Day 8 – Touring beautiful and historic Prague
Waking up in glorious Prague, this morning we embark on a guided
walking tour through the narrow streets of the historic Old Town,
discovering some of the city's most famous sights.
We begin at Prague Castle, which, dating from the 9th century,
is the largest medieval complex in Europe. Bursting with history,
the most eye-catching building is the huge Gothic St Vitus
Cathedral. The south entrance is adorned with golden mosaics
depicting the Last Judgement, while the beautiful rose window casts
violet and blue hues inside. Behind a 17th-century red Baroque
façade is one of Prague's oldest buildings, St George's Basilica,
reputedly dating from 920 AD. At the north-eastern edge of the
complex is the charmingly quaint Golden Lane. The diminutive and
colourful medieval houses were occupied by defenders of the castle
and artisans such as goldsmiths, who gave the street its name.
Leaving the castle, we stroll across the ethereal 14th-century
Charles Bridge, admiring the 75 statues built along its walls with
the spires of St Vitus Cathedral as a backdrop. This gorgeous
medieval stone arch bridge was the only means of crossing the river
until 1841 and remains popular to this day. We follow the ornately
decorated façades of grand buildings to the Old Town Square, the
focal point of Prague life since the 12th century. One of the most
fascinating features of the square is the renowned astronomical
clock. Installed in 1410, it's one of the oldest working pieces of
its type.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring
the charming streets of Prague's Old Town at your leisure.
Wandering through the winding lanes, wonderfully picturesque
buildings greet you round corners, often containing interesting and
curious museums - such as the Czech Beer Museum, the Museum of
Fantastic Illusions, and Speculum Alchemiae, set in an old
alchemist's workshop.
This evening, you might wish to stop at one of the city's many
fine eateries for some hearty and delicious Czech food, maybe with
a portion of the almost ubiquitous and welcome potato dumplings
(bramborové knedlíky) and a glass of frothy beer.
Includes