724 and reconstructed in 1997 - which is primarily used for classical concerts, and the Music Library. It is located just by Charles Bridge on the Old Town side.
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Kostel Panny Marie před Týnem
This fairy tale Gothic church with its twin towers is an Old Town landmark, and its ominous presence has dominated the square for centuries. Most noteworthy on the inside is the tomb of Rudolf II's personal astronomer, Tycho Brahe. When lit up at night, it adds to the "magic Prague" effect the city has on many visitors. Work on the church began in the first half of the 14th century but it was not until the end of the 16th century that it was completed. Its 80-meter towers topped by four small spires were customary during the reign of Emperor Charles IV.
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Kostel sv Jakuba
Kostel sv Jakuba is often overlooked by visitors to Prague, but should be added to your things to see list if you're interested in authentic architecture and fascinating stories. Built in 1373, to be used as a Minorite monastery, the church has undergone several restorations, but still provides visitors with a look back in history. The high ceilings, stucco walls, and excellent acoustics, make it a great place to hear organ recitals and concerts. It's also hard not to notice the extravagant tomb of the lord chancellor, Count Jan Vratislav, who died in the 1800s. Before you leave, make sure you've heard the story (and have seen the evidence) of the thief who tried to steal jewels from the Virgin Mary centuries ago. Legend has it that the statue of Mary grabbed his arm and would not let go, thus it had to be cut off and hangs there today, a mummified reminder of what happens to people who steal.
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Kostel sv. Mikuláš
The most magnificent baroque building in Prague, its construction was finished in 1756, and features a dominant cupola and bell tower, as well as one of the largest paintings in Europe depicting St Nicholas in various guises which you'll find in the nave. On one of his visits to Prague, W. A. Mozart played the organ at the church and there are now frequent lunchtime and eventide recitals of his music.
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Kostel sv. Mikuláše - Staré Město
Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer's eighteenth-century, twin-towered edifice looks larger from the outside than it really is. The confined space meant Dientzenhofer placed the towers on the long, southern flank of the church rather than, as is usually done, on the shorter western façade. This church has a gorgeous late-baroque interior and concerts here often centre around the massive organ at the rear. Concerts are held daily in the summer. Note that the musicians usually stand out of sight in the organ loft. The acoustics here are superb enough to make even a middling soprano sound great. Don't confuse this church with the other St. Nicholas, in Mala Strana.
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Kostel sv. Tomáš
This 14th-century Gothic church is one of the oldest churches in Prague, and features incredible architectural characteristics from the middle ages. The adjacent monastery was also constructed in the 14th century, when both buildings belonged to the Augustinians. Over the years, the church (and corresponding structures) have changed hands, and the buildings seen today reflect the variety in ownership--the exterior and interior designs feature Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque details. St. Thomas Church has become a popular venue for weddings due to its elegant architecture; it is also a favorite site for western travelers as some of its church services are offered in English.
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Královská zahrada
Should you decide to take tram 22 to the top of Castle Hill instead of undertaking the uphill walk, you will find the gardens immediately to the left of the castle entrance from Marianske hradby. Established by Emperor Ferdinand during the 1530s, the gardens are extremely well kept, with manicured lawns and beautiful flower arrangements. Please note that they are closed during the winter months.
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Královský letohrádek (Belvedér)
At the far end of the Royal Gardens to the north of the castle, lies the Belvedere (a Renaissance-era building dating from 1538-1563), also known as Queen Anne's Summer Palace. Built for Anne by her husband Ferdinand I, it was designed by Paolo della Stella (a Genoese architect) and is now an art gallery and exhibition centre. Nearby, is the Singing Fountain (Zpivijici fontana) built between 1564 and 1568 and so named because of the sound of the water cascading into the fountain's metal bowls.
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Křižíkova Fontána
If the thought of water jets and lasers spraying and pulsing to music intrigues you, take a look at this summertime attraction. As music blares, water spurts from dozens of jets scattered around a large pool. A computer-controlled light show adds appropriate dramatic touches. It makes quite a spectacle, especially on a warm evening. The music varies with each "performance" and could be anything from pop hits and moody electronics to one of the more exciting classical pieces like Dvorak's New World Symphony.
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Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is an old mining town founded in the 13th century and famous for its silver mines. Visit the Gothic St. Barbora's Cathedral with its valuable murals and the former royal mint which once produced so called Prague groschen and gold ducats. To-date Kutna Hora has retained the character of a medieval city and rightly belongs to the most important UNESCO heritage sites in the Czech Republic.
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Langhans Galerie
Take a look at Prague through the eyes of contemporary artists, photographers, and art historians at Langhans Galerie. With three stories and five rooms to walk through, you're sure to experience a variety of art that focuses on telling the story of Prague and its people. The building opened in 1880 as a photo studio, taking portraits of Bohemian citizens. Use of the space has changed through the years, but eventually, it returned to the Langhans family and once again became known for showcasing some of the finest photography in the land. Time your visit right and you may be able to catch a live show in the basement, or the world-renowned Franciscan Garden, behind the building, in full bloom.
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Lanová dráha na Petřín
The charming Funicular is one of Prague's most popular sights. It offers a slow, but enjoyable trip to the top of Petrin Hill where there are splendid panoramic views of the city, a replica Eiffel Tower, and a strange Mirror Maze. The funicular, tower and maze date from an Exhibition in 1891. Although the small train was out of service for two decades, it was beautifully restored and reopened in 1985.
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Lapidarium
Prague is so rich in outdoor sculpture that it might seem strange to come indoors to see yet more of it. That may be so, but this is one of the most well-organized museums in town, full of originals and a few copies of the best sculpture of the past 1,000 years. Some of the original Charles Bridge statues have been kept here after being taken in to keep off the acid rain. There's also an overblown bronze monument to Field Marshal Radetzky, fragments of a marble fountain that once stood in Old Town Square, equestrian statues of Austrian emperors, medieval religious statues and lots more.
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Lennonova zed
When a mural of John Lennon was painted along this wall, it was merely a tribute to the late Beatle after he was shot dead in 1980. But it soon became a means to protest the Communist Party's stifling regime, and it has served as a venue for free expression ever since. It drew the ire of the regime and was painted over many times, only to be repopulated by murals and other defiant writings. People still use the wall in this way, long after the Communist Party has gone extinct. It is a poignant statement that speaks to Lennon's role as a social activist as well as the rebellious human spirit that cannot be extinguished, even under the pressure of a cruel and repressive regime.
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Letenské sady
This huge park overlooks the Old Town. It is instantly recognizable by the high red reverse pendulum (known as the "Metronome"), which can be seen from the Old Town. Until 1956, a statue of Stalin occupied this place, but times have changed and it is long gone. The view of the Old Town and the Moldau from here is lovely, and one can follow footpaths along the river back to Prague Castle.
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Lichtenštejnský palác
This is perhaps not a palace in the true sense of the word but rather a collection of buildings along one side of the square. It now houses two concert venues known as the Martinu Hall and the Gallery as well as an art gallery and café. It was originally built as a residence for Karl von Liechtenstein who is best known for acting on behalf of the Emperor Ferdinand II and pronouncing the death sentence on 27 Protestant leaders in 1621.
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Lobkovický palác
Originally the Pernštejn Palace, this beautiful part of Prague Castle was built in the mid-16th century by Czech nobleman, Jaroslav of Pernštejn. The palace passed to the control of the Lobkowicz family when they gained power following the Protestant defeat at the Battle of the White Mountain, and remained theirs for the next three centuries, passed down to each ruling prince. At the beginning of WWII, the invading Nazis seized the palace, and all other Lobkowicz property. While all was returned after the war, they lost everything again just three years later to the Communist Regime. In 2002, 12 years after the fall of the regime, the family once again regained control of the palace, which was being used to house the historical exhibition of the National Museum. The family has since refurbished the palace, and opened it up to the public as a museum showcasing the extensive art and historical treasures of the Lobkowicz family in an exhibit called The Princely Collections.
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Loreta
Opposite the Cernin Palace is the Santa Casa, built between 1626 and 1631 by the architect G B Orsi, commissioned by Catherine of Lobkovic. Inside is a silver altar and a statue of Our Lady of Loreta, one of fifty identical shrines built in the Czech lands. The Loreta treasury, constructed in 1699, is comprised of many valuable objects from the 16th-18th centuries, and on the Church Tower is a clock that chimes out the hymn "We Greet Thee a Thousand Times" on the hour, every hour.
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Metronom
Located on the Letna parkland overlooking the Vltava River and city center, this structure was erected to replace the Stalin Monument - which at the time was the largest in the world. The Stalin monument was built in the early 1950's and unveiled on 1st May 1955 as a "lasting" tribute to the deceased Communist leader. However, Nikita Kruschev soon denounced Stalin and, under his instructions, the monument was blown up in 1962 leaving only the huge concrete base. Now used as a picnic area, it can be reached by walking across the Stefaniku Bridge from the main city. Just underneath the structure are the nuclear bunkers, built to protect the Communist elite but which are now used as a meeting place for the young people of Prague. A short walk away is the Hanavsky Pavilion which was built in 1891 and which now serves as a restaurant/café.
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Míčovna
The long, narrow hall once used for aristocratic sports has proved extremely suitable for summer art exhibitions. On posters, it may be identified only by its Czech name, 'Micovna'. The shows range from retrospectives of significant Czechs painters and Norwegian tapestries to group shows by the best contemporary Czech glass artists.
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Muchovo muzeum
A legend in his own lifetime, Alfons Mucha precipitated his rise to world fame in 1894 with his poster of actress Sarah Bernhardt in Gismonda which introduced the art nouveau style. Mucha was born in 1860 in Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic. His family opened this museum in 1998. It contains the artist's famously ornate posters, biscuit and champagne labels, bicycle ads, etc. Each item shows off his use and mastery of intricate detail and pastel colors. There are also other images: painted depictions of age, poverty and war, the artist's sketchbooks showing how he worked out his decorative patterns, and photographs both by and of Mucha. Prague is full of Mucha souvenirs, and the gift shop here is a good place to find some of the more tasteful ones.
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Mullerova vila
It may look like a business building or gallery from the outside, but the Mullerova vila was once the home of Dr. František Müller, a passionate man, devoted to exploring avant-garde construction materials and design. With the help of Adolf Loos, a prominent European architect in the early 1900s, Mullerova vila was built. Having recently undergone a restoration and made available to the public, this house is now considered one of the best representations of Loos' work. Inside the house, visitors tour through bedrooms, restrooms, and living rooms that were considered extremely modern for the times.
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Musaion
Everything you ever wanted to know about folklore in Prague can be found at Musaion. The museum focuses on several aspects of folk culture in Bohemia, from life in the countryside and what farming equipment was used, to clothing that was worn, to music that was popular; all of it inspired by traditional customs. Not only does the museum provide exhibits of folk culture--model housing, crafts, and spiritual rituals--but also workshops, folk concerts, and folk story telling. During the summer months, grab an espresso from the cafe and take a seat in the garden to listen to a narrated glimpse at Prague's history.
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Muzeum Antonína Dvořáka
There are modest displays on the life and works of the most famous of Czech composers, with his music ever-playing in the background. The charming upstairs hall is used for concerts during tourist season. The jewel-box-like house itself dates to the early 18th century, when a local nobleman commissioned the great Baroque architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer (best known for his two St. Nicholas churches in Prague, one in the Old Town and the other in Mala Strana) to design a weekend retreat in what were then the rural outskirts of town.
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Muzeum Bedřicha Smetany
Housed in a single, spacious room with an excellent vantage point overlooking the River Vltava, this exhibition gives us a glimpse into the difficult life of the man who composed The Bartered Bride and the My Country symphonic poem-cycle. However, there are relatively few artifacts on display. Visitors can select a favorite Smetana tune by pointing with a laser-tipped "baton". A small section is devoted to changing exhibits about Smetana and the musical life of the nineteenth century.
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Muzeum Českého kubismu
As any place with so much history, Old Town is chock full of architectural gems. One of these is the Museum of Czech Cubism, located in Josef Gočár's excellent example of Czech architecture, also known as the House of the Black Madonna and designed in 1911. It used to be a department store, but it has been repurposed to display Cubist works, one of the most important artistic movements of the 20th century. Inside you'll find the handiworks of well-known Czech cubist painters, sculptors, and decorative artists. There are also rotating exhibitions on the top floor. The collection has been curated by National Gallery and it really is a great opportunity to take in this avant garde artistic movement. In a shop on the ground floor, you will find a small assortment of paintings, furniture, and even coffee sets made in the early twentieth century, at the height of the Cubist craze.
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Muzeum Franzy Kafky
Any fan of Franz Kafka's literary works will love the Franz Kafka Museum in the Mala Strana, which puts a lens on the writer's conception of the world beset by bewilderment and bureaucracy. Kafka died early at only 40 years old, and most of his writings were unfinished manuscripts, published post-humously. The museum attempts to recreate the world he lived in, with many artifacts relating to his life and modern audio/visual tools to illuminate the absurdist lens that permeates many of his texts. It is a wildly imaginative exhibition that will get the synapses firing steadily, even if you haven't read much Kafka. You'll also notice much of Prague history in the deconstruction of his life and literature, and it may even add a layer to your travels as you try to identify with the metaphorical representations he uses in his writing.
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Muzeum hlavního města Prahy
Here you'll find case after case of historical artifacts, documents, weapons and maps documenting the history of Prague from early archaeological finds to 18th century ones. One of the highlights is the huge cardboard model of the city created by a servant at the National Museum - Antonin Langweil - between 1826 and 1834. The detail is amazing, down to the colours of doorways and the designs of windowsills - you could spend hours comparing 'then' with 'now.' Perhaps the most amazing thing of all is the fact that Prague's historic city centre has altered so little since those times.
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Muzeum hraček
This museum contains sixty showcases full of toys including wooden and tin animals, trains, cars, ships, farmyards and castles, some of them as much as 150 years old. There are also hundreds of teddies, Barbie dolls, toy trains and tin clockwork contraptions of every kind. It is all housed in the High Burgrave's Palace at Muzeum Kampa
This modern art collection is housed in an old mill building on the Kampa Island. It was opened in 2003 after a Czech-born American art aficionado renovated the building to serve its current purpose. With a focus upon contemporary works of Czech and other Central European artists, it is definitely a welcome departure from the classical styles found in so much of Prague. The permanent gallery features drawings by Frantisek Kupka and the sculpting work of Otto Gutfreund. It's worth the visit for both modern art lovers as well as the uninitiated.
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Muzeum komunismu
The Museum of Communism in Prague is a sort of hodge podge of what life was like for Czech citizens under the Iron Curtain of the former Soviet Union. It seeks to be an immersing experience with historical documents, photographs, and even a film about the Velvet Revolution, the non-violent movement that resulted in the end of Communist rule. It's a hard thing to reproduce, but they've done a very admirable job at recreating what this social order wrought on the body politic. The thematic vision chillingly illustrates the police state and the hardships faced by Czechs, even constructing an interrogation cell to creep you out fully. The brutality of life under Communism is worth remembering and this museum has made that its solemn mission.
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Muzeum loutek
Puppetry is something of a national pastime for the Czech people. The Marionette Museum of Prague is a collection with this in mind, tracing the history of famous Czech marionette puppets, their costumes, designs, and how they work. There are daily performances of operas and other productions, all with the marionette puppets, which is a real treat to see, especially if you've never had the privilege of seeing a live show. The puppeteers are amazingly skilled, able to bring the inanimate to life. If marionette puppetry is of any interest to you, be sure to stop by this museum!
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Muzeum městské hromadné dopravy
This museum is full of Prague trams, trolleys and buses to delight both children and adults. During the tourist season the museum operates a historical tram - No. 91 - which travels on a circular route through the city. The museum is housed in a tram depot, not far from Prague Castle.
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Muzeum Miniatur
A quirky place with a name that says it all, the Museum of Miniatures is one of the more offbeat attractions to see in the city, but it's great fun. The brainchild of Siberian Anatoly Konenko, his craftsmanship at creating miniatures is truly unrivaled. You'll see the smallest book in the world, as ranked by the Guinness Book of World Records; a flea outfitted with horseshoes, a pair of scissors, and a lock and key; a caravan of camels inside the eye of a needle; and an Eiffel Tower model inside a wild cherry pit. Konenko was also a masterful mini-painter, and he created pint-sized works by Da Vinci, Dali, and Matisse, among others. It's amazing stuff, and completely unique.
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Muzeum Policie České republiky
In Communist times this was the Museum of the National Security Police who focused on uncovering enemies of the socialist state. Now it makes an extremely enlightening and interesting place to visit - especially for those who can read the Czech exhibit labels (a one-page English text is also available). Criminology is covered with displays on notorious crimes of the past (with grisly photographs, e.g. that of a severed head in a suitcase) and a working machine that checks for counterfeit banknotes using ultra-violet light. A model of an old police station from the days of the Hapsburgs shows how things have changed. Enthusiasts will be enthralled by the handmade guns from the early twentieth century, made to fire anything from grenades to poison pellets.
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Muzeum Pražského Jesulátka
Religious iconography is prominent across European churches and Prague is no exception. The famed Infant Jesus of Prague statue has called the Church of Our Lady Victorious home since the early part of the 17th century. Religious observants deemed him responsible for protecting Prague from oblivion during the Thirty Year War and the Bubonic Plague. The Infant Jesus is dressed in many different outfits and costumes, not unlike the Mannekin Pis in Brussels, and the legend of his miracles has created a trail of pilgrimage that goes back hundreds of years. The museum houses many of the costumes and other artifacts.
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Mystic Skate Park
Located on Stvanice Island in the north of the city, the Mystic Skate Park has become an outlet for many Prague youngsters to skate or ride a BMX bike. Your own kids may be interested in checking it out and trying their hands (and feet) on the half-pipe, but be sure they're prepared to fall a bit with helmet, knee- and elbow-pads. Practice makes perfect, as they say! The venue also hosts a number of professional events that draw pro-riders from all around Europe. This is a fun way to stay active or even just to watch.
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Náprstkovo muzeum asijských, afrických a amerických kultur
For a taste of what ethnological museums used to be like, visit this rambling exhibition in the Old Town. It specialises in the native cultures of North and South America, Australia and the islands of the Pacific. The collections were begun with the finds of the traveller Vojtech Naprstek (1826-1894) but have been added to since then. Regular exhibitions of old and contemporary art also take place here.
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Národní divadlo
The National Theatre in Prague is a stunning, historic building of great cultural significance to the city and the Czech people. The endeavor to build the theatre began in the mid-19th century with donations from all strata of Czech society. Upon completion in 1881, a fire destroyed the ornate cupola and much of the rest of the building, including the stage. The incident galvanized the public to rebuild the theater better than ever, and it was officially opened in November 1883. It has undergone one major renovation, for its 100th birthday, but other than that remains unchanged from the original. The beautiful building is a fine place to see a performance.
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Národní muzeum
One of the city's most characteristic sights, this massive Neo-Renaissance construction dating back to the late nineteenth century overlooks the town from the top end of Wenceslas Square. Soviet troops fired on the museum as they occupied Prague in August 1968. The interior is fairly dramatic: a grand staircase sweeps up to the 'Pantheon' - a hall filled with busts of Czech cultural heroes. The exhibits are old-fashioned, focusing on fossils, stuffed animals, minerals and archaeological finds. One or two temporary exhibits are usually on show--these are occasionally of contemporary art.
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Národní památník na Vítkově
This huge edifice (built between 1929 and 1932 to commemorate the victory of General Jan Zizka and the Hussites in 1420 over the papal forces) stretches awkwardly along a long, narrow hill in Ziskov. The large statue of General Zizka fronting the building was erected in 1950. The monument became a symbol of the independent republic although it was used by the Nazis as an arsenal and later by the Communists as a mausoleum where the three Communist presidents are buried. It is also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where wreath-laying ceremonies take place.
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Národní památník obětí heydrichiády
Following the assassination of the Bohemian puppet state's Nazi overseer, Reinhard Heydrich, in May, 1942, the two Czechoslovak paratroopers who carried out the deed and several other partisans fled to the crypt of this Orthodox church. Another partisan betrayed them to the Germans, who tried first to shoot their way into the crypt, then to flush the men out with water. Finally, the resistance fighters committed suicide when they realized there was no escaping the Nazi trap. This dramatic story is told by photo displays in the crypt itself. The Czechs carried out relatively few acts of resistance against the Nazis, yet hundreds of innocent people (including almost the entire village of Lidice) paid with their lives for the Heydrich assassination.
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Národní technické muzeum
This museum is a cavernous hall filled with gleaming old planes and cars. The private railway carriage of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand can be found on the main floor. The balconies are stuffed with motorcycles and bicycles. Nearby there is also a realistic reconstruction coal mine (tours with English-speaking guides are available), a great selection of cameras and a fascinating exhibition on timekeeping technology throughout the ages.
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Národní zemědělské muzeum
The permanent exhibition, at this venue, concentrates on the development of agriculture and food production in the Czech lands over the past two centuries. It uses models and mockups of farms, workshops and breweries as well as various kinds of farming and production machinery.
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Nová Scena
Nova Scena (or "The New Stage") is the modern extension of the National Theatre on Narodni and is located just behind it. Designed by Karel Prager, it was completed in 1983 and is now used for the theatre company's more modern productions and also for the famous magic lantern shows. Though lacking the prestige of the National Theatre, it has earned its own respectable reputation for quality performances. An information centre within, with an up-to-date ticket office, provides information on all theatre and classical music productions in Prague.
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Novoměstská radnice
Located on Prague's largest square (Charles Square), the current New Town Hall is a remnant of the 14th-century original and the site of the city's first defenestration. Encouraged by Hussite leaders, an angry gang stormed the town hall demanding the release of Hussite prisoners and eventually threw Catholic officials to their death below. A statue of Jan Zelivsky, a Hussite preacher and all-round hell raiser from the time, stands in front of the structure which was renovated in the 1990s.
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Obecní dům
If you like Art Nouveau architecture, the Municipal House is definitely a must. The early 20th-century building has a spectacular curved-glass and wrought iron dome, mosaics, and stained glass works throughout that make it a visually stunning edifice. It has also hosted significant parts of Czech history including the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918 as well as negotiations between advocates of a Czech democracy and the heads of the Communist Regime during the Velvet Revolution of 1989. World-class concerts take place inside at Smetana Hall, but it's worth visiting whether you're coming for a show or not. Littered with history and culture, the Municipal House is an important part of Prague's past and present.
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Olsanske hrbitovy
It is estimated that over a million people are buried here although the actual number of graves is far less. It was originally created for the victims of the 1680 plague and, whilst many well-known people are laid to rest here, perhaps the most famous is Jan Palach the young Czech student who set himself alight in protest at the Soviet occupation in 1969. However, because the grave became the focal point for the dissident movement, the secret police removed his remains in 1973. Jan Palach's cremated remains were re-interred in Olsany Cemtery in 1990. There are maps available indicating various plots.
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Palác Kinských
The recently-renovated home of the National Gallery's prints and drawings collection has been designated as the main site for its interdisciplinary exhibitions. The permanent collection at this branch of the gallery is not normally on public display. Under the gallery's brash new director, exhibitions here should at the very least be controversial.
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Palác Lucerna
It's not a palace in the traditional meaning, but the Lucerna Palace was indeed a playground when it was built in the early 20th century. It served as a multipurpose mash-up of stores, a cinema, restaurants, bars, and a beautiful concert hall--the Lucerna Grand Hall, and today is really not much different. The shops and bars may have changed names, but the feel is still as it was. The architecture is stunning, with attention to detail that adds to the allure of this beautifully preserved mall. It's wonderful place to see a movie, eat a meal, or just pass through. It is able to uniquely place you in a different time and place while still existing in today's world.
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Palácové zahrady pod Pražským hradem
This is the ideal place to pass a lazy summer afternoon, with romantic views of the red-tiled houses of the Lesser Side (Mala Strana) below and the Vltava River in the distance. These terrace-like gardens were originally the Royal vineyards and were created by I J Palliardy in the early 18th century. Extensive reconstruction took place in the latter half of the 20th century but the gardens have now been re-opened to the public. They are accessible either from the castle above or from a new entrance on Valdstejnska street below.
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Památník Antonína Dvořáka
The composer was born in this tiny village, some 30km north of Prague, in 1841. His birthplace has been turned into a small museum with examples of period furniture, musical memorabilia, and a small selection of CDs and gifts. If you are getting here by train, get off at the first stop after Kralupy nad Vltavou - do not stay on until the main Nelahozeves station! The museum is right across the road from the train stop - look for the tunnel going under the tracks. You could also walk (3km) along the river from Kralupy nad Vltavou.
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Památník Jana Palacha
Just past the Wenceslas Monument on the city's longest square stands the memorial to Jan Palach, a young Czech student who set himself alight on January 16 1969 as a protest against the Soviet occupation. The shrine to Palach and another student who followed his example, Jan Zajic, is now garlanded with flowers and photographs, and is regarded as a memorial to those who fell at the hands of Communism. Groups gather annually on this day to commemorate his martyrdom, placing wreaths and candles on the spot.
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Památník Jaroslava Ježka
This place is for real enthusiasts of the Czech avant-garde movement of the twenties and thirties. Jaroslav Jezek (1906-42) was a major writer (for the Liberated Theatre) of political satires and anti-fascist dramas in the years leading up to the Nazi dismemberment and subsequent invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938-39. Jezek asked the architect and designer Frantisek Zelenka (later to die in a German concentration camp) to make over a small room in his flat in functionalist style. It is known as The Blue Room for its dominant colour, which Jezek found soothing to his extremely weak eyes. Jezek's piano and record collection are also on display.
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Památník Lidice
Towns all over the world are called Lidice, after this tiny village just outside Prague. This is related to the most sensational events of World War II in the Nazi Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. On May 27 1942, Czech partisans assassinated Reinhard Heydrich, a top Nazi who ruled the Protectorate. He was also instrumental in the Final Solution: the plan to exterminate Europe's Jewish population. Based on unproven links between Lidice and one of the assassins, Hitler had the village razed to the ground on June 10. Gestapo troops shot 196 adult men that day. All the women and all but a few children were sent to concentration camps. A short film in Czech retells the story. There are memorial plaques to the inhabitants and documentary displays about the German action and the resulting international outrage. The memorial stands in a park on the site of the village.
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Památník Terezín
The Terezin memorial - an hour north of Prague - is split into two parts. The museum is in the town of Terezin, about 15 minutes' walk from the Small Fortress, or prison. The museum details the sufferings and - believe it or not - the cultural activities of the 140,000 Jews who were deported here between 1941 and 1945. Nearby one of the barracks and other structures where Jews lived and worked has been converted into an exhibition space. Most visitors head for the 18th-century Small Fortress, which the Nazis utilized as a prison for Jews and non-Jews alike. Earlier in the century, Gavrilo Princip, the assassin of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, was incarcerated here.
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Pedagogické muzeum J. A. Komenského
J. A. Komensky - better known as Comenius - lived from 1592 to 1670 and is considered a founder of humanistic pedagogy. He is also known for his illustrated children's book 'Orbis Pictus.' As a minister of the Moravian Brethren, he fled the Czech lands following the Catholic victory over the Czech Protestants in 1620. He maintained close ties with Protestants in England and Holland as he strove to bring about peace. He finally died in Amsterdam. Few people visit this interesting exhibition which is to be found in the middle of Mala Strana.
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Petřín
Ride a cable car from street level to the top. Once up there, the Petrin Observation Tower, built in 1891 and modeled on the Eiffel Tower, affords a magnificent view. There is also an observatory and two formal gardens. At street level is a rose garden planted around a children's maze. Through a gate in the ancient wall (the Hunger Wall) lies a lush, quiet garden with a small waterfall and pond with many varieties of flowers. This is possibly one of the most idyllic spots in the city.
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Petřínská rozhledna
Opposite the castle above the Vltava River stands Petrin Hill which features a replica of Paris's Eiffel Tower. Built in 1891 in honor of the Land Jubilee Exhibition, the tower is 63 meters high with 299 steps. It is open to the public and offers a panoramic view of Prague. Surrounding the tower are gardens and several small churches including a wooden one, the logs for which were brought in from the Ukraine in 1929. There is also the Mirror Maze, a series of convex and concave mirrors built for the exhibition of 1891. To get to the tower from Prague itself, there is a funicular railway running every 15 minutes from near Ujezd, just across the river from the National Theatre (metro tickets are valid on this railway).
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Pivovar Staropramen
The Staropramen Brewery in the Prague suburb of Smichov has been at it for nearly 140 years. The brand has withstood much turbulence; from World Wars I & II and on through Communist rule, beer has still been produced abundantly. A classic pils style is the signature brew at Staropramen, though hardly the only one they create. If you're interested in how beer is made, an English-guided tour is available daily, provided that you arrange your reservations beforehand, which you can do via their website. Brewing is a true art form and the adaptation of modern technologies to scale to mass market demand is pretty fascinating, even if you're not much of a beer drinker.
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Planetárium Praha
Being the largest planetarium in the Czech Republic, this venue offers the country's best intergalactic show on its sky-like Kosmorama viewing screen. In the evening, this space offers you a place to come and enjoy multivision programs including laser shows and panoramic productions. If a more hands-on approach to the stars is what you desire, the planetarium also offers interactive exhibits. There is a small boutique on site, which allows you to bring the stars home with you in the form of books, maps and posters.
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Plavecký stadión Podolí
A fitness/recreational landmark for Prague, this space looks and feels like one of the few places about town which has not changed much over the past decade but manages to offer good facilities for keeping fit. The large complex was built in a mid-century functionalist style and features large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, attracting an all-ages crowd all year round. The outdoor pool is flanked by a good weights room, with a space for sunbeds and massage, fitness shops and a huge lawn for taking in the rays during the warmer months. Swimming competitions are held in the space during the warmer months. The inside space includes large changing rooms, an Olympic size pool and a restaurant. Prices are determined by the amount of time spent at the facility and are competitive with other fitness centers around town.
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Pomník Jana Husa
The monument to Jan Hus stands in the centre of Old Town Square. It was sculpted by Ladislav Saloun and unveiled in July 1915 on the 500th anniversary of Hus' death. Jan Hus (1369-1415) was a Czech theologian and preacher who became Rector of Charles University in 1403. He drew attention to the poor social conditions in the city and criticized the funding of the Papal Wars. He was tried for heresy in 1415 and burnt at the stake, thus becoming a Czech martyr and national hero whose death is celebrated with a national holiday on July 6th each year
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Pomník sv. Václava
Whilst the present monument by the Czech sculptor Josef Vaclav Myslbek (located at the top of Wenceslas Square) was completed in 1912, there has been a statue of Saint Wenceslas on the site since 1680. One of the most popular meeting places in town today, the present monument took on a new look during the 1920s with the addition of four other Bohemian saints: Ludmilla, Procopius, Adalbert and Agnes. It has long been the focal point for demonstrations and is often festooned with flags and banners and used as a speakers' forum.
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Poštovní muzeum
This place is a boon for the philatelist. The emphasis here is on Czech and Czechoslovak stamps. However, stamps and other postal materials are also on sale. Temporary exhibitions are held upstairs. These may be of contemporary art or have a postal theme.
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Prašná brána
This monumental gate (just to the left of the Municipal House) dates from 1475 and was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. Renovated in the mid-1990s, the gold fixtures stand out brilliantly against the tower, now darkened to a coal gray from years of exposure to the elements. Originally used for storing armaments and gunpowder and to guard the entrance to the Old Town,