Prague Sights / Attractions

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Archbishop's Palace (Arcibiskupský Palác)

Hradčanské nám. 16, Praha 1, Hradčany, Metro: Malostranská, then walk to Prague Castle
Located in Hradčanské náměsti, the imposing Archbishop's Palace dates back to the mid-15th century, although Bonific Wohlmut's original Renaissance design was later remodelled at the behest of Antonín Bruse of Mohelnice in 1763. Boasting a splendid rococo façade, the palace's interior is equally impressive - a fine set of sumptuous Gobelin tapestries adorn several rooms, with decorative 18th-century furnishings set amidst a large collection of ecclesiastical portraits. Elsewhere, a small chapel (open to the public on the day before Good Friday) features lovely 17th-century frescoes by Daniel Alexius.

Basilica of St George (Bazilika sv. Jiři)

Pražský Hrad, Praha 1, Hradčany, Tel: +420 224 371 111, Website: www.hrad.cz, Metro: Hradčanská/Tram 8, 18, 25, 26, Open daily 10am-6pm (except Monday), Free with Prague Card.
The Basilica and adjoining Benedictine convent are the oldest church buildings within Prague Castle, having been founded more than 10 centuries ago by Prince Vratislav I (the father of St. Wenceslas). Restored and enlarged on numerous occasions, the Basilica boasts an ornate baroque façade (added between 1657 and 1680), while its most impressive feature - the twin Romanesque towers of Adam and Eve - dominate the eastern end of the church. Inside, the rather spartan interior contains a number of decorative 13th-century frescoes, along with its nave and original arcades. The tomb of Prince Vratislav is also housed in the basilica, while the church itself (now deconsecrated) is used to host concerts and other events.

Bertramka

Mozartova 169, Praha 5, Smíchov, Tel: +420 257 317 465, Fax: +420 257 316 753, Website: www.bertramka.com, E-mail: mozart@bertramka.cz, Metro: Anděl/Tram 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 16, Open: 9am-6pm daily (9.30am-4pm from Nov-Mar), Free with Prague Card.
The great composer Mozart stayed at this 18th-century villa during visits to Prague in 1787 and 1791. Its owners, the Dušek's were great admirers of Mozart, being instrumental in bringing the maestro to Prague. Indeed, it was here that Mozart completed the score to Don Giovanni, whilst also composing an aria - Bella mia fiamma - in honour of Mrs Duškova. Transformed into a dedicated Mozart museum in 1956, the Bertramka's permanent exhibition is spread over seven rooms and includes period furnishings along with musical memorabilia. The house is also a venue for regular concerts of the composer's work (for a separate charge).

Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple)

Betlémské náměstí, Praha 1, Staré Město, Metro: Národní třída/Tram 6, 9, 18, 22, Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct, 9am-6pm daily (9.30am-5.30pm daily from Nov-Mar)
Located on the north side of Betlémské náměstí, the Bethlehem Chapel is actually a modern reconstruction (1950-52) of the church built in the 14th century by the reformist preacher Milíč of Kroměříž. At the time, Prague's Catholic authorities had agreed to a small chapel on the site where mass could be conducted in Czech. However, upon completion, the Church was alarmed to find that a much larger 3000-capacity building, with a focus on the pulpit rather than the altar had been erected.

Jan Hus, the Hussite leader made it his own for the next decade or so, after becoming rector of the Carolinum in 1402. Filling the chapel on a regular basis, he favoured the teachings of English reformist John Wyclif, also translating his "Trialogus" into Czech. By 1410, however, the local synod had demanded that Wyclif's work be burned, while Hus himself, who continued to openly defend Wyclif, was excommunicated that same year. Later imprisoned and then expelled from Prague, Hus eventually returned in 1415 to appear before the Council of Constance. Providing a full account of his doctrine, the Church failed to show any leniency, whereupon Hus was tried, condemned and burnt at the stake for his beliefs.

The chapel continued to serve as a reformist place of worship under the leadership of Hus's friend Jakoubek of Stříbro, eventually becoming part of a Jesuit Order until 1773, when it was demolished to make way for a private dwelling.

Břevnov Monastery (Břevnovský klášter)

Markétská 28/1, Praha 6, Břevnov, Tel: +420 220 406 111, Fax: +420 233 351 566, Website: www.brevnov.cz, E-mail: osbbrevnov@mbox.vol.cz, Tram 8, 22 - Břevnovský klášter
Although Břevnov is perhaps best known for Alois Dryák's sprawling 150,000-seater Spartakiáda Stadium, the district's (now fully restored) Benedictine monastery is actually the oldest in Bohemia. Housing also the Church of St. Margaret (sv. Markéty), the site dates back to 993 AD and the reign of Boleslav II, although both church and monastery were rebuilt by the father/son partnership of Christoph and Kilián Ignaz Dientzenhofer in the early 18th century. Particularly impressive is the exterior of the church, resplendent with Romanesque columns running along its entire length. Also just behind is the pretty Vojteska summer pavilion, where St. Adalbertus met with Boleslav II to found the monastery.

Charles Bridge (Karlův most)

Praha 1, Staré Město/Malá Strana
As the most picturesque and well-known of Prague's Vlatava crossings, the Charles Bridge is also the oldest by around four hundred years. Built to replace the wooden Judith Bridge (most of which had been swept away by a major flood in 1342), the Karlův most makes use of its predecessor's original bridgeheads in a pleasing, typically Bohemian design. Commissioned by King Charles IV (hence the name) and designed by the royal architect of the age, Peter Parlěř, the bridge was a masterpiece of engineering for the time. Taking more than 60 years to build, the bridge's foundation stone was laid in 1357, with the final structure being completed in 1420.

Boasting an overall length of 520 meters (1700 feet), the Karlův most's 16 arches span the Vltava river between Staré Mesto and Malá Strana. Needless to say, as a "must see" on most tour itineraries, the bridge becomes unbearably crowded during peak season (especially as countless souvenir stalls and street-artists contribute to the throng). Criminally, some visitors - who get carried away with photo opportunities or the purchase of trinkets - actually ignore the 30 statues that adorn the bridge on each pier. Added from the 17th-century onwards, each one commemorates an important saint, the oldest of which is a gilded bronze crucifix by J Hilger dating back to 1657.

At the foot of bridge in Malá Strana stand the Malostranské towers, the lower of which originally formed part of the 12th-century Judith Bridge. On the opposite side, the Staré Mesto Bridge Tower leads to Kaprova (from where it's just a short stroll to the Old Town Square and Jan Hus Monument).

Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Panny Marie Sněžné)

Jungmannovo náměstí, Praha 1, Staré Město, Tel: +420 222 246 243, Website: http://pms.ofm.cz, Metro: Můstek, Open: 6am-7.30pm daily
With a beautifully proportioned interior, towering nave and the city's tallest altar, this 14th-century gothic style church is well-worth a visit, particularly as it enjoys a favourable location just off Wenceslas Square (in Jungmann Square). Founded by Charles IV on his coronation as King of Bohemia in 1347, the church was intended to be the largest in all of Prague. However, the Hussite wars of 1419 put payed to his grand vision, with only one third of the church - the chancel - ever being completed. Nevertheless, visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the building's magnificent vaulted ceilings, supplemented by marble effect walls and dominated at its heart by a black and gold alterpiece.

The Church of Our Lady and Charlemagne (Kostel Panny Marie a Karla Velikého)

ul. Ke Karlovu, Praha 2, Nové Město, Metro: I.P Pavlova/Vyšehrad, Open: 2pm-5.15pm Sun and holidays
Founded by Charles IV in 1350, the Church of Our Lady is loosely modelled on Charlemagne's burial chapel in Aachen, incorporating similar Classical and Byzantine elements, along with an impressive star-shaped interior which, according to some, was inspired by the devil himself! In the monastery next door, you'll find a small - rather uninspiring Police Museum, while also nearby is the mighty Nusle Bridge (Nuselský most).

The Church of St Mary the Victorious (Kostel Panna Maria Vitězné)

Karmelitská ul, Praha 1, Malá Strana, Website: www.pragjesu.info, Metro: Malostranská, then Tram 12, 22, 57, Open: 8.30am-4pm daily
Although recognised as being the first Baroque Church in Prague, St Mary's is more famously known for its wax effigy of the baby Jesus - known as the Bambino de Praga. The statue, which was brought to the city from Spain during the 15th century by Mariá Manriquez de Lara is believed by many to be endowed with divine powers, hence the steady stream of pilgrims that visit here throughout the year. Built between 1611 and 1615 by the German Lutherans to a design by G. M. Filippi, it was later given by Emperor Ferdinand II (as part of the Habsburg's victory celebrations at White Mountain) to an Order of Carmelite monks who promptly set about converting it into an abbey - also simultaneously renaming it as the Church of St. Mary the Victorious. The church, which features a beautiful carved wooden altar, remained in possession of the Carmelites until 1784 when, following the dissolution of the monastery, it became a parish church.

Funicular Railway (lanová dráha)

Praha 1, Malá Strana, Website: www.dp-praha.cz/cz/di-lan1.htm, Tram 6, 9, 12, 22, 57
Ascending Petřín Hill from the lower terminus at Újezd, the funicular passes Růžový sad (gardens) before stopping midway at Nebozízek (with excellent views of Prague from the restaurant of the same name). Running every 10-20 minutes from 9.15am-8.45pm daily, tickets cost 14 CZK for adults and 7 CZK for children.