Di Duca Marc - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Prague

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t Magnificent Charles Bridge at sunset

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t Old Town Hall, one of the striking historic buildings on Old Town Square.

Art Nouveau masterpieces jostling with Communist-era bombast, a rich classical music heritage echoing through medieval streets and the planets best beer enjoyed on Baroque squares Prague is a cultural mosaic. Whatever your dream trip to Prague includes, this DK Eyewitness Guide is the perfect travel companion.

This city has firmly established itself as one of Europes most engaging all who visit are bewitched by the spires and the cobbles, the shadows and the tiny lanes. The medieval splendour of the Old Town Square, where the Old Town Halls Astronomical Clock still chimes the hour, and Gothic Charles Bridge continue to dazzle. Trams trundle past the worlds biggest castle complex, dominated by St Vituss Cathedral, the nations religious epicentre. Architectual treasures like the Art Nouveau phenomenon that is the Municipal House and the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, plus the mysterious atmosphere of the sights belonging to the Jewish Museum, testify to this citys rich history. And in between, dont forget to take time out to enjoy Pragues unsurpassed beer in one of its characterful pubs and beer halls. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, a wonderful destination in its own right. The country has more castles than any other top of the list are the three Ks, Karltejn, Konopit and Kivoklt all easy day trips. For a bit of R&R, head west to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Marinsk Lzn, both of which offer world-class facilities and countless possibilities for hiking in Bohemias endless forests.

From Vyehrad to Prague Castle, and everything in between, we break Prague down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and comprehensive maps. Add insider tips and a need-to-know guide that lists the essentials to be aware of before and during your trip, and youve got an indispensible guidebook. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Prague.

The figures of Death and the Turk next to the Astronomical Clock.

Pints of Pilsner Urquell.

The Dancing House.

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Its undeniably beautiful. It oozes history. Its beer is the worlds finest. Ask any local and youll hear a different reason why they love their city. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t This Gothic masterpiece leaps across the Vltava in 16 cavernous stone arches, each topped by a precious work of Baroque sculpture, creating an open-air gallery .

Discover Reasons to Love Prague

t All visitors at some point find themselves on the rounded cobbles of Pragues magnificent old piazza lined with colourful Gothic and faades.

Discover Reasons to Love Prague

t Seat of state power in the Czech Republic, this castle complex sits aloof on a ridge above the city. Inside youll find many period interiors that have remained unchanged .

Discover Reasons to Love Prague

Jewish Prague

t Testament to the once large and thriving Jewish community are the synagogues of Josefov and the captivating Old Jewish Cemetery, most now part of the .

Discover Reasons to Love Prague

Wenceslas Square

t Come to Pragues bustling commercial hub to grab a bite to eat or browse the shops. This is also the place where the Czechs have traditionally gathered to protest .

Discover Reasons to Love Prague

St Vituss Cathedral

t Rising from amid the courtyards of Prague Castle in a jumble of architectural styles is this magnificent temple. Adorned with gargoyles, it houses the Czech